The President and CEO of The Fertilizer Institute has concerns about the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern railroad merger. Corey Rosenbusch tells Brownfield they are studying the proposal and hoping that the merger would not mean a reduction in service. “About 60% of all fertilizer tons in this country move via rail, and in some cases,…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: December 22, 2025
Mar. corn $4.47, up 3 and 1/2 centJan. soybeans $10.53 and 1/4, up 4 centsJan. soybean meal $298.60, up $1.00Jan soybean oil 48.55, down 65 pointsMar. Chicago wheat $5.15 and 1/2, up 5 and 3/4 centsFeb. live cattle $231.42, up 62 centsJan. feeder cattle $346.50, up 90 centsFeb. lean hogs $85.35, up 85 centsJan. Class…… Continue Reading
Bipartisan bill would expand Farm Credit home loans to more rural communities
The Farm Credit system would be able to lend to more rural communities if new bipartisan legislation in the U.S. House is passed. Head of Public Affairs Joe Dagher with Farm Credit Mid-America tells Brownfield the lending system can only finance home loans in communities with up to 2,500 residents. “That was in line with…… Continue Reading
Dry summers more common now
Wisconsin’s state climatologist says climate change is not new, with measurable differences every year. Steve Vavrus tells Brownfield the state has been a little warmer and wetter almost every year since recordkeeping began in the 1890s. “In every season in every county, we’re seeing Wisconsin having a warming trend, but it’s especially true in winter.…… Continue Reading
Wisconsin returns to testing all dairy farms for HPAI
Wisconsin’s first avian influenza case in a dairy herd means a change in the state’s milk testing procedure. Adam Brock with the state’s Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection says Wisconsin was able to do less testing for a while. “In September of 2025, we achieved gold status, so that allowed us to reduce…… Continue Reading
Growers warn Congress: lack of long-term labor reform threatens U.S. food supply
Farmers from across the country are stressing the need for congressional intervention to secure ag labor policy. North Carolina apple grower Linda Pryor tells Brownfield she’s very appreciative of the Department of Labor reforming how H-2A guest worker wages are determined, but the rule lacks longevity. “Labor is something that could have more certainty than…… Continue Reading
Walker Hayes Sings About Daughter’s Death, Tough Holiday Emotions
Walker Hayes admits he’s struggling with difficult emotions as the holidays grow near. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Cattle industry sees momentum on wolves, grazing access, and markets
The president of the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association is celebrating several successes as 2025 ends. Jake Thompson of Barnesville says the state increased the elk and wolf depredation funds. “That was really really huge because we’d actually already run out, so there was a backlog. And they were able to address some of that, and…… Continue Reading
Economist says there could be some signs of herd expansion starting to emerge
A livestock economist says he’s seeing some data that suggests at least some herd expansion could be underway. Kenny Burdine is with the University of Kentucky. “Cow slaughter is still running about 18 percent below year-ago levels,” he says. “That hasn’t changed much. And I still maintain that’s going to be our inventory driver going…… Continue Reading
Trade tensions explain China’s lack of U.S. soybean imports
The co-founder of AgMarket.Net says China’s lack of U.S. soybean imports isn’t overly surprising due to the recent trade dispute. Jim McCormick says they usually buy lots of grain during the fall, but “What you’re seeing in this release of import trade data from China, you’re showing how well they chose to essentially ignore the…… Continue Reading
