NCFC: Congress has renewed interest in ag labor

The new president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives says there’s a renewed interest on Capitol Hill to address ag labor challenges. Duane Simpson says politics previously made it difficult for Congress to pass legislation, but some things have changed. “The politics of solving the ag labor problem in the middle of…… Continue Reading

Most Illinois crops look good despite varied conditions

A representative of Gowan USA says he’s seeing a variety of growing conditions as he travels across the state of Illinois. Jon Sherwin says some areas have been dry. “In northeastern Illinois, they’ve been in some pretty dry periods of time versus a lot of the crop on the west side of the state and…… Continue Reading

Increased costs for managing herbicide resistant weeds

A weed scientist at the University of Missouri says herbicide resistance has made managing weeds more expensive. “In just a 20-year period, we’re spending like $20/acre more on weed management in soybeans.” Kevin Bradley says controlling resistant waterhemp has been a big challenge this year and the problem is only getting worse. “Consultants, retailers, farmers,…… Continue Reading

Southern Rust a widespread problem this summer

A corn disease is spreading across the Midwest at an alarming rate. Iowa State University Extension plant pathologist Daren Mueller says Southern Rust has been reported from the deep south all the way up to Minnesota. “Honestly, in my twenty-some years here in Iowa, I’ve never seen it this early. Usually it comes in in…… Continue Reading

U.S. beef exports to China still on hiatus

The U.S. is still waiting for China to renew certificates for nearly 400 facilities, and it continues to impact beef exports. Kent Bacus, the executive director for government affairs with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, says China has failed to follow through on the terms of the Phase One trade agreement negotiated during President Trump’s…… Continue Reading

Weather and ratings hammering markets

An agricultural economist with Advance Trading says favorable Corn Belt weather continues to weigh on commodity prices. Brian Basting tells Brownfield, “It has been a weather market and we’re looking at one of the wettest Julys in recent memory.”  He says, “Some are saying that this June and July could be one of the record…… Continue Reading

Ethanol production, stocks, exports up on week

U.S. ethanol production rose over the past week. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production averaged 1.096 million barrels per day, up 18,000 on the week, but down 13,000 on the year. That week-to-week rise can be tied to demand expectations, while the year-to-year dip is partially related to a larger supply. The Renewable Fuels…… Continue Reading

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