Tariff changes add “new” kind of volatility to ag manufacturing

A global equipment manufacturer says the on again off again tariffs create a new type of volatility in the manufacturing sector. Eric Raby is the senior vice president for the Americas with CLAAS. “You always have currency exchange. You have weather conditions, you have commodity prices and now we’ve introduced into that, I would say…… Continue Reading

Iowa farmer about 10 days out from planting corn

An eastern Iowa farmer says he expects to start planting corn soon. Lance Lillibridge raises a corn-on-corn rotation in Benton County and says, “The 20th is the date I like to look at. We might get a chance to start a little earlier this year, but I think I have plenty to do around here…… Continue Reading

Fighting for agriculture

The top elected officials in one Midwestern state are vowing to fight for agriculture. “To all the farmers here and across the state, we have your backs.” Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker says unprecedented uncertainty is dramatically impacting the state’s number one industry. “The harsh cuts to USDA programs, and the tariffs, are already taking their…… Continue Reading

Landus names interim CEO

Iowa-based ag cooperative Landus says Sam Caton has been named the company’s interim chief executive officer. In a press release, Landus said Caton will maintain his current responsibilities as executive vice president of sales while also stepping into the interim CEO role. Last week, Landus announced the departure of former CEO Matt Carstens. His resignation…… Continue Reading

Ethanol production declines as supply rises

U.S. ethanol production dropped to a multi-month low last week. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says ethanol production averaged 1.021 million barrels per day, the lowest since late January, falling 42,000 from the previous week and 35,000 from a year ago. Part of the decline can be tied to seasonal maintenance. Ethanol stocks of 27.034…… Continue Reading

Support your local volunteer firefighters

Commentary. I talk a lot about the importance of community in this column. As destructive storms moved through the heartland, neighbors came together to help pick up the pieces and support one another in times of need. That is what neighbors do in rural communities. They pitch in. They volunteer. In both Illinois and Indiana,…… Continue Reading

High water continues to impact Ohio River valley barge traffic

The movement of products and commodities by barge remains a challenge on the Ohio River and its tributaries thanks to last week’s heavy rains. Kyler Davis is with the Army Corps of Engineers Great Lakes and Ohio River Division. He tells Brownfield, “We do have temporary lock closures at McAlpine, Markland, Newburgh, and Cannelton locks…… Continue Reading

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