A University of Wisconsin farm safety specialist says educating farmers and the general public about rural safety requires good data that’s not always easy to get. John Shutske with the University of Wisconsin tells Brownfield not every state is the same when it comes to reporting road crash data, and much of the information they…… Continue Reading
Cutting USDA Household Food Insecurity Survey could weaken hunger relief efforts
The chief advocacy and policy officer for Meals on Wheels America says the elimination of USDA’s annual Household Food Security Survey could impact hunger relief efforts across the country. Josh Protas tells Brownfield without up-to-date information it could be more difficult to target communities that need assistance. “Unfortunately, the investments in terms of federal budget for…… Continue Reading
Republicans ask for fair allocation of Rural Health Transformation Program
Some U.S. House Republicans are calling for fair implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Program. Lawmakers say the program will serve as a lifeline for rural and at-risk hospitals, and allocations need to prioritize rural communities with the greatest needs, regardless of political affiliations. The One Big Beautiful Bill allocated $50 billion over five years…… Continue Reading
Ernst: Farmers need certainty as farm bill extension nears expiration
A U.S. Senator from Iowa says farm bill work needs to be a priority for Congress the rest of the year. Republican Joni Ernst tells Brownfield the current extension of the 2018 Farm Bill expires at the end of the month. “We’ve got to figure out how do we bring some of those Democrats on…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: September 25, 2025
Dec. corn $4.25 and 3/4, up 1 and 1/2 centsNov. soybeans $10.12 and 1/4, up 3 and 1/4 centsOct. soybean meal $268.60, down $3.10Oct. soybean oil 49.74, up 45 pointsDec. Chicago wheat $5.27, up 7 and 1/2 centsOct. live cattle $232.05, down $2.00Oct. feeder cattle $354.05, down $5.57Oct. lean hogs $100.10, up 67 centsOct. Class…… Continue Reading
Harvest begins in east-central Michigan
A Michigan Thumb-area farmer says harvest activity is starting to get underway. Matt Frostic tells Brownfield, “We’re just getting going with the crops. A few soybeans are starting to get harvested. Corn is still a few weeks away when it comes to shelling and dry corn. Some of the feed corn for silage is coming…… Continue Reading
U.S. poultry production slips 1% in August 2025
U.S. poultry production saw a slight year-to-year decline during August 2025. The USDA says 4.484 billion pounds of poultry were certified wholesome last month, down 1% from August 2024, on a modest decline in chicken to 4.068 billion pounds and a 7% drop in turkey production to 405.141 million pounds. The chicken slaughter was 2%…… Continue Reading
Ernst discusses trade, biofuels expansion with President Trump
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst says corn and soybean producers need additional market access. “We have a lot of bushels out there and we need more trade. They want to see that they can get their products not just used domestically, but out there to the broader market around the world.” The Iowa Republican tells Brownfield…… Continue Reading
August red meat production drops with big declines in beef and pork
Commercial red meat production dropped sharply in August 2025. The USDA says the total of 4.145 billion pounds was 10% below August 2024, led by a 12% decrease for beef to 2.017 billion pounds and an 8% decline in pork at 2.117 billion pounds. The cattle slaughter was 14% lower than last year at 2.333…… Continue Reading
Carrie Underwood: ‘American Idol’ Judging Is Honest, Not ‘Harsh’
The country superstar responded to claims she’s too ‘harsh’ on ‘American Idol,’ insisting her judging is honest and comes from a place of encouragement. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
