Farmer retains soil moisture with cover crops

Pictured: Stanton, Iowa farmer Mark Peterson at the 2025 Practical Farmers of Iowa conference in Des Moines (Photo by Brent Barnett/Brownfield) A southwest Iowa farmer says he’s cautiously optimistic about soil conditions heading into spring. Mark Peterson farms near Stanton and represents Practical Farmers of Iowa. “We did get some moisture in the fall. We’re…… Continue Reading

Klobuchar pushing for year-round E15 nationwide

The lead Democrat on the Senate Ag Committee will be pushing for year-round E15 this year. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota tells Brownfield language allowing nationwide sales of fuel blended with 15 percent ethanol all year nearly made it across the finish line at the end of 2024. “We were so close to getting year-round E15,…… Continue Reading

Hay supplies holding up

A regional livestock specialist with the University of Missouri Extension says most livestock producers are thankful for the active winter weather pattern. Daniel Mallory says the fall drought caused some concern. “We got a little bit dry towards the end of ‘24, but with the recent snowstorm that we’ve had and some ponds filling back…… Continue Reading

Examining the benefits of prairie strips for row crop farmers

Pictured: Kent Boucher with Hoksey Native Seeds talks with an attendee of the 2025 Practical Farmers of Iowa annual conference in Des Moines. (Photo by Brent Barnett/Brownfield) A prairie seeds specialist says he’s seeing more growers adopt prairie strips as a conservation practice. Kent Boucher with Iowa-based Hoksey Native Seeds says prairie strips help protect…… Continue Reading

Veterinarian urges dairies to review biosecurity efforts

A research veterinarian says there are biosecurity steps dairy farmers should take to keep diseases like avian influenza off the farm. Dr. Keith Poulsen with the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory says the guideline for testing up to thirty lactating cows before bringing them onto the farm might not be enough to keep H5N1 off the…… Continue Reading

Schnitkey says machinery manufacturing focused on price stability

A farm management specialist at the University of Illinois says current economic conditions are still impacting the ag equipment manufacturing industry. Gary Schnitkey tells Brownfield equipment dealers are taking steps to stabilize the market for farmers. “I see that as more of a proactive move,” he says. “They trying to hold the line on prices as much…… Continue Reading

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