New U of I Extension leader appointed

The new associate dean and director of the University of Illinois Extension says he knows firsthand the positive impact the agency can have on rural communities. Matthew Vann, who currently serves as interim associate director and state program leader for Agriculture & Natural Resources and Community & Rural Development at North Carolina State University, says…Continue Reading

Southern rust prevalent in southwest Iowa

A southwest Iowa farmer says he’s expecting a decent crop despite a rise in disease pressure. Ray Gaesser tells Brownfield southern rust has been prevalent on his farm. “I think there’s been some yield damage from that,” he said. “Some varieties are very resistant and are doing well. If you put fungicide on it helped…Continue Reading

No-till conserving just enough moisture at Bakerlad’s

A no-till farmer says conservation efforts are helping his crops manage through drought conditions. Blaine Baker tells Brownfield he hasn’t used tillage in nearly two decades. “The no-till does retain moisture,” he says. “The old thumb rule, every time you make a trip across the field, you lose an inch of moisture, an inch of…Continue Reading

Tariff-related barriers could impact ethanol market expansion

The executive director for Renewable Fuels Nebraska says expanding market access for ethanol products is a work in progress. Dawn Caldwell says trade agreement frameworks announced this summer from the Trump administration has been a good start. “It’s one thing to use tariffs as a as a tool. It’s another thing to have non-tariff trade…Continue Reading

Wisconsin officials stay prepared for H5N1

Wisconsin’s state veterinarian says teams remain ready in case avian influenza comes back to her state.  Dr. Darlene Konkle tells Brownfield there are no recent poultry flock infections, and USDA’s required milk testing has not found any bovine H5N1 cases in her state. “The Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Lab has been conducting testing and it has…Continue Reading

Your Farm Your Footprint gives dairy producers carbon data tools

Dairy farmers are working to lower their farm’s carbon footprint with help from Dairy’s Foundation. Shelly Meyer with the Professional Dairy Producers tells Brownfield Your Farm, Your Footprint is a program that allows dairy farmers to get a handle on what their carbon footprint is and make it better.  She says farmers are always looking…Continue Reading

Playlist