An ag economist says he’s watching how the Trump administration reviews the U.S. Canada Mexico Trade Agreement. Allen Featherstone with Kansas State University with says the Trump administration has hinted that completely withdrawing from the deal is an option but, “I think it’s just a negotiating posture. For example, we’ve heard a lot of different…… Continue Reading
Rural Mainstreet Economy expands in December
The latest Rural Mainstreet Index reveals the rural economy has climbed above growth neutral for just the second time in 2025. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss tells Brownfield rural bank CEOs feel economic conditions are better than expected. “The negatives are getting less negative, and each month the numbers are moving up,” he said. The…… Continue Reading
OEFFA says Farmer Bridge Assistance Program fails to benefit organic and specialty crop growers
One ag group says the Trump administration’s Farmer Bridge Assistance Program fails to benefit organic and specialty crop growers. Nicole Wolcott, policy coordinator for the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association, says $1 billion isn’t enough to support diversified farming operations. “The support that smaller farms need is not going to look the same as support for…… Continue Reading
GROWMARK announces plans for ag biologicals plant in St. Louis
GROWMARK has announced it will construct a state-of-the-art biological crop input manufacturing facility at the site of its St. Louis, Missouri-based AgraForm facility. The new biologicals plant will focus on manufacturing biological crop inputs for agricultural companies that either do not have their own production facilities or require additional access to production facilities. The plant…… Continue Reading
Iowa cattle leaders eye strong demand, legislative issues in 2026
The CEO of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association says many of the state’s producers are optimistic heading into 2026. Bryan Whaley tells Brownfield that was the sentiment at this month’s Iowa Cattle Industry Convention. “I think there is a lot of interest in our industry,” he said. “As you look at the agriculture world right now,…… Continue Reading
Callahan, other ag nominees confirmed by Senate
The U.S. Senate on Thursday confirmed a package of President Trump’s nominees for administrative positions, which included some key agricultural appointments. Julie Callahan was confirmed as the next chief ag negotiator within the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. During a confirmation hearing this fall, Callahan said American agriculture is under great stress. “Farmers and ranchers…… Continue Reading
Asian Copperleaf identified in Illinois
A professor of weed sciences at the University of Illinois has confirmed the presence of Asian copperleaf in the northwestern part of the state. Aaron Hager says little is known about the invasive weed that’s also been found in Iowa and New York. “Very little bit of information in the peer-reviewed literature.” He says, “Again,…… Continue Reading
Lawmakers press ag committee leaders on specialty crop aid
A bipartisan group of lawmakers are asking U.S. House and Senate Ag Committee leaders to ensure specialty crop growers get immediate and fair relief from the USDA. USDA has set aside $1 billion for specialty crops and other commodities in the new Farmer Bridge Assistance Program and the agency is exploring ways to distribute the…… Continue Reading
Greg Biffle Plane Crash Video Offers Look Into Final Moments
In a shocking turn of events, the NASCAR community is mourning a tragic loss that hits close to home for many fans. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
President Trump Reclassifies Marijuana as a Lower-Risk Drug
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, directing federal agencies to move it from Schedule I to Schedule III status under federal […]… Continue Reading
