New research from Michigan State University connects farm worker wages to rising food costs and the loss of agricultural production. Farm labor economist Zack Rutledge says a 10 percent decline in farm employment leads to a nearly three percent uptick in food prices. “And we have a specialty crop sector that’s worth about $115 billion…… Continue Reading
USDA reports big week-to-week surges in broiler sets, placements
Broiler sets and placements remain aggressive as 2025 draws to a close. The USDA says 251.382 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubation, rising 3.419 million on the week and 1% on the year, with average hatchability of 79.8%. Placements of broiler-type chicks into meat production were 196.616 million head, up 1.009 million from the…… Continue Reading
Illinois livestock economist urges price protection despite strong cattle markets
An assistant professor at the University of Illinois says increased volatility in the cattle markets is leading more producers to explore risk management strategies. Brittney Goodrich, who specializes in livestock for the FarmDoc team, tells Brownfield, “Even in these times where we have really high prices for cattle, we still need to be cognizant that…… Continue Reading
Growing Up with Livestock: How Farm Life Shaped My Beliefs About Animal Welfare and Human Compassion
I am a proponent of animal welfare. That value was engrained in me as a child as my family, just like the generations before them had, cared for the hogs and cattle that supported our livelihood. We also had dogs and cats and occasionally poultry, meat rabbits or pet rabbits. Mom had a horse. My…… Continue Reading
Farm Bureau leader says USDA bridge payments are a short-term fix
The vice-president of the American Farm Bureau Federation says USDA’s new Farmer Bridge Assistance Program is appreciated and it’s yet to be determined if it will be enough to help farmers. In an interview with Brownfield, Scott VanderWal says “There’s a lot of people that may not have a lot of equity and they’ve lost…… Continue Reading
USDA to announce Farmer Bridge Assistance payment rates next week
The Under Secretary of Farm Production and Conservation at the USDA says payment rates for the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program will be announced next week. Richard Fordyce says acreage data is factored into the payment rates, so farmers who haven’t submitted an acreage report to their local Farm Service Agency office have until Friday to…… Continue Reading
Protecting farmer access to crop protection tools remains a priority for the Modern Ag Alliance in 2026
The executive director of the Modern Ag Alliance says protecting farmer access to crop protection tools remains a top priority in 2026. Elizabeth Burns-Thompson says the organization is working on a more uniform pesticide labeling standard to include in the next farm bill. “These are intensely intricate, well researched, and critically important pieces for this industry,”…… Continue Reading
Wisconsin farmer pleased with no till results
A southern Wisconsin farmer has been expanding his no-till practices to help soil health, reduce labor, and save on fuel. Phil O’Leary farms near Janesville, and he tells Brownfield some minor changes gave him good corn results following soybeans this year by adjusting the planter and slowing down his planting speed. “I don’t have the…… Continue Reading
Pre-report estimates show cattle on feed down nearly 2% year-over-year
The USDA pulled back on its cattle slaughter projections in its latest Supply and Demand report. Charley Martinez is an ag economist at the University of Tennessee says that could be reflected in Friday’s Cattle on Feed report from the USDA. “I want to see the change of cattle on feed between October and November,…… Continue Reading
U.S. ethanol production notches another all-time high
U.S. ethanol production has reached record levels for the fourth time this year. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production averaged 1.031 million barrels per day last week, rising 26,000 from the week before that and 28,000 from a year ago. The year’s run to several all-time highs is at least partially due to industry…… Continue Reading
