A farmer in southeast Nebraska says 2025 delivered a costly lesson about disease management. Logan Bredemeier, who’s a young farmer, says he chose not to apply fungicide to reduce input costs, but southern rust pressure devastated some of his corn crop. “With the disaster we had not applying, I think it’s getting baked into a…… Continue Reading
Expanding E15 use pushes ethanol blend rate to record levels
The chief economist for the Renewable Fuels Association says the U.S. ethanol blend rate hit a record high during the fall. Scott Richman tells Brownfield ethanol accounted for more than 11% of the nation’s gasoline supply in October. “This was the first time the ethanol blend rate exceeded 11% on a monthly basis, which is…… Continue Reading
MSU research targets profitability and growth in controlled environment agriculture
Michigan State University researchers are developing more financial resources to help controlled environment growers succeed. Horticulture economics doctoral student Megan Burritt tells Brownfield, “Everybody is considering, as you’re trying to grow your agricultural commodity entity, should I buy a new tractor or should I invest in a new greenhouse?” “All of those things are really…… Continue Reading
Macon Trooper hurt in fatality accident
A 28-year-old Missouri State Highway Patrolman from Macon was seriously injured in a two-vehicle fatality accident on Monday. The accident happened in Sullivan County at 7:20 a.m., about 1½ miles […]… Continue Reading
Phosphate fertilizer prices expected to stay high in 2026 as China export limits persist
The vice president of fertilizer with Stone X Group says the price of phosphate fertilizer isn’t likely to fall much in 2026. Josh Linville says China’s restriction of phosphate exports continues to hurt global supplies. “They didn’t export from January until May of 2025.” He says, “This year they’re talking about not exporting until August,…… Continue Reading
Benavidez named USDA Chief Economist
The USDA has a new chief economist. Dr. Justin Benavidez has been selected to replace the retiring Dr. Seth Meyer. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says Benavidez brings strong policy experience, deep roots in production agriculture, and a clear understanding of the economic realities facing farmers and ranchers. Ethan Lane with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association…… Continue Reading
Ag economist: USDA ad-hoc aid may shift corn, soybean planting decisions
An ag economist with University of Missouri Extension says the USDA’s latest ad-hoc assistance program will likely impact some acreage decisions this spring. Ben Brown says using planted acres to determine payment rates is the reason. “I just think it starts to get baked into people’s minds that there’s maybe a stronger safety net for…… Continue Reading
1 Month After Raul Malo’s Death, His Wife Misses His Music Most
The Mavericks frontman has been gone for nearly a month now, and he’s left a huge hole in the hearts of those that loved him. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Missouri lawmakers eye extension of key ag tax credits in 2026 legislative session
Ag tax credits will get attention in the Missouri Legislative session. State Senator Jason Bean from the Missouri Bootheel has pre-filed a bill (SB 864) that would address the sunset on tax credits for meat processing, biofuel production and retail sales, higher ethanol fuels and more. “It’s time for those sunsets to just go away.…… Continue Reading
Ohio Soybean Association focused on policies that support the ag industry in 2026
The Ohio Soybean Association is focused on implementing policies that support the advancement of the state’s ag industry in 2026. Brandon Kern, deputy executive director, says rising input costs and low commodity prices are threatening the viability of family farms. “This has been a constant struggle over the last few years, and we understand that…… Continue Reading
