A livestock economist says tight supplies will force more beef imports in 2025. Brenda Boetel with the University of Wisconsin River Falls tells Brownfield says the U.S. imported almost 4.4 billion pounds of beef in 2024. “That’s about an 18-19 percent increase over 2023 and we really expect in 2025 we’ll probably continue to increase…… Continue Reading
Broiler sets, placements stay ahead of year ago trend
Broiler sets and placements posted another year-to-year gain last week. The USDA says 248.53 million eggs were set into incubation, down 105,000 on the week, but up 4% on the year, with the average hatchability falling fractionally to 78.9%. That continues to imply a bigger supply of chicks for meat production. Placements of 191.318 million…… Continue Reading
Ag research closing profitability gap in sustainable cropping systems
An agricultural researcher says the profitability gap between sustainable and traditional cropping systems is narrowing. Brook Wilke with MSU’s Long-Term Agroecosystem Research tells Brownfield managing a five-crop rotation with a suite of conservation practices has not been easy in the first few years of the project. “People should know it’s a challenge to get through it,…… Continue Reading
Review of phase one deal encouraged before new tariffs
The CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council says he hopes the Trump administration reviews the phase one trade agreement with China before implementing any tariffs. Jim Sutter tells Brownfield it’s important the U.S. maintain trading relationships with China. “That’s our number one market for whole soybeans, China last year took about 40 percent of…… Continue Reading
A Big Fast Food Chain Is Sampling Beef Fat in French Fries
Moooooove over, vegetable oil! Continue reading…… Continue Reading
How artificial intelligence could change the ag space
The CEO of the Syngenta Group says artificial intelligence will continue to have an impact on how farmers use technology. Jeff Rowe recently took part in the World Economic Forum. “We’re able to take images, use satellite imagery, drone imagery and be able to then analyze whether or not there’s a disease or pest pressure…… Continue Reading
HPAI continues to spread in Indiana
Highly pathogenic avian influenza continues to spread throughout Indiana. A fourth case of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in an Allen County (northeastern), Indiana commercial egg production operation. Indiana’s State Board of Animal Health says more than 26,000 birds will be depopulated. This is the fourth outbreak of HPAI in a commercial operation in…… Continue Reading
Addressing Proposition 12 in 2025
The public policy director for the Iowa Pork Producers Association says Proposition 12 continues to be one of the biggest issues impacting pig farmers. Ben Nuelle tells Brownfield pork groups are expected to be aggressive in pushing for a federal Prop 12 solution this year. “One reason it just is going to cause chaos and…… Continue Reading
Forage supplies ample as winter weather continues
The market news manager for the Missouri Department of Agriculture says feed costs have remained relatively inexpensive. Tony Hancock tells Brownfield there’s an excellent supply of hay. “Corn prices are pretty cheap, and feed is abundant,” he says. “Luckily, that’s not been a real issue.” He says that’s good news as Missouri cattle producers have…… Continue Reading
Cash dairy prices lower Wednesday
Cash dairy prices were mostly lower Wednesday on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Dry whey was down $0.0375 at $0.70. Four sales were recorded, ranging from $0.70 to $0.71. Forty-pound cheese blocks were down $0.0050 at $1.7750. Four sales were recorded, ranging from $1.75 to $1.7750. Cheese barrels were down $0.04 at $1.81. Four sales were…… Continue Reading
