Brazil remains on track to produce a record soybean crop in 2025. Iowa State University Extension economist Chad Hart says the South American country continues to build production capacity. “They’ve been adding land, but also they’re seeing the same yield trends that we’re seeing here within the U.S. So we know that their production continues…… Continue Reading
Minnesota Farm Bureau talks legislative priorities during day on the hill
Minnesota Farm Bureau members gathered at the state capitol in St. Paul to discuss legislative priorities with lawmakers this week. President Dan Glessing says there was a lot of engagement. “We had 175 members on the Hill Tuesday, and we started out the day with some briefings of what bills we’re following. But then we…… Continue Reading
Trump tariffs a concern for ag
President Trump’s latest round of tariffs has agriculture groups concerned. Virginia Houston with the American Soybean Association says soybeans and soy farmers have been the poster child of the trade wars. She says when President Trump levied Section 301 tariffs against China in 2018, China immediately retaliated with a 25% tariff on ag commodities including…… Continue Reading
USDA’s NASS to reinstate July Cattle report
The USDA’s National Ag Statistics Service has announced it will reinstate several previously suspended reports and programs, including the July Cattle Inventory report. Oklahoma State University extension livestock marketing specialist Derrell Peel says given the current cattle cycle, this is good news. “Getting that midyear report will give us an indication of the replacement heifer…… Continue Reading
Ethanol production rebounds
U.S. ethanol production bounced back last week. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production 1.105 million barrels per day, rising 43,000 on the week and 59,000 on the year. That increase in production can be tied to better returns. Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development says estimated operating margins for the average…… Continue Reading
Michigan ag exports push new record
Food and agriculture exports in Michigan set a new high in 2024 at nearly $3 billion. Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Tim Boring tells Brownfield, “Canada is far and away our greatest trading partner, more than $1.25 billion of economic activity happens there.” “Mexico is a huge trading partner at close to…… Continue Reading
Biofuels and ag groups ask EPA to set RFS volume
The vice president of federal affairs with Clean Fuels Alliance America says the organization has been joined by several ag groups in renewing the call for the EPA to set increased Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes for 2026. Kurt Kovarik says a letter to the agency asks for finalized biomass-based diesel volumes at 5.25 billion…… Continue Reading
Water protections gaining momentum in Indiana General Assembly
Water rights remain a legislative priority for Indiana Farm Bureau and its members, and its being addressed by the General Assembly. Director of public policy Andy Tauer says there has progress with Senate Bill 28. “This would put protections not only for just farmers but all of agriculture,” he says. “It did get recommitted to…… Continue Reading
Rollins says USDA’s plan to address HPAI is working
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says the work the Trump administration is doing to address highly pathogenic avian influenza is working. “The market reacted very positively to being bold and to having a big plan to investing where it matters, in biosecurity especially,” she says. “We’ve seen the prices come down in the wholesale market 44%…… Continue Reading
Builder says farm construction jobs keep coming
Despite the down economy, construction projects on farms continue to keep contractors busy. Jacob Ullmer from Fox Cities Builders in Seymour, Wisconsin tells Brownfield they’ve been busier over the past year, and 2025 is not slowing down. “Dairy and production agriculture is the spot to be but working with beef customers as well.” Ullmer says…… Continue Reading
