IHOP & Applebee’s locations are merging. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Ethanol production, stocks above a week ago
U.S. ethanol production improved slightly last week and stocks grew. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production averaged 1.084 million barrels per day, up 2,000 on the week and unchanged on the year. Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development says operating margins for the average Iowa plant are in negative territory, which…… Continue Reading
January red meat production up 2% on year
U.S. commercial red meat production was up in January 2025. The USDA says total production of 4.885 billion pounds was 2% above January 2024, with beef production gaining 4% to 2.37 billion pounds and pork 1% higher at 2.502 billion pounds. The cattle slaughter was slightly lower than last year at 2.668 million head, largely…… Continue Reading
New Indiana State Veterinarian comments on current HPAI situation
The new Indiana State Veterinarian says the surge of highly pathogenic avian influenza has the state on high alert. Kyle Shipman tells Brownfield, “Currently, we have 12 commercial flocks and two hobby flocks in the state that we have diagnosed. The larger the sites are, the more intricate the response. Ultimately, our goal is to…… Continue Reading
Egg prices reach $4.95 national average in January
Egg prices continue to soar higher across the U.S. Dr. Valerie Kilders is an assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Purdue University and focuses her research on food and agribusiness marketing. She tells Brownfield the Consumer Price Index for eggs was up 15% in January. “That’s the largest increase that we’ve seen…… Continue Reading
Crop insurance: Get the base acres right
A crop insurance specialist is urging producers to make sure the Farm Service Agency has the right base acre data. Mike Boen with Compeer Financial says, “You only get paid on 85% of your base acres, and that’s why it’s so important to know your base acres going in to make the right decision.” Boen…… Continue Reading
Importance of spring nitrogen stabilizers
A nutrient management specialist is stressing the importance of spring nitrogen stabilizers. John Stoffer with Corteva Agriscience tells Brownfield most farmers understand the need for N stabilization in the fall. “However, many of those farmers will tell me they don’t need to stabilize in the spring or at side-dress just because nitrogen is applied so…… Continue Reading
Fall fertilizer purchases bringing a sense of security
The Michigan Soybean Committee President says he’s thankful to have the inputs he needs for spring as tariff threats create more market uncertainty. Mark Senk tells Brownfield fertilizer buying has been especially unpredictable. “Phosphorus especially has been very expensive for last couple years,” he says. “We do not seem to be getting any relief from…… Continue Reading
Traceability and innovation crucial to keeping the swine herd healthy
The presence of African swine fever in the Caribbean brings the risk of the disease closer to the U.S. Burke Healey, USDA domestic ASF response lead, says traceability and innovation matter when it comes to keeping the swine herd healthy. “It helps to determine if we find a sick animal or a premise that has…… Continue Reading
Year of caution
The president of the Illinois Farm Bureau says his farming operation is approaching 2025 with caution. Brian Duncan, who raises grain and livestock in Ogle County, tells Brownfield capital expenditures are being scrutinized. “Caution until we see some solid direction on some of these issues, whether it be trade or biofuels is probably the farmer…… Continue Reading
