Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in a flock of commercial layer chickens in Sioux County, Iowa. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship says it’s the state’s first confirmed case of H5N1 since June, and the fourth overall within poultry this year. According to IDALS, H5N1 is a viral disease that affects…… Continue Reading
Tar spot attacks slowly, creating management challenges
A plant pathologist says tar spot is unlike many crop diseases. Dr. Damon Smith with the University of Wisconsin tells Brownfield they’re learning more about the biology of the tar spot fungus, and finding it attacks plants slower, and then ramps up. “That tar spot fungus is really sneaky. It actually gets into the plant…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: December 6, 2024
Mar. corn closed at $4.40, up 5 centsJan. soybeans closed at $9.93 and 3/4, unchangedJan. soybean meal closed at $287.40, down $3.70Jan. soybean oil closed at 42.97, up 66 pointsMar. wheat closed at $5.57 and 1/4, down 1 centFeb. live cattle closed at $186.17, down 15 centsJan. feeder cattle closed at $255.82, up 90 centsFeb.…… Continue Reading
Protect your eyes as part of H5N1 plan
The National Farm Medicine Center says the H5N1 avian influenza virus is not a big threat to human health. Melissa Ploeckelman tells Brownfield when people contract the virus, it’s similar to other flu viruses. “You maybe have some respiratory symptoms. Maybe you get diarrhea, you feel tired, but it’s nothing life-threatening. Most farmers are going…… Continue Reading
Eleven-year-old Indiana native puts together first ever Ringside for Riley fundraiser
An eleven-year-old from Alexandra, Indiana has partnered with the Indiana Beef Cattle Association to give back to the organization that helped save her life. Riley Hospital for Children is the state’s largest pediatric care provider and treats more than 300,000 patients each year. One of those is Cadley Boocher. “I was a Riley kid from a…… Continue Reading
Northern Illinois saw record yields in 2024
A pair of northern Illinois seed representatives say many farmers saw record yields in 2024. Jake Anderson covers the northern third of the state as a sales agronomist for Stine Seeds. “We had some of the best corn yields we’ve ever seen.” He says, “Soybean yields were acceptable to great, but kind of hit and…… Continue Reading
2024 Nebraska Ag Expo to feature latest advancements in agriculture
Cindy Feldman, marketing director with the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association speaks with Brownfield’s Brandon Peoples about the upcoming Nebraska Ag Expo, taking place Dec 10-12 in Lincoln, Nebraska. AUDIO: Nebraska Ag Expo preview I’m speaking here with Cindy Feldman, marketing director with the Iowa Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association, the Nebraska Ag Expo is taking place…… Continue Reading
NCBA watching 2025 tax policy
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is engaged as Congress prepares to write a new tax bill in 2025. NCBA president-elect Buck Wehrbein says there are several provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that expire next year. “We call it the death tax, the estate tax, that that stays where it is or is…… Continue Reading
Assessing potential impact of Trump’s tariff threats to commodity markets
An ag economist says the commodity markets could take a wait and see approach under a second Trump administration. Jim McCormick, co-founder of AgMarket.Net, says, “President Trump has talked a lot about tariffs and what he wants to do with raising tariffs with different countries around the world. We’re going to wait and see what…… Continue Reading
Farm bill extension likely, Rep. Hinson says
One lawmaker says time is running out for the farm bill. U.S. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson says a new five-year farm bill isn’t likely despite continued calls from ag groups to get an updated version to the finish line. “With having to fund the government and a (Continuing Resolution), I think an updated farm bill in…… Continue Reading
