A National Ag Law Center attorney says she’s closely flowing how the Department of Justice’s challenge to California’s egg laws could impact animal housing regulations across the country. Elizabeth Rumley tells Brownfield several states have some form of cage-free requirements. “While we have 14 or 15 states that have these types of laws in place, dealing with the raising…… Continue Reading
Senate bill would close hemp “loophole”
The president of the Illinois Hemp Growers Association says a proposal moving through the U.S. Senate would decimate the growing industry. Rachel Berry says the measure would close what some have termed a “loophole” in the 2018 Farm Bill that allows intoxicating hemp-derived products to be sold legally. “It clearly legalized all hemp-derived products with…… Continue Reading
Broiler data mixed on week, holding ahead of last year
The USDA’s broiler hatchery numbers were mixed from week-to-week. 251.319 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubators, 1.022 million more than the previous week and 2% above a year ago, with average hatchability improving slightly to 79.4%. 194.255 million broiler-type chicks were placed into meat production, down 79,000 on the week, but up 2% on…… Continue Reading
Ethanol production rises slightly on week
U.S. ethanol production saw a modest week-to-week bump. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production averaged 1.087million barrels per day, up 2,000 on the week, but down 19,000 on the year. Demand signals were mixed, mostly negative. The Renewable Fuels Association says stocks hit a more than six month low at 23.635 million barrels, falling…… Continue Reading
Alfalfa can help control problem resistant weeds
A common forage crop can help bring problem weeds under control. University of Wisconsin research biologist Mark Renz tells Brownfield herbicide-resistant weeds like waterhemp and ragweed have been controlled for years by dairy and organic farms by planting and harvesting alfalfa. “We’re harvesting it every 28 to 35 days. That’s not enough time for them…… Continue Reading
Farmers weigh ROI decisions for new ag technology
Some farmers say they’re turning to new precision agriculture technology to reduce input costs and improve bottom lines. Southwest Nebraska farmer Roric Paulman says each of his farms generates about 1 terabyte of data and AI programs will play a big role in the future in understanding information. “We believe we’ll be able to start…… Continue Reading
MO cattle producer: USDA doing what it can to keep New World screwworm out
The president of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association says cattle producers are keeping a close eye on what’s happening with New World screwworm in Mexico. “We’re a good ways from the border, but we still want to make sure producers are prepared to deal with it.” Jeff Reed says he got an update in a roundtable…… Continue Reading
Legislation would expand access to mental health care
New federal legislation would make it easier for farmers to access mental health care services. The Farmers First Act introduced by Wisconsin Democrat Tammy Baldwin and Iowa Republican Joni Ernst would increase support for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), a program the two senators successfully included in the 2018 Farm Bill. The…… Continue Reading
Corn farmer wants U.S. on good terms with trade neighbors
The president of the Missouri Corn Growers Association says he’s optimistic the relationship between the United States, Canada and Mexico can stay on good terms while trade and tariffs are being discussed. “If we end up losing those markets, it will end up being deteremental to Missouri farms and farms in the U.S., in general.”…… Continue Reading
The push for year-round E-15 continues
The push for year-round E-15 continues. Chris Cherry, president of the Indiana Corn Growers Association, says a federal fix for nationwide E-15 remains a top priority. “We’re going to get it there,” he says. “We’ve been really close, and we thought we had it across the line two or three different times. That’s going to…… Continue Reading
