This year’s trade dispute between the U.S. and China disrupted business for a regional grain merchandiser. CEO Kurt Haarmann says Columbia Grain International processes, handles, and exports high-quality bulk grains, pulses, edible beans, oilseeds, and organics with a footprint stretching west from the Dakotas to Washington and Oregon. “China accounts for well over 95 percent…… Continue Reading
Broiler sets down on year, placements up
The USDA’s broiler hatchery numbers were mixed. That’s as producers continue their efforts to meet demand and also staying wary of the recent increase in reports of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. 248.433 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubators, up 144,000 on the week, but down 1% on the year, with average hatchability dipping slightly,…… Continue Reading
Horse owners urged to tighten biosecurity as neurologic EHV-1 cases rise
Multiple cases of a deadly neurological disease have the U.S. horse industry on high alert. “It is very scary. My vet and several vets I’ve talked to have never seen anything that has spread this contagiously, this fast.” Angela Ganter, who owns and operates Lone Star Stables near Abilene, Texas, says an outbreak of the…… Continue Reading
Minnesota FFA chapter named best in the nation
An FFA chapter in Minnesota has been recognized as the top chapter in the nation. Glencoe-Silver Lake FFA president Samantha Madsen says the National FFA Models of Excellence award is the highest honor awarded to a National FFA top-tier chapter. “Within FFA there are three pillars: growing leaders, strengthening agriculture, and building communities. So the…… Continue Reading
Philippines’ move toward E20 could boost demand for U.S. corn, ethanol
A southwest Ohio farmer says higher blends of ethanol in the Philippines could increase demand for U.S corn farmers. Karyn Forman tells Brownfield, “Currently, US ethanol is being blended with Philippines produced ethanol to meet their E10 mandate,” she says. “A move to E20 would equate to a demand of 360 million gallons of ethanol.” She…… Continue Reading
Thomas Rhett’s Beloved Dog, Kona, Has Died
Just weeks after the singer and his family lost their dog Cash, they are mourning the death of another beloved family member. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Ethanol stocks decline as refiners cut inputs and exports slow
The domestic ethanol supply fell to a multi-week low. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says stocks of 21.968 million barrels were the tightest since mid-October, down 339,000 on the week and 901,000 on the year, despite generally unfriendly demand signals. The Renewable Fuels Association says net inputs of ethanol purchased by refiners and blenders dropped…… Continue Reading
Kansas Livestock Association calls for more CRP flexibility to boost grazing
The CEO of the Kansas Livestock Association says providing producers with flexible CRP rules could improve grazing opportunities. Matt Teagarden says that includes perimeter and cross-fencing options. “If one of the goals is to keep those acres in grass in the long term, we see this as a huge benefit. He tells Brownfield, “We are…… Continue Reading
An optimistic future for soybean exports
The chair of the U.S. Soybean Export Council says she remains optimistic about the future of soybean exports. Michigan farmer Jana Fritz says efforts to reduce reliance on China have paid off, but, “The research shows that we can’t replace China. We really value that relationship and need to ensure that we have a component within the Chinese…… Continue Reading
RCIS sees rising demand for SCO and ECO as farmers prepare for 2026 coverage
A regional sales and service manager with RCIS says farmers need to be aware of several beneficial changes to crop insurance in 2026. Stefanie Wolfe, who serves the company’s Great Lakes territory, says the One Big Beautiful Bill Act provided premium relief for producers who select the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) or the Enhanced Coverage…… Continue Reading
