U.S. ethanol production saw a modest week-to-week bump. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production averaged 1.087million barrels per day, up 2,000 on the week, but down 19,000 on the year. Demand signals were mixed, mostly negative. The Renewable Fuels Association says stocks hit a more than six month low at 23.635 million barrels, falling…… Continue Reading
Alfalfa can help control problem resistant weeds
A common forage crop can help bring problem weeds under control. University of Wisconsin research biologist Mark Renz tells Brownfield herbicide-resistant weeds like waterhemp and ragweed have been controlled for years by dairy and organic farms by planting and harvesting alfalfa. “We’re harvesting it every 28 to 35 days. That’s not enough time for them…… Continue Reading
Farmers weigh ROI decisions for new ag technology
Some farmers say they’re turning to new precision agriculture technology to reduce input costs and improve bottom lines. Southwest Nebraska farmer Roric Paulman says each of his farms generates about 1 terabyte of data and AI programs will play a big role in the future in understanding information. “We believe we’ll be able to start…… Continue Reading
MO cattle producer: USDA doing what it can to keep New World screwworm out
The president of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association says cattle producers are keeping a close eye on what’s happening with New World screwworm in Mexico. “We’re a good ways from the border, but we still want to make sure producers are prepared to deal with it.” Jeff Reed says he got an update in a roundtable…… Continue Reading
Legislation would expand access to mental health care
New federal legislation would make it easier for farmers to access mental health care services. The Farmers First Act introduced by Wisconsin Democrat Tammy Baldwin and Iowa Republican Joni Ernst would increase support for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), a program the two senators successfully included in the 2018 Farm Bill. The…… Continue Reading
Corn farmer wants U.S. on good terms with trade neighbors
The president of the Missouri Corn Growers Association says he’s optimistic the relationship between the United States, Canada and Mexico can stay on good terms while trade and tariffs are being discussed. “If we end up losing those markets, it will end up being deteremental to Missouri farms and farms in the U.S., in general.”…… Continue Reading
The push for year-round E-15 continues
The push for year-round E-15 continues. Chris Cherry, president of the Indiana Corn Growers Association, says a federal fix for nationwide E-15 remains a top priority. “We’re going to get it there,” he says. “We’ve been really close, and we thought we had it across the line two or three different times. That’s going to…… Continue Reading
Farm bill future unknown
The future remains unknown for a full, five-year farm bill. Alan Dunn, vice president of the Indiana Corn Growers Association, says provisions not included in the reconciliation package could be a part of a slimmed down version of the farm bill. “The skinny farm bill will contain the titles that were not the commodity title,” he…… Continue Reading
USTR launches investigation into Brazil ethanol tariffs
The U.S. Trade Representative has launched an investigation into Brazil’s tariff on U.S. ethanol imports. U.S. Grains Council president Ryan LeGrand says 18 to 20 percent duties have been in place since 2017. “And they have not received any, there’s no tariffs on Brazilian ethanol coming into the United States. So it’s really just been…… Continue Reading
North Iowa farmer cautiously optimistic about this year’s crop
North central Iowa farmer Casey Schlichthing says he’s cautiously optimistic about this year’s crop. “I think if the wet holes blend in this year I think we’ll be in good shape.” The Clear Lake corn and soybean grower tells Brownfield the first corn he planted is fully tasseled. “Has been for about a week. And…… Continue Reading
