2025 begins with questions around pork demand

A swine lending specialist suggests there’s some uncertainty for pork demand in 2025. Daryl Timmerman with Compeer Financial says consumers could more closely scrutinize food costs. “I know there’s some trepidation out there as it relates to where the economy is going to go. I think with the new administration coming in, on the export…Continue Reading

Crop insurance changes present opportunities

A crop insurance specialist with Farm Credit Illinois says changes to the federal crop insurance program present opportunities for farmers.                Jack Young says farmers can protect even more of their crop in 2025 with improvements to the Enhanced Coverage Option, or ECO. “The subsidy has actually increased a bit on that Enhanced Coverage Option.”  He…Continue Reading

Grassley talks trade with USDA nominee Rollins

The importance of bilateral trade is being impressed upon President-elect Trump’s nominee for U.S. Ag Secretary. U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley says he recently met with Brooke Rollins and highlighted some of the bilateral agreements under the George W. Bush administration. “About 15 countries (and) about seven or eight different trade deals, and to emphasize to…Continue Reading

Producer optimistic for nationwide year-round E15

The ethanol industry is hoping to see year-round nationwide availability of E15 soon.  Erik Huschitt from Badger State Ethanol tells Brownfield he’s optimistic legislation allowing E15 everywhere year-round will pass soon. “There absolutely is no legitimate reason why we don’t have it yet, so it does seem like the stars are aligning, the voices are…Continue Reading

Warm 2024 sets new records

A state climatologist says 2024 was the warmest year on record for the U.S. and across the globe. Jeff Andresen in Michigan tells Brownfield, “Some of it has to do with the fall conditions, also for the abnormally mild late winter.” He says the flash drought at the end of the fall was challenging for…Continue Reading

Using sustainable ag practices to increase profitability

Farming sustainably in 2025 could provide farmers with an additional revenue stream. East region sustainable ag manager Marty Templeton with Nutrien Ag Solutions says farmers are looking for more ways to increase their profitability in 2025. “Especially with where the ag market is right now and the importance of ROI for growers out there, it’s…Continue Reading

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