The U.S. Senate has confirmed Brooke Rollins as the secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead Department of Health and Human Services. Agriculture organizations say there’s a lot of work ahead at USDA now that Rollins has been confirmed. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says he…… Continue Reading
Exports continue to boost U.S. pork demand
U.S. pork demand continues to be boosted by exports. National Pork Board senior vice president of market growth David Newman tells Brownfield 2024 was another banner year for pork exports. “And again, we continue to be the shining star globally on both volume and value of exports. So that’s roughly 30 percent of our production,…… Continue Reading
New Ohio legislation would create more native plant habitats
The Ohio State Legislature has passed a bill that would create more native plant habitats across the state. Mary Turocy, with the Nature Conservancy in Ohio, says the legislation allows organizations to restore over-run invasive land by planting native seeds across the state. “There isn’t really much of a market for locally sourced native seeds, so this…… Continue Reading
Fertilizer prices could jump soon, economist says
An ag economist says the outlook for fertilizer prices isn’t favorable for farmers. University of Missouri’s Ben Brown says, “My general bias here is that fertilizer prices are going to move higher as we get closer to spring. I think there’s certain product categories that are going to see more of a rally than others,…… Continue Reading
IL pork farmer optimistic in 2025
A central Illinois pork producer is optimistic about the industry’s direction in 2025. Phil Borgic, who raises hogs and grain in Montgomery County, says the pork profitability outlook has improved. “2025 is looking a lot better than the last 24 months.” He says, “The future looks very bright. For the first time in my history,…… Continue Reading
ASA says current farm economy shows the need for a farm bill
The chairman of the American Soybean Association says the organization continues to urge Congress to pass a full five-year farm bill. Josh Gackle says the ag economy isn’t the same as it was in 2018. “Farm prices and profitability on the farm are continuing to decline,” he says. “Market prices are down. We as farmers have been…… Continue Reading
Soybean export sales sharply below average
U.S. soybean export sales are taking a hit from global competition. The USDA says soybean sales during the week ending February 6th were impacted by a big cancelation from unknown destinations, possibly because of high prices relative to Brazil. U.S. soybean sales commitments are ahead of last marketing year but that U.S. premium over Brazil…… Continue Reading
Cash dairy prices mostly steady to lower Thursday
Cash dairy prices were mostly steady-to-lower again Thursday on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Dry whey was down $0.0075 at $0.56. No sales were recorded. Forty-pound cheese blocks were unchanged at $1.92. No sales were recorded. Cheese barrels were up $0.0025 at $1.83. No sales were recorded. Butter was down $0.0050 at $2.40. Eight sales were…… Continue Reading
Kane Brown Plots More ‘The High Road’ Tour Dates for 2025
He’s announced a string of additional dates! Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Diesel stocks falling
An ag economist says diesel stocks continue to fall. University of Missouri’s Ben Brown says, “Our U.S. diesel fuel stocks are 7% lower right now than they were this time last year,” he said. “We’re also 12% lower against the five-year average.” But he tells Brownfield that doesn’t mean diesel fuel prices will jump higher…… Continue Reading
