An associate professor of ag policy at the University of Illinois says more ad-hoc assistance from the Trump administration or Congress isn’t addressing the bigger problems facing agriculture. “It’s merely an attempt to kind of bridge over the problems and I guess hope they don’t continue.” Jonathan Coppess says the U.S. should be finding ways…… Continue Reading
Some rural Indiana townships could face consolidation under new proposed legislation
New legislation in the Indiana General Assembly could change how some rural communities operate. District 16 representative Kendell Culp says House Bill 1315 would dissolve or consolidate certain townships with budgetary restrictions or lack their own emergency services by January 1, 2028. “We’re looking at a few opportunities to have less units of government,” he…… Continue Reading
Mostly slow holiday week for U.S. export sales as report gets back on schedule
The USDA says export sales were mixed during the week ending January 1st. Corn notched a marketing year low following a handful of cancelations led by unknown destinations. Soybeans were below the four-week average, even as China topped the list of buyers, and wheat was up on the week, but fell under the average due…… Continue Reading
Resiliency drives Iowa Pork Producers’ legislative goals for 2026
Resiliency is the theme for the Iowa Pork Producers as the Association prepares for the 2026 Iowa Legislative Session. Director of public policy Harrison Furlow says policy priorities are focused on ensuring producers are capable of being resilient in their operations. “And that sort of comes through two ways that we’re supporting legislation. That would…… Continue Reading
USDA report expected to shape commodity prices heading into 2026
An ag economist says next/this week’s supply and demand report will likely set the tone for commodity prices in early 2026. Dan O’Brien with Kansas State University says there’s been some uncertainty around total U.S. crop production due to the government shutdown and lack of reports in November. “Whether the numbers are going to be…… Continue Reading
New soybean nematicide could help reduce drought stress in 2026
An agronomist says protecting root systems from Soybean Cyst Nematodes can help crops better mitigate drought conditions. George Huckabee is with Vive Crop Protection. “The root size of the plant really affects the uptake of water, uptake of nutrients, everything that has to do with that plant growing,” he says. “The bigger the root system,…… Continue Reading
‘Yellowstone’ Spinoff ‘Y: Marshals’ Changes Its Name
The show is premiering in March. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
FSA urges farmers to act early when considering loan programs
The executive director of the Illinois Farm Service Agency says many farmers are turning to the agency’s various loan programs to help weather the down ag economy. William Graff says the winter loan season has been busy. “We have direct farm loans, farm ownership loans, beginning farmers loans, and young farmer loans.” He says, “We…… Continue Reading
Famed Country Songwriter Jim McBride Dead at 78
McBride was noted for his Alan Jackson collaborations and wrote hits for dozens of A-List country artists. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Climatologist watching rain and snow potential this week
A climatologist says there are some strong chances of precipitation across parts of the Upper Midwest heading into the weekend. Dr. Justin Glisan, state climatologist for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, tells Brownfield, “We have a system that’s making its way into the Upper Midwest. It looks like a good amount of…… Continue Reading
