Farmer debt levels rising

An ag economist at the University of Illinois says farmer debt levels in terms of dollars are rising. However, Nick Paulson says that’s mostly attributed to the modern cost of farming. “The assets that debt is using to finance is just becoming more costly and more valuable.”  He says, “Increasing machinery costs, increasing land values,…… Continue Reading

Concern ag workforce layoffs will continue

There are concerns layoffs across the agriculture workforce will continue. Ag economist Christopher Pudenz with Iowa Farm Bureau says a 2024 study showed at least 23 ag-related businesses in Iowa have let more than 4,000 employees go through mid-September. “And fundamentally, the downturn that we have in this ag economy starts at the farm gate.…… Continue Reading

Ethanol exports down on month, holding record pace

U.S. ethanol exports saw a 3% decline from September to October. The Renewable Fuels Association says October’s total of 143.5 million gallons were primarily to Canada and India, followed by the United Kingdom, South Korea, and Colombia. There were no reported shipments to Brazil, which maintains an 18% tariff on ethanol imports. U.S. ethanol imports…… Continue Reading

Sorghum producers looking to India as potential export opportunity

India could soon be a market for U.S. grain sorghum producers. Adam York, CEO of the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission, tells Brownfield there is an opportunity in India’s poultry feed sector. “Typically the Indian poultry sector has been able to readily purchase domestic Indian corn, but with the new ethanol mandate that went into effect…… Continue Reading

Pork export sales rise, beef dips

The USDA says U.S. beef export sales notched a marketing year low for the second consecutive week. That was the combination of it being a holiday week and handful of major buyers canceling or reducing their weekly purchases and instead buying beef for 2025 delivery. Pork was up sharply on the week, led by Mexico…… Continue Reading

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