The deputy director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture says a state program that assists farmers with upgrading necessary equipment is gearing up for its second year. Kristi Jones tells Brownfield the $2 million Local Food Infrastructure Grant (LFIG) program is currently in the rules making process. “Our rules were posted through the administrative rule…… Continue Reading

The USDA’s domestic rice ending stocks guess is down on the month, while the cotton carryout estimate is up. U.S. rice ending stocks are seen at 44.5 million hundredweight, 2.5 million below March on cuts to imports and domestic use, which canceled out a lower export projection. The average estimated 2024/25 farm price is $15.60…… Continue Reading

2024 was another record year for E15 sales in Minnesota. Minnesota Biofuels Association executive director Brian Werner says new data from the Department of Commerce shows more than 140 million gallons of Unleaded 88 were sold during the past calendar year. “And more importantly, at a 17-cent price spread from regular unleaded. That amount of…… Continue Reading

An economist says the future of the United States Mexico Canada Agreement could depend on President Trump’s tariff actions. “The US is violating the USMCA,” he says. Jeffery Schott, with the Peterson Institute for International Economics, says trade disruptions could put a long-standing partnership at risk.  “We have 60 years of trade integration in North America,” he…… Continue Reading