The former USDA Under Secretary of Farm Production and Conservation says he’s concerned about the agency’s ability to handle disaster assistance with fewer staff. Robert Bonnie says the USDA recently offered another buy-out for employees, but hasn’t announced the details of the $21 billion in ag disaster aid approved by Congress in December. “I do…… Continue Reading
Biodiesel plant shutdowns continue in Iowa
A number of biodiesel plants remain idled in Iowa and the executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association says the situation hasn’t improved. “We probably have about half of our plants offline,” Monte Shaw said. Shaw tells Brownfield the shutdowns have been ongoing for several months. “I’ve talked to biodiesel plants that have started…… Continue Reading
Sustainable aviation fuel industry taking shape
The CEO of a company that develops sustainable aviation fuel production technology suggests the industry is taking shape. Alexei Beltyukov with Universal Fuel Technologies says the market potential of SAF is exciting. “Things are getting I guess more grounded. By that I mean people are starting to pay more attention to the fundamentals such as…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: April 16, 2025
May corn closed at $4.84 and 1/4, up 3 centsMay soybeans closed at $10.38 and 3/4, up 2 and 3/4 centsMay soybean meal closed at $296.70, up $2.50May soybean oil closed at 47.48, up 15 pointsMay wheat closed at $5.47 and 3/4, up 5 and 3/4 centsJun. live cattle closed at $202.07, up $2.27May feeder…… Continue Reading
Jennifer Nettles’ New Role in The Bondsman Is Shockingly Gory
This isn’t for the squeamish. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Soybeans, corn, wheat post modest gains
Soybeans were higher on fund and technical buying, along with the lower dollar and higher crude oil during the session. The trade’s watching U.S. planting weather, late harvest activity in Brazil, and probable near-term harvest delays in Argentina. The USDA’s next round of supply, demand, and production estimates is out May 12th, while CONAB’s updated…… Continue Reading
McDonald’s Drops Ultimate Hint About Snack Wrap’s Return Date
McDonald’s is taking a page out of Taylor Swift’s playbook. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Lawmakers expressing concern about the Make America Healthy Again Commission
Some lawmakers are concerned the Make America Healthy Again Commision could impact the future of ag inputs. Indiana Senator Todd Young recently signed onto a letter of more than 30 Republicans asking members of the Trump administration to develop sound rules around pesticide use and seed oil for farmers. The letter was sent to Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins, Health…… Continue Reading
Slow start to planting season in northwest Ohio
A northwest Ohio farmer says it’s been a slow start to the 2025 planting season. Justin Gravatt says he expects to be back in the field starting next week. “Slowly we’re getting stuff wrapped up and ready to hit the fields,” he says. “There’s a few guys that have started working some ground, but not…… Continue Reading
Dairy group cancels lobby day due to good weather
Several state legislative issues are high priorities for Wisconsin’s dairy farmers, but they will have to lobby for them another day. Wednesday was supposed to be the day where members of the Dairy Business Association visited with lawmakers about issues important to the industry, but DBA’s Chad Zuleger tells Brownfield the weather prevented that from…… Continue Reading
