The executive director of the Illinois Specialty Growers Association says the state’s successful Illinois EATS program faces an uncertain future. Raghela Scavuzzo says the program has provided increased market opportunities for farmers and much needed food for communities. “That is funded through the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program.” She says, “It really has allowed the…… Continue Reading
November red meat production down on slower slaughter
Commercial red meat production was down during November 2024. The USDA says the monthly total of 4.564 billion pounds was 3% lower than November 2023 with slower slaughter rates for both cattle and hogs canceling out steady to higher average live weights. Beef production fell 3% to 2.217 billion pounds with a slaughter of 2.568…… Continue Reading
Drought assistance coming for Ohio farmers
The director of state policy at Ohio Farm Bureau says Senate Bill 54 has passed the state legislature with bipartisan support. Evan Callicoat says the $10 million drought relief bill comes after a challenging 2024. “Rising input costs, property taxes going through the roof, land availability is next to none,” he says. “It has been a…… Continue Reading
Rep. Hinson seeks Prop 12 solution in 2025
U.S. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson says she hopes Congress addresses California’s Proposition 12 law sometime in 2025. “I do believe the farm bill extension is not going to include that (Prop 12) language,” she told reporters Thursday. Proposition 12 bans the sale of pork, veal, and eggs in California from animals anywhere in the country whose…… Continue Reading
New USB secretary sees strong demand for U.S. soy
The new secretary for the United Soybean Board says she’s optimistic about the future of U.S. soy exports. Susan Watkins tells Brownfield, “I think we’re trying to get into new markets. We understand you can’t rely on the same players over and over again. Markets change. I think we’re trying to also establish new markets…… Continue Reading
RFA CEO optimistic year-round E15 will remain in funding bill
After a government funding plan broke down Wednesday, there is uncertainty whether a new bill will include a provision for year-round E15. Geoff Cooper, CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, tells Brownfield he remains optimistic. “There is absolutely zero cost associated with the year round E15 provisions that were in the bill. If the concern…… Continue Reading
Uncertainties spark questions about conservation funding
Some farmers and landowners might be concerned about access to conservation funds given uncertainty with the farm bill and a change in administration. But Adam Kiel with the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund says he’s assured by the private sector’s focus on sustainable agriculture. “I see those commitments maintaining, and increasing to be frank. So…… Continue Reading
Tariffs as a potential trade negotiating tactic
An ag policy expert says he expects President-elect Donald Trump’s threat of tariffs to play some role in future U.S. trade negotiations. Jordan Dux, with Nebraska Farm Bureau tells Brownfield there are some questions about how tariffs can be used strategically. “Are we talking about using tariffs as a remedy to maybe address some things…… Continue Reading
Opportunities in planting high oleic soybeans
A western Indiana farmer says producers should consider planting high oleic soybeans in 2025. Kevin Cox says the product is helping boost soybean demand. “This is a product that we’re able to promote through the use of Indiana grown soybeans and to be able to go into detail about that product,” he says. “We’ve been holding…… Continue Reading
Farm bill extension and aid debate show an outdated system
The director of the Gardner Agricultural Policy Program at the University of Illinois says the ongoing Congressional debate around a farm bill extension and the need for financial aid to farmers is exposing an outdated ag support system. Jonathan Coppess tells Brownfield, “We’ve spent all this time fighting over reference prices for a program that…… Continue Reading
