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
EQIP seen as investment in rural America
A northwestern Arkansas farmer says the USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) is an investment in rural America. Jared Phillips, who raises sheep and forages at Branch Mountain Farm in Washington County, says he utilized the program to completely alter his operation. “It let us make some key investments in our farm.” He says, “It…… Continue Reading
Dry bean market disruptions likely
A dry bean marketer says he’s concerned about how tariff threats will impact global dry bean markets. Chaise Wilson with Star of the West Milling Company tells Brownfield Mexico is the number one buyer of U.S. dry beans and any retaliation would have far-reaching effects. “Brazil and Argentina continue to increase their black bean production…… Continue Reading
Soybeans see more losses, with corn, wheat mixed
Soybeans were modestly lower on fund and technical selling. The trade continues to monitor harvest activity in South America and the growing supply of soybeans hitting the global market from Brazil and soybean products from Argentina. Export demand has slowed down, with China focused on Brazil due to price and geopolitics. Also, crush demand from…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: March 18, 2025
May corn closed at $4.58 and 3/4, down 2 and 1/4 centsMay soybeans closed at $10.12 and 3/4, down 2 and 3/4 centsMay soybean meal closed at $299.90, down $4.40May soybean oil closed at 42.54, up 44 pointsMay wheat closed at $5.65, down 3 and 1/2 centsApr. live cattle closed at $205.37, up 35 centsApr.…… Continue Reading
Conservation Districts weigh in on administration’s actions
The CEO of the National Association of Conservation Districts says reducing USDA staff will have long-term impacts on farmers and rural communities. Jeremy Peters tells Brownfield farmers could exclude conservation practices this growing season because of the lack of financial and technical assistance. “There’s all these suite practices that are so tremendously beneficial that, if…… Continue Reading
Cattle producers interested in emission regulation roll-back
Missouri Cattlemen’s Association President Jeff Reed tells Brownfield livestock producers would like to see the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency address emission regulations. “We truck cattle and grain across the United States and anytime vehicle manufacturers have some sort of emission system put on them, it requires extra filtration systems to make it a cleaner vehicle.…… Continue Reading
The process to revamp WOTUS begins
The U.S. EPA has started its process to revamp the Waters of the United States rule and met with Missouri farmers on National Ag Day to discuss it. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin says there’s one way the new WOTUS rule will hold the test of time. “S-A-C-K-E-T-T. It’s a clear, simple and prescriptive definition.” He…… Continue Reading
WIU Ag hosts successful bull test sale
A healthy cattle market benefitted the recent Western Illinois University School of Agriculture’s 53rd Annual Bull Test Sale. The bulls averaged $6235, bred cows averaged $3300 and replacement heifers $2133. The top-selling bull brought $9000. WIU Ag Director Andy Baker said in a release it was one of the best sales on record. The sale,…… Continue Reading
Rollins says USDA continues review of program spending
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says the department continues to review all programs under the USDA’s budget. She tells Brownfield the department is intentional in its review. “True conservation programs that our farmers and ranchers have been utilizing for years and have built programs around those will continue,” she says. Rollins says some of the line…… Continue Reading
