A Wisconsin farmer is now part of the United Soybean Board Executive Committee. Tony Mellenthin, wife Katie, and their family farm near Eau Galle. As a member of the executive committee, Mellenthin will help guide soy checkoff investments in food, feed, fuel, industrial uses, exports and sustainable production. He says, “With this honor comes both…… Continue Reading
MDARD Director highlights efforts to improve food access and supply chain reliability
The director of Michigan’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says investing in projects that provide solutions to food supply chain gaps has been a priority in 2025. Tim Boring tells Brownfield the new Farm to Family Grant Program is helping to improve the reliability of the state’s food system. “It’s certainly for the betterment…… Continue Reading
Sorghum clinical trial targets blood sugar, inflammation, and gut health
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln recently launched the first human clinical trial to examine how sorghum could improve a person’s health. Norma Ritz-Johnson, executive director of the United Sorghum Checkoff Program, says the study is targeting health challenges. “Those include things like insulin resistance. Inflammation, which has an effect on heart disease and all…… Continue Reading
Nebraska woman charged in $1.24 million cattle fraud
A western Nebraska woman has been charged with fraudulently purchasing more than $1 million worth of cattle from a local sale barn. According to court documents, Amanda Gentry allegedly bought 453 head of cattle from the Ogallala Livestock Market on October 16 under a false name. The cattle, worth about $1.24 million, were then delivered…… Continue Reading
From soil protection to feed: why farmers turn to cover crops
Farmers who use cover crops typically seek multiple benefits. Maria Tancredi, Minnesota soil health specialist with the Conservation Technology Information Center, says many growers are looking to hold soil in place. “We know how much soil erosion can lead us to losing very productive good top soils and all of those nutrients that are stored…… Continue Reading
Ethanol industry celebrates strong markets, record output
The U.S. ethanol industry is celebrating some milestones in 2025. Renewable Fuels Association president Geoff Cooper says a record amount of ethanol has been produced this year. “It has been quite a year for the ethanol industry, and I think I’d start by saying just what a great year it’s been in terms of market…… Continue Reading
Pork industry invests $4 million in H5N1 research
The pork industry is investing in H5N1 research despite nominal cases in pigs. Dr. Lisa Becton with the Swine Health Information Center says SHIC is collaborating with the National Pork Board and Foundation for Food and Agriculture. “It’s a $4 million effort really addressing ten different priorities that encompass things like transmission, looking at vaccine…… Continue Reading
Transition planning in starts with understanding your operation’s finances
A mediation expert says understanding the financial health of an ag operation is a critical first step in transition planning. Kay Prather, program coordinator with Kansas Agriculture Mediation Services says there are several questions to consider that help families get started. “Can they afford to bring someone back to the farm? Have they already brought…… Continue Reading
Weather extremes expose nitrogen loss challenge across Corn Belt
An agronomist suggests the 2025 growing season offered opportunities to learn how to improve nutrient management. Cody Hornaday with Koch Agronomic Services says there were weather extremes across the Corn Belt. “This season threw the weather at us to produce all three different forms of loss, whether that’s volatilization, leaching, or denitrification. So moving forward,…… Continue Reading
Jason Aldean’s Family Grows With Puppy, Mini Pig This Holiday
A holiday surprise that’s cuter than any present under the tree—Jason and Brittany Aldean are adding to their family in a big way. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
