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
Nebraska farmer encouraged by rally in grain prices
A southeast Nebraska farmer says he’s been encouraged by rallying grain prices over the past few weeks. However, Logan Bredemeier says he’s unsure there’s been enough of a rebound for farmers to be profitable. “Some of that stuff moved out at prices that are now above what maybe break evens were for 2024,” he says.…… Continue Reading
Livestock competitions leading to career path
The champion of the 2025 Illinois Beef Expo Livestock Judging Competition in the Senior 4-H Division says becoming a proficient judge takes a lot of hard work. DeWitt County’s Paisley Schick says she and her two sisters practice the craft twice a week and compete across the country. “It’s really just a competitive thing for…… Continue Reading
Trump admin: year-round E15 for 8 Midwest states to move forward
The U.S. EPA says it will allow year-round E15 to be sold in eight Midwestern states starting in April. Starting April 28, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin will be allowed to sell 15% ethanol blended gasoline, a request granted by the Biden administration. EPA says they will allow requests for…… Continue Reading
Ag Secretary says USDA’s strategy to control avian influenza is expected this week
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins says the USDA will unveil the department’s plans to address highly pathogenic avian influenza this week. She tells Brownfield it will be a multi-pronged approach. “It looks to include more biosecurity and greater aid to our farmers,” she says. “We’re also looking at ways that we could perhaps even prevent…… Continue Reading
Why Beyoncé’s Mom Was ‘Shocked’ by Her Grammy Wins
Tina Knowles admits she never saw this victory coming. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Maddie & Tae Drop a ‘Cowboy’ Song to Announce Their Next Album
Maddie & Tae’s new album, ‘Love & Light,’ will be out in May. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
45Z questions weighing on sustainable aviation fuel industry
The assistant director of energy with the Illinois Farm Bureau says questions surrounding the 45Z tax credit are hampering the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry. Noelle Neef says much of the uncertainty involves the future of the Inflation Reduction Act, which created the credits. “That is something that President Trump has said might be repealed.” …… Continue Reading
