Dairy farmers will be rewarded for their voluntary carbon reduction efforts as part of a new program with Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative. Jen Block, director of value chain partnerships, tells Brownfield the EmPower+ program gives farmers the tools and metrics they need to verify environmental improvements. “We know dairy farmers have been improving efficiency and sustainability…… Continue Reading
Farm machinery interest at an all-time high, continues to squeeze profit margins
An ag economist says tighter margins have made it more difficult for farmers to pay off equipment debt. David Widmar with Agricultural Economic Insights says farm machinery interest rates have hit an all-time high. “Almost $160 of interest expense is going to be accumulated over the life of a $1,000 worth of farm machinery debt,” he says. “If…… Continue Reading
New cases of HPAI confirmed in northern Indiana, brings total to more than 450,000 birds impacted
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza continues to impact commercial poultry facilities in northern Indiana. The Indiana State Board of Animal Health says the latest cases have been confirmed in five commercial egg layer operations in LaGrange and Elkhart counties and a commercial meat duck facility in LaGrange County. In total, more than 138,000 birds have been depopulated. A 6.2-mile…… Continue Reading
Carrie Underwood’s Gown Displayed at Christian + Gospel Museum
Carrie Underwood’s faith shines brightly, but it’s her iconic gown that’s grabbing attention at Nashville’s newest music museum. What a statement piece! Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Illinois hemp growers say federal hemp ban delivers shock to CBD industry
A pair of Illinois hemp growers say the federal government’s move to redefine hemp and outlaw beneficial products like CBD is a shock. Stacy McCaskill, founder of Hempstock Pharms in northeastern Illinois, tells Brownfield that President Trump’s September social media post touting the benefits of CBD was a high point for the industry. “It said…… Continue Reading
Why Chase Matthew Hopes You’ll Listen To His Old Songs Too
Chase Matthew is this week’s guest on the Taste of Country Nights On Demand podcast. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Cash dairy prices mostly higher Thursday
Cash dairy prices were mostly higher Thursday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Dry whey remained unchanged at $0.75. No sales were recorded. Forty-pound cheese blocks were up $0.0025 at $1.5550. Three sales were recorded at that price. Cheese barrels were down $0.0025 at $1.6425. No sales were recorded. Butter prices were up $0.0525 at $1.5525.…… Continue Reading
West central Minnesota farmer wraps up harvest, counts blessings after wet season
A west central Minnesota farmer is feeling fortunate as the harvest season ends. Anne Schwagerl farms near Beardsley. “A week ago we wrapped up our harvest and we were in a pocket that did okay. But we didn’t have to go too far to the east of us and south to get some really nasty…… Continue Reading
Government shutdown ends, back to business at USDA
The U.S. government shutdown has ended, and an ag policy analyst says it will take time for business at the USDA to get back to normal. Jim Wiesemeyer tells Brownfield “I think their initial focus is on the food stamp or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and the Women, Infants and Children Program, and that…… Continue Reading
U.S. government reopens
The U.S. government shutdown has ended, and an ag policy analyst says it will take time for business at the USDA to get back to normal. Jim Wiesemeyer tells Brownfield “At least they’re back. I think their initial focus is on the food stamp or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and the Women, Infants and…… Continue Reading
