The USDA’s latest Cattle on Feed numbers had placements down 18 percent in its latest report. Mississippi State University livestock economist Josh Maples says the February 2024 placement number contributed to the decline. “We had winter storms that really shifted cattle movements,” he says. “So we’re comparing to a bigger number last year. Which makes the…… Continue Reading
President Trump signs EO designating potash a critical mineral
The Fertilizer Institute is optimistic President Trump’s executive order recognizing potash as a critical mineral could help increase access to the product. Vice president of government affairs Ed Thomas says the goal is to spur domestic production. “It will open up permitting reform to eliminate some of the hurdles around getting expansion of some of the mines…… Continue Reading
H5N1 detected in central Minnesota dairy herd
The H5N1 virus has been detected on a 600-head dairy farm in central Minnesota. Michael Crusan with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health says it’s the first detection in livestock since last summer and was discovered during mandatory raw milk surveillance testing. “Low and behold, that testing resulted in a positive detection in Stearns County.…… Continue Reading
Custom ag drone applicator increasing acres per hour
The scale and effectiveness of ag applicator drones continue to increase. Jordan Stickle with Agri-Spray Drones of Austin, Minnesota says he’s seen a significant jump since getting into the business three years ago. “My first two years I ran a DJI-T40, which had a 10-gallon tank. And I think the max I could spray in…… Continue Reading
AgMarket.Net acreage estimates put corn over 95 million
Private estimates are coming in ahead of USDA’s Prospective Plantings report at the end of the month. Matt Bennett with AgMarket.Net tells Brownfield they surveyed growers across the U.S. and found more than half of respondents plan to grow more corn and less soybeans. “From that and then from personal conversations (with farmers) we ended…… Continue Reading
Reconciliation and the new farm bill
A U.S. Representative from Kansas says the reconciliation process could affect the progress of a new farm bill. “Because it impacts the pay-fors that exist in the farm bill.” Sharice Davids, a Democratic member of the House Ag Committee, tells Brownfield lawmakers are watching to see how Republicans move forward with cuts to nutrition spending. “Our…… Continue Reading
USDA names RMA, FSA and NRCS leaders
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has appointed three individuals who will oversee risk management programs for the agency. Iowa farmer Pat Swanson is the new administrator with the Risk Management Agency. She runs a crop insurance agency and previously served as a director with the American Soybean Association. Farmer Bill Beam from Pennsylvania is Farm…… Continue Reading
U.S. export inspections up from a year ago
The USDA says corn export inspections as of the week ending March 20th remain ahead of the pace needed to meet expectations for the current marketing year. The 2024/25 marketing year got underway June 1st for wheat and September 1st for corn, sorghum, and soybeans. The USDA’s next round of supply and demand estimates is…… Continue Reading
HPAI in Ingham County backyard poultry
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza for the first time in Ingham County this year. The state says the backyard flock is the second detection of the virus in the county since 2022 and the ninth case the state reported since the beginning of the year. In…… Continue Reading
Protecting risk management tools crucial for pork producers
The president of the National Pork Producers Council says protecting access to risk protection programs is a priority for the nation’s hog producers. Duane Stateler, a multi-generational farmer from Ohio, says Livestock Risk Protection and Livestock Gross Margin have played a critical role in protecting America’s pig farmers from market volatility. “Especially with the tariffs,”…… Continue Reading
