A USDA employee and five other individuals have been charged in connection with what authorities describe as one of the largest alleged food stamp frauds in the nation’s history. Investigators say the purported scheme resulted in more than $66 million in unauthorized transactions under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The defendants face charges related to…… Continue Reading
Minnesota researchers exploring perennial flax
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Rosemount Research and Outreach Center are exploring the potential of perennial flax. Department of Horticultural Science professor Neil Anderson says the versatile crop can serve many purposes. “It could be a cut flower, an herbaceous perennial, could be grown for fiber, or for oil seed.” He tells Brownfield their…… Continue Reading
Entomologist looks at armyworm in Missouri
An entomologist with the University of Missouri Extension says producers in parts of Missouri are seeing an uptick in armyworm pressure. Ivair Valmorbida tells Brownfield some producers will need to treat their infestations. “There are some insecticides that are labeled for it,” he says. “They should be aware of the harvest interval, if there is…… Continue Reading
Farmer sentiment hits highest level in four years
Graphic provided by Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture. According to the latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, farmer sentiment has hit its highest level in four years. Jim Mintert with Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture says producers are more optimistic about trade. “It implies that they’re on board with, or maybe have some confidence…… Continue Reading
Farm Bureau concerned about potential Whole Milk amendment
A proposed amendment to the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is being watched closely by American Farm Bureau Federation. Farm Bureau’s economist Danny Munch tells Brownfield the proposed amendment would allow school lunch and breakfast programs to add whole, 2%, and flavored milks OR a non-dairy alternative. Munch says the word OR is very…… Continue Reading
Producer says rain improves pastures
A southeast Nebraska cattle producer says this week’s rainfall should help improve pasture conditions. Logan Bredemeier of Falls City and says cool season grasses are off to a decent start. “Some pockets, if they didn’t grazed last year, they look ok. I think the grass is shorter than what I’d like it to be, but…… Continue Reading
Managing cattle risk
Prices are up in the cattle markets, but so is risk. “I think we’ve got more to lose, but we also have more to protect.” Dave Duzan, outgoing president of the Illinois Beef Association, says he’s utilized the USDA’s Livestock Risk Protection program to safeguard his operation. “It’s a put option.” He says, “It basically…… Continue Reading
Remember When Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw Got Arrested?
They were just horsing around, but it turned into trouble. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Black vulture bill introduced in U.S. Senate
A group of Republican U.S. Senators has introduced a bill to make it easier for farmers and ranchers control black vultures. Eric Schmitt from Missouri says “look, this is a problem. The black vulture is killing off valuable livestock and even though they have been designated as endangered, if the birds are endangering the livestock…… Continue Reading
ODA focused on expanding the state’s wine industry
The Ohio Department of Agriculture’s director says the state is working to grow its wine industry through the Vineyard Expansion Assistance Program. Director Brian Baldridge says planting new grapevines helps support local businesses. “This grant opportunity is for our wine industry, who are already growing grapes, but also for new entrepreneurs that are looking to…… Continue Reading
