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
Rural economy continues to slide
Pictured: Creighton University economist Ernie Goss The latest Rural Mainstreet Index showed continued uncertainty in the ag economy. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss tells Brownfield the index fell below growth neutral for the 17th time in the past 18 months. “With a new president coming in that’s always a little uncertain, but President Trump has…… Continue Reading
The rising threat of agribusiness cyberattacks
The threat of cyber-attacks in the ag industry is growing, according to a new report from Purdue University. Trey Malone, Boehlje Chair in Managerial Economics for Agribusiness at Purdue University, says the complexity of the ag supply chain makes the industry more vulnerable. “The FBI typically considers us to be a top six most targeted supply chain,”…… Continue Reading
Egg production drops in January
U.S. egg production fell in January. The USDA says 8.865 billion eggs were produced last month, down 4% on the year, with a 4% decline in the number of layers and a slight decrease in average production per 100 layers. The smaller number of laying hens is mostly impacting table egg production and is at…… Continue Reading
