A U.S. Senator says he expects Congress to address California’s Proposition 12 law in 2025. Iowa Republican Chuck Grassley says a resolution could be included in the next farm bill. “Remember that the House Agriculture Committee included something in its (farm) bill last year. I think it might be more difficult in the Senate, but…… Continue Reading
Climate grantees anxiously awaiting USDA decisions
An agricultural nonprofit says USDA is expected to make decisions on the future of Climate Smart Commodity Programs and frozen assets by the end of the month. Michigan Agriculture Advancement’s Julie Doll tells Brownfield,“Let’s try to hold them to this.” “If they have said 90 days, I feel very strongly that they should provide us with answers…… Continue Reading
Cattle, hogs mixed amid demand uncertainty
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live cattle were mixed, and feeder cattle mostly lower ahead of widespread direct business and continued demand uncertainty. June live cattle closed $.55 lower at $193.62, and August live cattle closed $.07 lower at $190.45. May feeder cattle closed $.45 higher at $271.72 and August feeders closed $.45 lower at…… Continue Reading
A decade of learning as poultry industry continues to battle avian flu
It’s been ten years since the first major outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the U.S. And the executive director of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association says the poultry industry continues to learn and adapt. Ashley Kohls tells Brownfield high-path avian flu prevention and detection have come a long way. “Just when you look…… Continue Reading
There are options when BMR corn goes away
An agronomist says there will be options for dairy and beef producers when Corteva phases out brown midrib or BMR corn varieties. Chad Staudinger with Dairyland Seed tells Brownfield Dairyland has been working with high digestible fiber corn varieties since before BMR was released and before Corteva acquired Dairyland Seed. “We’ve been researching and developing…… Continue Reading
Wheat sees bounce on weather, dollar
Soybeans were mixed. There is a lot of talk about tariff negotiations during the session, with no official changes were reported. New higher U.S. tariffs against were still set to go effect this Wednesday and Beijing doesn’t seem to be backing off its rhetoric either. The White House says a number of nations want to…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: April 8, 2025
May corn closed at $4.69, up 4 and 1/2 centsMay soybeans closed at $9.92 and 3/4, up 9 and 3/4 centsMay soybean meal closed at $291.00, up $2.60May soybean oil closed at 44.94, down 21 pointsMay wheat closed at $5.40, up 3 and 1/2 centsJun. live cattle closed at $193.62, down 55 centsMay feeder cattle…… Continue Reading
Severe weather impacting southern Ohio field work
A southwestern Ohio farmer says severe weather and flooding has delayed spring field work. Eric Tipton says a tornado recently touched down near his farming operation. “It’s leveled the shop and taken down a couple of grain bins here in the area,” he says. “We’ve got some creeks that are out of the banks and some…… Continue Reading
Increasing livestock productivity with efficient fly control
A pest management expert says livestock producers should be thinking about fly control as temperatures warm up this spring. Gene Spellman, swine sales manager for Central Life Sciences, says fly populations are beginning to emerge. “There are multiple ways to evaluate the return on investment for controlling flies in a livestock environment. Horned flies alone…… Continue Reading
Herbicide plans impact profitability
A technical service representative with BASF says farmers are facing increased challenges from herbicide resistant weeds at a time when every bushel matters. Kurt Maertens, who covers eastern Iowa & western Illinois, says weed escapes impact the bottom line. “If we’re not getting them controlled, obviously they’re competing for that space, nutrients and water.” He…… Continue Reading
