A crop insurance advisor says farmers should take a closer look at the Enhanced Coverage Option this year. Mike Boen with Compeer Financial tells Brownfield the ECO subsidy increased from 44% to 65%. “Most private products in the market today are somewhere from I spend a dollar in premium, I get two dollars to two and…… Continue Reading
Biofuel supporters say EPA’s E15 action positive
The senior vice president of regulatory affairs at Growth Energy says EPA’s decision to allow year-round E15 in eight Midwestern states is supportive for U.S. biofuels. “We were really encouraged by this decision on E15,” says Chris Bliley. Bliley says infrastructure is available for fuel retailers to start selling E15 next month. Starting April 28,…… Continue Reading
Expectations set for fewer U.S. cotton acres
An economist with the National Cotton Council says fewer cotton acres are expected across the United States this year. “A recent economic report shows U.S. growers intend to plant 9.6 million acres, which is 14.5 percent lower than last year. We’re seeing the effects of what growers are feeling right now, as far as financial…… Continue Reading
Illinois ag groups opposing proposed Livestock Management Facilities Act amendments
Several Illinois agriculture groups are opposing proposed amendments to the state’s Livestock Management Facilities Act (LMFA). Chris Davis, director of state legislation with the Illinois Farm Bureau, says their organization is opposing the three bills that have been submitted in the General Assembly. “One particular piece of legislation would increase set back distances from the…… Continue Reading
Farmers Union concerned about Trump administration staff cuts
The National Farmers Union wants to know how the federal government funding freeze and job cuts have affected individuals. Mike Stranz is Farmers Union’s Vice President of Advocacy. He tells Brownfield the funding freeze left many farmers wondering what comes next. “A lot of conservation and climate initiatives, a lot of local foods initiatives and…… Continue Reading
Farm Bureau: ag secretary “gets trade concerns”
The vice president of public policy at the American Farm Bureau Federation says the new ag secretary at USDA understands the concerns surrounding ag trade tariffs. Sam Kieffer tells Brownfield “they are keeping track of how things are going and will provide an opportunity for farmers, ranchers and organizations like Farm Bureau to weigh in…… Continue Reading
Bracing for the upcoming growing season with cautious optimism
The executive director of the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association says the state’s farmers are cautiously optimistic about 2025. However, Tadd Nicholson says there are still challenges. “High input prices, high land prices, all these things really pressuring farmers,” he says. “If you look at those input prices compared to what is a moderately normal…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: February 24, 2025
Mar. corn closed at $4.82 and 1/2, down 8 and 3/4 centsMar. soybeans closed at $10.29, down 10 and 1/2 centsMar. soybean meal closed at $291.80, down $3.00Mar. soybean oil closed at 45.70, down 111 pointsMar. wheat closed at $5.79, down 11 centsApr. live cattle closed at $195.10, up $1.15Mar. feeder cattle closed at $262.30,…… Continue Reading
Economist says weather will matter as the cattle industry contemplates expansion
An ag economist says weather conditions will likely be a factor for cattle producers as they decide if it’s time to expand. Charley Martinez is with the University of Tennessee. “Part of the function on the production side and the farm management side is how your input costs, your hay availability, and your storage of…… Continue Reading
Climatologist discusses “rollercoaster” winter
A climatologist with the National Drought Mitigation Center says the winter season has provided a rollercoaster of conditions. Brian Fuchs tells Brownfield, “We can get those big snow events, but we could easily be 70 degrees as well.” He says a seasonal drought outlook was released late last week and it had mixed results for…… Continue Reading
