The chief economist at Farmer Mac says there should be immediate relief for production credits when the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates. Jackson Takach with Farmer Mac says the cost of production credits should decline 1:1. “We see over the course of the next 24 months there’s an expectation of almost 200 basis points of…… Continue Reading
Leveling the playing field for U.S. producers
The Deputy Secretary at USDA says U.S. farmers must be treated fairly as the Sustainable Aviation Fuel market is developed. Xochitl Torres Small tells Brownfield Brazil has an unfair advantage accessing the new SAF market in the United States. “We have to be at a level playing field and right now, we’re not. Right now,…… Continue Reading
Early harvest results promising in western Illinois
A western Illinois agronomist says early harvest results in his area are very promising. Lance Tarochione, field agronomist with Dekalb/Asgrow, tells Brownfield… “225 is the worst yield I’ve heard.” He says, “I’ve never seen this many plots with 300 plus bushel corn in them. I’ve seen side by sides in fields where, you know, both…… Continue Reading
Prop 12 causes some food price increases in CA
USDA’s chief economist says state-specific livestock production requirements are having an impact on food prices. Seth Meyer says Proposition 12, a law requiring pork sold in California to be raised under strict guidelines, has caused a 19% increase in retail costs and a 21% increase in wholesale costs. “It’s the California consumers who will end…… Continue Reading
CME cash dairy markets mostly higher Tuesday
Cash dairy prices were higher except for block cheese Tuesday on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Dry whey was up $0.0050 at $0.5950. Two sales were recorded at $0.5950 and $0.60. The spread between blocks and barrels widened to nearly 29 cents per pound Tuesday. Forty-pound cheese blocks were down $0.0225 at $2.2775. No sales were…… Continue Reading
Global Dairy Trade index up slightly Tuesday
The Global Dairy Trade index rose eight-tenths of a percentage point in Tuesday’s trading session. The biggest price gains were for Mozzarella cheese and lactose, which had very few sales. Whole milk powder accounted for half of Tuesday’s sales volume and skim milk powder accounted for more than a quarter of the sales. Mozzarella cheese…… Continue Reading
Don’t overlook farm yard safety
The coordinator of the Upper Midwest Agricultural Health and Safety Center suggests the farm yard should not be overlooked during National Farm Safety Week. Megan Schossow with the University of Minnesota tells Brownfield high visibility vests can help prevent accidents and recommends children have designated play areas. “Kids will see dad, uncle, mom come home…… Continue Reading
Brandt rep highlights farm machinery market trends, importance of tillage practices
Tom Hadley, a product specialist for grain carts with Brandt, discusses the company’s demonstration of a high speed disc used for row cleaning. He also talks about the importance of tillage practices and current trends in the ag equipment market. Brownfield interviewed Hadley during the 2024 Husker Harvest Days, near Grand Island, Nebraska. AUDIO: Tom…… Continue Reading
Wisconsin weather, pests, disease concerns pushing corn silage harvest
The unusually warm weather, the advancement of tar spot, and pests have choppers rolling earlier than expected in central Wisconsin. Farmer and custom harvester John Eron tells Brownfield farmers were hoping for some rain last week, but didn’t get it, so the corn is drying much faster than expected. “We’re seeing dry down rates moving…… Continue Reading
Financial planning key to navigating tough economy
Mallory Dugan, with Farm Credit Services of America discusses current trends in the ag economy. She explains why it’s important for farmers to sit down and take a look at their finances heading into 2025. Dugan was interviewed at the 2024 Husker Harvest Days, near Grand Island, Nebraska. AUDIO: Mallory Dugan, Farm Credit Services of…… Continue Reading
