The U.S. soybean and corn markets responded higher as the U.S. and China agreed on temporary reductions in tariffs for the next 90 days. “This agreement brings U.S. tariffs down to 30 percent and China’s tariffs down to 10 percent.” But Arlan Suderman with Stone X Group says the markets are over-reacting. “It’s always good…… Continue Reading
Potential return of RFSI funding
The director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture says the USDA’s currently frozen Resilient Food System Infrastructure (RFSI) grant program may be returning. “In communications with USDA, we are being told that it in fact may be turned back on.” Jerry Costello says reinstatement of the program would mean over $6 million dollars to boost…… Continue Reading
Illinois Congressman says farm bill needs to stay the farm bill
The House Agriculture Committee is set to consider its portion of the budget reconciliation bill, which includes elements of the farm bill, Tuesday evening. Congressman Eric Sorensen (D-IL) says this isn’t how a farm bill is done. “We need to make sure that the farm bill stays the farm bill,” he says. “We can’t afford…… Continue Reading
USDA suspends imports of live cattle from Mexico along southern ports of entry
The USDA has suspended imports of live cattle, bison, and horses from Mexico through southern ports of entry due to the continued northward spread of New World Screwworm. In a release issued Sunday, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins said NWS had been detected in remote farms as far north as Oaxaca and Veracruz, about 700 miles…… Continue Reading
Tar spot spreading in South Dakota
A plant pathologist says farmers should be on the lookout for tar spot. “We found tar spot in 46 of our 66 counties last year.” Connie Strunk with South Dakota State University Extension says the disease was found at harvest in eastern South Dakota and it will likely show up again this year, but it’s…… Continue Reading
Narrow planting window ahead for Delta
Ag meteorologist Drew Lerner says there will be a short window where Delta farmers might get some planting or fieldwork completed, starting Wednesday. “The window will be somewhat limited, but farmers should be able to go until Friday night or Saturday before the northern Delta will have another chance at rain.” Until then, he tells…… Continue Reading
Significant black cutworm moth flights in parts of Minnesota
More significant black cutworm moth flights are being reported in parts of the Upper Midwest. Bruce Potter with the Minnesota Cooperative Black Cutworm Trapping Network says the bulk of captures are happening in south-central and southeastern Minnesota. “One of the earliest flights came into Chippewa County, and we’ve also had a big flight into Rock…… Continue Reading
Minnesota farmer concerned for emerging crops in weekend heat
Unseasonably warm conditions are causing some concern for emerging crops in west-central Minnesota. Anne Schwagerl farms in Big Stone County and says temperatures could reach the 90’s this weekend. “And I’m watching the little corn and bean plants come out of the ground and hoping that things don’t fry before we can get a little…… Continue Reading
Live cattle futures mostly lower to end the week
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live cattle were mostly lower, and feeders were lower with boxed beef down at midday. June live cattle closed $.42 higher at $214.67 and August live cattle closed $.42 lower at $209.57. August feeder cattle closed $.95 lower at $300.30 and September feeder cattle closed $1.20 lower at $299.02. Direct…… Continue Reading
Food fraud prevention expanding with AI
The Director of the Food Fraud Prevention Academy says efforts are increasing to identify artificial intelligence supply chain risk factors. John Spink’s food fraud prevention research at Michigan State University has helped create national and international regulatory standards for the food supply chain for more than a decade. “It’s intentional deception for economic gain using…… Continue Reading
