A Michigan farmer near the Ohio border soybean harvest is just starting in his area. Scott Welden tells Brownfield the last few weeks of hot, dry weather has dramatically changed crop conditions. “We do have folks running soybeans in the area,” he shares. “There’s corn silage that’s getting close to being wrapped up, which is…… Continue Reading
August red meat production slips 2%
Commercial red meat production in August was 4.592 billion pounds. The USDA says that was down 2% on the year, with a 3% decline in beef and a slightly lower move for pork as slower processing paces for all types of cattle and hogs canceled out higher average live weights. Beef production was 2.289 billion…… Continue Reading
IL Ag in the Classroom ready for new school year
The new school year is bringing the message of agriculture to students across the state. Kevin Daugherty, education director with Illinois Ag in the Classroom, says their coordinators have hit the ground running. “89 of the 102 counties actually have a paid staff person that coordinates the efforts and go in and do teacher training,…… Continue Reading
Future challenges for U.S. soybean industry
The CEO of the Iowa Soybean Association says U.S. soy growers face a number of challenges heading into 2025 and beyond. Kirk Leeds tells Brownfield competition from Brazil isn’t going away anytime soon. “They continue to be not only a major player but actually the largest exporter of soybeans in the world. There’s a lot…… Continue Reading
IRFA monitoring trade provisions in farm bill
Biofuel groups continue to monitor the latest farm bill developments. Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, says the legislation can have an impact on ethanol exports. “The ag groups are going to take care of the main provisions, so we spend a lot of our time looking at the trade provisions.…… Continue Reading
Ohio Agricultural Mental Health Alliance releases Farm Stress Survey results
The senior director of communications and media relations at Ohio Farm Bureau says a recent survey measured stress levels and coping strategies in farmers. Ty Higgins says the Mental Health Alliance was formed to help farmers through tough times. “We knew about the the stressors and some of the coping mechanisms already since we live…… Continue Reading
Ohio farm families honored during Farm Science Review
Five farm families were honored with the 2024 Conservation Farm Family Awards at this year’s Farm Science Review. The Conservation Farm Family Awards program recognize Ohio farm families for their efforts conserving soil, water, woodland, wildlife, and other natural resources on the land they farm. Each family was awarded $400 from the Ohio Farm Bureau…… Continue Reading
Jake Owen Celebrates Three Years of Sobriety: ‘Life Is Great’
Jake also offered up encouragement to those considering a sober life. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Boozman says ad hoc farm assistance is needed in addition to a farm bill
The Ranking Member of the Senate Ag Committee is calling for emergency assistance to help farms stay viable into next year. From the Senate floor this week, John Boozman spoke on the economic crisis that’s building during the harvest season. “Many producers have harvested their 2024 crop and many are losing hundreds of dollars per…… Continue Reading
FarmFirst Co-op leans toward supporting milk marketing order changes
Leaders from the production and processing side of the dairy industry discussed what is and is not part of the USDA’s proposed changes to the Federal Milk Marketing Order system. Economists from Cornell, the University of Wisconsin, and experts from the International Dairy Foods Association, the Milk Producer’s Council, and the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association…… Continue Reading
