An atmospheric scientist says drought conditions are worsening in many areas of the U.S. impacting crops and pasture quality. Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions tells Brownfield there has been a 24% increase in drought area since the beginning of August. They’ve lost a crop in parts of Georgia, north and south Carolina because of…… Continue Reading
Study: Intense rainstorms up dramatically since 1960, impacting U.S. agriculture
A senior meteorologist with AccuWeather says a new study shows U.S. farmers are facing more extreme rainfalls than in years past. Brett Anderson says 60 years of data shows it’s not raining more, but the number of heavy downpours and intense events has increased significantly. “The days with over 4 inches of rainfall have actually…… Continue Reading
Federal fix needed for H-2A guest worker program to avoid price hikes
An assistant professor at Ohio State University says a federal fix for farm labor is needed to prevent consumer price hikes and higher input costs for farmers. Margaret Jodlowski says nationwide wage adjustments could lower one of producers’ largest operating expenses. “New signals from the policy space have indicated that the government is going to be looking…… Continue Reading
Michigan Christmas tree growers to present national tree
The White House’s National Christmas Tree is being sent from Michigan for the first time in 40 years. The National Christmas Tree Association has selected Rex and Jessica Korson as this year’s Grand Champions. Executive director Rick Dungey tells Brownfield their competition is a tradition that spans nearly 60 years. “You got to have a…… Continue Reading
U.S. ethanol production dips as plants prep for new corn crop
U.S. ethanol production last week fell to its lowest level since early May. That’s at least partially due to seasonal maintenance as facilities prepare to process the newly harvested 2025 corn crop. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says ethanol production averaged 1.024 million barrels per day, down 31,000 on the week, but up 30,000 on…… Continue Reading
Cash dairy prices mostly higher Wednesday
Cash dairy prices were mostly higher Wednesday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, but butter continued its downward slide. Dry whey was up $0.0050 at $0.6450. No sales were recorded. Forty-pound cheese blocks were up $0.01 at $1.64. Seven sales were recorded, ranging from $1.6350 to $1.6475. Cheese barrels were up $0.0350 at $1.6450. One sale…… Continue Reading
Rep. Angie Craig warns of crisis in ag economy: “farmers are hurting”
The Ranking Member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee is concerned about the ag economy. “Well, there’s no doubt farmers are hurting. Input costs are up, prices are down.” Minnesota Congresswoman Angie Craig says with a large crop on the horizon, market access is critical. “Business is absolutely gone, it’s moved from the United States…… Continue Reading
Northern Wisconsin counties getting started on corn silage
A northwestern Wisconsin farmer and custom harvester says harvesting corn silage starts this week. Andy Bensend farms between Dallas and Prairie Farm. He tells Brownfield, “The guys on the lighter soils down around Durand, they’ve been at corn silage for a little while but we’re always a week or ten days behind them, and so…… Continue Reading
E15 expansion faces minimal resistance, but legal path still unclear
The senior vice president for the American Coalition for Ethanol suggests there’s not a lot of opposition to year-round nationwide E15. Ron Lamberty says the only group publicly against permanent E15 legislation is the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers Association. “AFPM, sort of the smaller, a little more radical refiners group. API, I don’t know…… Continue Reading
New NGFA report highlights $401 billion impact on rural economy
A new report from the National Grain and Feed Association shows the industry contributes more than $401 billion annually to the U.S. economy. President and CEO Mike Seyfert says the 2025 Harvest Economy highlights its economic role at a state and national level. “That includes country elevators, export elevators, feed mills, crush plants, biofuel ethanol plants, integrated…… Continue Reading
