Soil moisture outlook for southwest Iowa

A farmer in southwestern Iowa says field conditions are favorable heading into spring. Ray Gaesser tells Brownfield, “We could use a little more (precipitation), but we’re near normal conditions for our soil moisture.” He says a low-pressure system during the late fall helped recharge his subsoils. “In November, we received between 4.5-to-5.5 inches of rain…… Continue Reading

Favorable feed costs for cattle producers

A southwest Iowa cow-calf producer says feed costs have been favorable to start the year. Jeff Jorgenson tells Brownfield the lower costs have provided some relief. “It really reflects where we’re at in the row crop side. With corn being lower, it sure makes the feed costs a lot easier to swallow.” He says it’s…… Continue Reading

John Deere announces additional layoffs at Ottumwa plant

John Deere has announced another round of layoffs at its Ottumwa, Iowa plant. In a statement to Brownfield, the company says approximately 75 production employees will be placed on indefinite layoff effective February 7th. The Ottumwa facility was temporarily shut down in December due to a lack of demand. In its fourth quarter earnings report,…… Continue Reading

Smithfield Foods files for initial public offering

The world’s largest pork supplier, Smithfield Foods, has filed for its initial public offering in the U.S.  The company submitted its registration statement to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday and would sell shares of its common stock on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “SFD”.  According to a release from the company,…… Continue Reading

Ethanol production hits one-month low

U.S. ethanol production saw a week-to-week decline to kick off 2025. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production averaged 1.102 million barrels per day, a four-week low and down 9,000 on the week, but up 40,000 on the year. Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development says estimated operating margins for the average…… Continue Reading

Klobuchar to keep farm bill at the forefront

The Ranking Member of the Senate Ag Committee is not concerned the farm bill will become an afterthought in the new Congress. Minnesota Democrat Amy Klobuchar tells Brownfield the aid package passed during the Lame Duck will help farmers through difficult financial times. “I think the farm bill is going to be at the forefront…… Continue Reading

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