High input prices push Michigan farmers deeper into the red

A Michigan farmer says the input price outlook is his biggest concern heading into 2026. Matt Frostic farms 1,000 acres of corn, soybeans, dry beans, and sugarbeets in the state’s Thumb area. “Last year’s prices are even higher for next year,” he said. “Some of the early pre-buying numbers are 30% to 40% higher than…… Continue Reading

Creighton economist says farm machinery makers pressured by weak demand

An economist at Creighton University says farm machinery manufacturers continue to face economic pressures. Ernie Goss tells Brownfield many companies are dealing with decreased demand and lower order volumes. “It’s at the retail level, then it filters back to some of the wholesalers, and then it filters back to the manufacturers.” He says it’s led…… Continue Reading

USDA and Justice Department will evaluate ag inputs

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says high input costs are affecting farmers across the United States. “U.S. farm production inputs all cost so much more today than they did under the last Trump administration,” she says. “Seed costs up 18 percent. Fuel and oil up 32 percent. Electricity costs up 36 percent. Labor costs up 47…… Continue Reading

Recent rainfall delays start of harvest in south-central Indiana

A south-central Indiana farmer says his operation has been battling wet weather all year. Tim Gauck says recent rainfall has delayed the start of harvest. “We’ve been waiting for the rain to get the soybeans on a more even maturity level,” he says. “We will be in full swing when it dries off.” He tells Brownfield he’s optimistic…… Continue Reading

Xitavo Showcases Genetic Diversity at Farm Progress Show

Early on the first day of the 2025 Farm Progress Show, Brownfield’s Cyndi Young caught up with Colin Rogers, Seed Agronomist for the Xitavo® brand at BASF, beside the BASF soybean plot near Decatur, Illinois. Rogers emphasized that genetic diversity is a major strength of the Xitavo soybean lineup. With a wide range of genetics…… Continue Reading

New Indiana University program helping farmers connect with local buyers

A new program from Indiana University is helping the state’s farmers connect with larger wholesale buyers to increase local food sales. Founder and resilient food systems manager Jodee Smith says FARMWISE Indiana is focused on growing demand for agricultural products in rural communities. “Every rural community has an institutional buyer,” she says. “They all have…… Continue Reading

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