Iowa’s Ag Secretary says poultry shows and exhibits have been a success at this year’s Iowa State Fair. Mike Naig tells Brownfield he’s thankful that it’s been a very quiet year when it comes to highly pathogenic avian influenza. “I’m so happy to say we had no (H5N1) restrictions,” he said. “Even throughout the entire…… Continue Reading
USDA expects more dairy cows, more milk
USDA’s August Supply and Demand report is projecting more dairy cows, more milk production, and more cheese and butter exports. USDA increased its expected milk production forecasts for this year and next year based on cow inventories in the most recent Milk Production report. Output per cow is also expected to go up for this…… Continue Reading
Maquoketa farmer wins ‘Super Bull’ contest at Iowa State Fair
An eastern Iowa cattle producer was named the winner of the 2025 Super Bull contest at the 2025 Iowa State Fair. Mark Till of Maquoketa tells Brownfield his angus bull named “Bud” weighted in at 3,110 pounds. “I bought him two years ago from a gentleman,” he said. “When I bought him, he told me…… Continue Reading
Economy and uncertainty slowing climate-smart practice adoption
Many farmers are anxiously awaiting further details on the 45Z tax credits. Keith Byerly, sustainability lead with Mosaic, says that although much is still unknown about the details of the credits, they could bring added income to the farmgate. “We know it’s locked in through 2029. Beyond that, unfortunately, we don’t know a whole lot…… Continue Reading
Ag trade deficit hits record high
The ag trade deficit recently hit a record high and an ag economist says he’s concerned about the future of U.S. ag exports. David Widmar with Agricultural Economic Insights says ag export growth has slowed. “It’s not necessarily that export activity has stopped, it’s just that we’re not seeing exports grow,” he says “We’re buying higher priced…… Continue Reading
Corn crop still faces some challenges
An agronomic service rep says this year’s corn crop is showing strong yield-potential, but there are still some challenges ahead. Chris Munsterman, who covers eastern Nebraska with Syngenta, says disease pressure like southern rust and tar spot has been the biggest threat. “Some growers, if they are really pushing maximum yields, will need to make…… Continue Reading
Scientist recognized for breakthroughs in pepper breeding
A senior scientist at the World Vegetable Center has been recognized for his breakthroughs in pepper breeding with the 2025 Borlaug Field Award for Field Research and Application. Dr. Derek Barchenger’s work has resulted in pepper varieties that are more productive and better suited for smaller producers around the globe. “What we do is we…… Continue Reading
U.S. and China trade: actions louder than words
President Trump has signed an executive order to extend China’s tariff deadline by 90 days and the president of Missouri Farm Bureau says he’s optimistic the two countries will continue discussions. Garrett Hawkins says farmers need market certainty from China and the U.S. learned after the last trade deal, actions speak louder than words. “The…… Continue Reading
Cotton crop estimate down on month, rice up
The USDA slashed its 2025 U.S. cotton production guess while raising the outlook for rice. Cotton is now seen at a total of 13.214 million bales, including 12.85 million bales of upland cotton, both down from July and 8% lower than 2024, with acreage and average yields below a year ago at 9.136 million acres…… Continue Reading
Cash dairy prices mixed Tuesday with cheese higher, butter lower
Cash dairy prices were mixed again Tuesday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange as cheese keeps rising and butter keeps falling. Dry whey was unchanged at $0.5850. No sales were recorded. Forty-pound cheese blocks were up $0.02 at $1.88. Five sales were recorded, ranging from $1.8625 to $1.88. Cheese barrels were up $0.06 at $1.86. No…… Continue Reading
