A bicameral, bipartisan coalition in Congress is urging the Department of Labor to reform how H-2A guest worker wages are calculated to make the program more accessible for farmers. The coalition points to the DOL’s 2023 final rule that altered Adverse Effect Wage Rate methodology which the lawmakers say increased labor rates and threatens the…… Continue Reading
Nebraska farmer indicted for crop insurance fraud
A farmer in south-central Nebraska has been indicted by a grand jury for crop insurance fraud. The U.S. District Court of Nebraska says Tyson Bauer of Thayer County made false statements to the USDA by underreporting his corn production in 2020. Court filings show Bauer applied for crop insurance coverage for corn and other crops…… Continue Reading
Ethanol for America Act introduced in U.S. Senate
Legislation that would improve access to E15 has been introduced in the U.S. Senate. Ag Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar helped introduce the bipartisan Ethanol for America Act along with ag committee members Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst. “I pushed during the Biden administration, I’m an all purpose pushing for biofuels. And I think they…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: August 8, 2025
Sep. corn closed at $3.82 and 3/4, down 1 and 3/4 centsSep. soybeans closed at $9.67 and 3/4, down 6 and 1/4 centsSep. soybean meal closed at $276.60, up 50 centsSep. soybean oil closed at 52.51, down 79 pointsSep. wheat closed at $5.14 and 1/2, down 3 and 3/4 centsOct. live cattle closed at $225.97,…… Continue Reading
Heifer Xtravaganza returns to MO State Fair
Three-thousand dollars in premiums are up for grabs at the second annual Missouri Simmental Association’s Heifer Xtravaganza at the Missouri State Fair. Jim Puyear with Rockin’ P Ranch is one of the show’s organizers. “It’s a good event to come out to and be involved with, especially on the cattle production side. You’ll see some…… Continue Reading
Soybeans, corn see weekly losses
Soybeans were lower on profit taking and technical selling, pulling contracts to a modestly lower finish for the week. Soybeans were watching weather as the crop heads through key development phases. There are condition concerns in parts of the Midwest and Plains, but, for now, the trade seems to have dialed in a big U.S.…… Continue Reading
Wisconsin Raised program promotes local pork purchases
The Wisconsin Pork Association has launched a program to help consumers connect with local producers. Keri Retallick tells Brownfield the Wisconsin Raised program works with farmers and in-state meat processors to sell more locally-grown pork products. She says the COVID pandemic amplified local demand, and WPA wants to grow that even more. “So now we’re…… Continue Reading
Country Women Whose Husbands Died Too Soon
The silver lining is in how most of these country women have bounced back. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Prepare for DOL check-ins on seasonal workers
An ag labor attorney is encouraging farmers to be prepared for government audits and inspections to raise workforce issues. Kim Clark with Varnum Law tells Brownfield, “Department of Labor is out in force doing their investigations.” “Immediate plans—have a meeting with your managers, review your practices, make sure your employment practices are in place, and…… Continue Reading
Clock ticking on Farm Bill 2.0
Members of the House Agriculture Committee say the clock is ticking on a skinny farm bill. Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski says the reconciliation package secured an update to the commodities title, but it also created some issues. “The Republicans broke apart the Farm Bill Coalition with the One Big Bill.” She says, “So how do we,…… Continue Reading
