Seasonal maintenance has limited ethanol production for the second week in a row. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says the daily average of 994,000 barrels a day was the lowest since May, down 55,000 on the week and 15,000 on the year. Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development says the estimated operating…… Continue Reading

An Illinois coalition aimed at promoting conservation and farm profitability is growing. Helen Van Beck, manager of the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership (ISAP), tells Brownfield four new groups have joined their cause. “Bringing our total to 19.”  She says, “These are all groups also committed to helping farmers achieve the goals in the Nutrient Loss…… Continue Reading

Commentary. A late summer drought across much of the Midwest certainly altered the landscape. I am sitting at my dining room table, looking out the window as I pen this column. The cows are moving slowly, single file as they often do, coming from a pasture to get a drink from the automatic waterers near…… Continue Reading

An extension manure management specialist has some advice for farmers considering fall fertilizer applications. Melissa Wilson with the University of Minnesota recommends waiting until soil temps are below 50 degrees. “Obviously it’s not there yet because it has been so warm, so trying to hold off (on applying) as much as you can. And the…… Continue Reading