The 2024 U.S. corn harvest is officially underway. The USDA says 5% of the crop is harvested as of Sunday, just ahead of the five-year average, with most of that in southern growing areas. 95% of corn has reached the dough making stage, 74% has dented, and 29% is mature, with 64% of the crop…… Continue Reading
Some improvement in Class III milk prices
A dairy economist says that last couple of months have been better for dairy farmers who sell into the Class III market. Chuck Nicholson with the University of Wisconsin tells Brownfield there has been some strengthening of cheese prices, because of lower cheese stocks. “We’re down about 9% actually compared to this time last year,…… Continue Reading
Once labor hits X, growers say they’re out
An apple grower says many U.S. specialty crops are phasing out as labor costs become unmanageable. Chris Kropf tells Brownfield farmers using the H-2A guest worker program have no idea what their labor costs could be from year to year with Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) increases. “There’s been a few growers out there that…… Continue Reading
Cash rents predicted to drop in 2025
A farm management professor at the University of Illinois says cash rents are expected to decline in 2025. Gary Schnitkey says lower return on investment is a contributing factor. “For 2024, we’re projecting a negative $129 return for cash rent land in Central Illinois,” he says. “That’s pretty low and we would be looking at pretty low…… Continue Reading
Harvest slowly starting in southern Wisconsin
A few farmers in southern Wisconsin have begun harvesting. Doug Rebout says he’s getting ready to combine some soybeans at his Janesville, Wisconsin farm. “We’ve got a couple of fields where the leaves have basically all dropped off of it. It was an early-day variety and we’re looking at possible the end of this week.…… Continue Reading
Iowa farmer discusses harvest plans at Farm Progress Show
A central Iowa farmer says he’s cautiously optimistic about his 2024 crop. Tim Bardole raises soybeans, corn, and hogs near Rippey in Greene County. “The soybeans are still plugging along and they look pretty good,” he said. “The corn is maturing and maybe just a little faster than I would like. All in all, I…… Continue Reading
Agronomist hearing strong harvest optimism in Iowa
An extension agronomist says harvest could pick up steam in parts of Iowa as early as next week. Iowa State University’s Meaghan Anderson says some central Iowa farmers have high expectations for their corn and soybean crops. “The farmers I’ve talked with have pretty strong feelings about the crop. And I do too. I’ve heard…… Continue Reading
Hinson frustrated with farm bill delays
U.S. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson says time is running out for lawmakers to pass a new five-year farm bill. “I’m frustrated with the fact we haven’t been able to get that bill done,” she said. “It was due last year at this time. September 30th comes on the same date every year. We’ve known this was…… Continue Reading
A 2025 Farm Bill means lost time
If a new farm bill isn’t completed this year, Jake Westlin with the National Association of Wheat Growers says it’s not likely Congress will address it quickly in 2025. “There’s going to be a new president. That person would have the opportunity to appoint their leadership and that takes up time with the U.S. Senate.…… Continue Reading
DEKALB named official corn seed of the Field of Dreams movie site
The Rahe Brothers of Dyersville, Iowa, have farmed the Field of Dreams movie site for more than 20 years. Andy and Adam Rahe plant DEKALB DKC64-64RIB in the fields surrounding the site of the iconic 1989 Field of Dreams baseball movie. Jamie Horton, DEKALB brand manager, says there’s nothing more American than baseball in small-town…… Continue Reading
