Farm Service Agency seeing more loan requests, aid details unclear

The outgoing executive director of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Illinois says the number of farmers applying for the agency’s loan programs is on the rise. Scott Halpin says the economic downturn has increased the need for assistance. “Counties are reporting more applications for the market assistance loan.”  He says, “We have the traditional…Continue Reading

A strong start to the week for soybeans, corn, and wheat

Soybeans started the week with another solid day of gains following Friday’s production report from the USDA.  While total production for 2024 was up from 2023, it was less than the department projected in December, pulling ending stocks lower.  USDA also lowered yields by 1 bpa. The market is shifting its primary focus to South…Continue Reading

Agristo selects North Dakota for expansion

A major potato processor has chosen Grand Forks, North Dakota as the site for a new plant to make frozen potato products. In a statement, Agristo says it chose the North Dakota as its first U.S. location for their high-quality potato farming, availability of potatoes, and sufficient market scale for its private label products. The…Continue Reading

Climatologist: Upper Midwest weather pattern “quiet”

The state climatologist for Iowa says the weather pattern has been mostly quiet across the Upper Midwest. Justin Glisan with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship says the jet stream has brought some arctic air to the region. “We’ve been colder than average over the last 7-to-10 days across the state and much…Continue Reading

Dairy expansion possible for some producers

A market expert says there might be an opportunity for some dairy producers to expand, despite challenging economic times. Mike North with Ever.ag says, “Instead of being overwhelmed by milk supply, most processors are always shopping to get their hands on an extra load here and there.” North tells Brownfield there are processors who have…Continue Reading

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