Perseverance paying off

A young Wisconsin dairy farmer says perseverance is paying off. Evan Schrauth from Cloven View Holsteins in Fond du Lac County says he’s always wanted to be a dairyman. “My dad had his own herd of cows and at about two years old I was determined that I was going to farm already.”  He says,…Continue Reading

Dry conditions improve, but deep impacts linger

Missouri’s state climatologist says the above average snowfall this winter recharged some soil moisture, but it hasn’t completely fixed deficit caused by previous drought in the state. Zach Leasor says the three years of drought is showing up in subsoil and some areas have up to 20 inches of water deficit. “While we might not…Continue Reading

A slow cattle herd rebuild

A cattle producer in western Missouri says he’s been slowly rebuilding his cattle herd following several years of drought. Mark Smith tells Brownfield he sold about 25% of his herd in the last two years. “I personally save my own breeding stock and retain my own heifers, but I intend to continue to grow my…Continue Reading

How renewable energy can benefit rural communities

A coalition of farmers and ranchers says renewable energy can provide economic benefits in a challenging ag economy. Sam Roberts is Ohio’s director for Farm to Power. “Renewables offer a stable income to farms to help offset those uncertainties and most importantly, many times provides a way for farmers to stay in operation and be passed…Continue Reading

Food labeling bill gets attention in MO Legislature

The Missouri State Legislature is considering a food labeling bill that the executive director of the Missouri Pork Association says could have similar impact to California’s Prop 12 law. “Missouri consumers want transparency. I don’t know if they’re willing to pay the price.” Scott Hays says “we’re certainly in favor of consumers knowing their food,…Continue Reading

Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: February 27, 2025

Mar. corn closed at $4.64 and 3/4, down 13 and 1/2 centsMar. soybeans closed at $10.22 and 3/4, down 1 and 3/4 centsMar. soybean meal closed at $290.90, down $2.50Mar. soybean oil closed at 44.75, down 22 pointsMar. wheat closed at $5.46 and 3/4, down 19 and 1/4 centsApr. live cattle closed at $196.12, up…Continue Reading

Wildlife’s role in carrying HPAI

A biologist says he expects the threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza to continue as spring migration season approaches. Eli Fleace is with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. “It’s typically a cold weather virus,” he says. “Part of that is their migration patterns. A lot of these birds are migrating in the winter, and…Continue Reading

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