The USDA is releasing the first $10 billion in Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) funds starting Wednesday. In a call with reporters Tuesday, USDA deputy undersecretary Brooke Appleton says this is part of the $30 billion in ad-hoc and disaster relief assistance authorized through the American Relief Act. “This is kind of the first step of…… Continue Reading
Battle to control corn rootworm
Corn rootworm is one of the most devastating crop pests. Syngenta U.S. insecticide technical product lead Kevin Langdon says growers have relied heavily on traits to control rootworm larvae and resistance has developed. “There are new trait technologies, which is great. But at the end of the day for best performance, we really need to…… Continue Reading
USDA to allow increased pork and poultry processor line speeds
The USDA is allowing pork and poultry processors to operate at increased line speeds. U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley tells Brownfield the announcement comes after trial studies determined worker safety was not being compromised for the sake of higher production. “So I think for the benefit of American agriculture and the quality and the price of…… Continue Reading
Growth Energy discusses state of ethanol exports
The director of global policy for Growth Energy says she has high expectations for U.S. ethanol exports this year. Emily Marthaler tells Brownfield exports ended 2024 on a high note. “We saw a record export year for U.S. ethanol at almost 2 billion gallons. That was a historical marker for the U.S. industry.” She says…… Continue Reading
Illinois farmer says input costs are “ugly”
A central Illinois farmer says input costs haven’t been friendly to the budget this spring. “It’s ugly,” Derek Martin said. Martin says most of his purchases have been more expensive than last year. “They definitely didn’t decrease. From out standpoint, they are definitely on the higher end of things given the current economy and current…… Continue Reading
Will the Fed cut rates in March? Economist says not likely
An ag economist says he doesn’t expect any policy changes from the Federal Reserve during its March meeting this week. University of Missouri’s Ben Brown says several recent economic reports indicated weaker conditions, slowing consumer demand, and some softening in the job market. “My expectation is they will hold those interest rates constant,” he said.…… Continue Reading
NASDA working on combatting HPAI
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture is collaborating with government agencies in its efforts to combat highly pathogenic avian influenza. Senior director of public policy RJ Karney says the organization recently amended their policy to align with USDA’s national action plan. “That’s going to be focused on detection, surveillance response, and a plan that’s…… Continue Reading
County ARC payments likely in 2025
Many producers are likely to see federal farm program payments this year. “ARC payments are likely in ‘25.” Paul Mitchell, director of the Renk Agribusiness Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Madison says many farmers were plagued by drought in 2024. “There were some dry counties last summer in different parts of the nation.” He…… Continue Reading
Eating Michigan Soybeans
Michigan’s climate is ideal for growing higher protein food-grade soybeans. In this Pods for Profit, we’ll meet an edible soybean marketer with Star of the West Milling Company who will help explain more about the specialty crop and its supply chain. The post Eating Michigan Soybeans appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. … Continue Reading
Investing in Consumer Trust
Research shows Missouri beef consumers feel more strongly about animal welfare and management practices than the national average. In this episode, Dr. Craig Payne with the University of Missouri Extension shares how the Beef Quality Assurance program invests in building consumer trust. The post Investing in Consumer Trust appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. … Continue Reading
