The Michigan FFA Star in Agribusiness says her journey to entrepreneurship started with volunteering. Montague FFA’s Grace Torsch tells Brownfield her garden maintenance business was born after establishing relationships with clients through a community service project who needed more help outdoors. “It just kept expanding,” she says. “I keep track of all my hours and…… Continue Reading
Agriscience student research strengthens career aspirations
The Michigan FFA Star in Agriscience has been studying the environmental impacts of hydraulic fuel since seventh grade. Chesaning FFA’s Sterling Tomac tells Brownfield he was inspired by his dad, who works as a contractor in highly sensitive environmental areas. “If a conventional hydraulic oil would get into the aquatic system, it would destroy the…… Continue Reading
Hopkins FFA member named Star Farmer
This year’s Michigan FFA Star Farmer says his Supervised Agricultural Experience has helped him better understand the business aspects of farming. Hopkins FFA’s Colby Tucker tells Brownfield, “My operation is a lot like my parents’ farm.” “We keep track of all the numbers, all the income, all the expenses, like feed and hay,” he says.…… Continue Reading
Iowa farmer discusses ethanol retaliatory tariff fears
A farmer from northwestern Iowa says he’s concerned U.S. ethanol could be the target of retaliatory tariffs. Kelly Nieuwenhuis is a past president of both the Iowa Corn Promotion Board and Siouxland Energy Cooperative. He tells Brownfield Canada is the top destination for U.S. ethanol exports. “We worked really hard in cooperation with the U.S.…… Continue Reading
Securing American Agriculture Act introduced in House and Senate
Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House and Senate to protect the nation’s food supply from foreign entities. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson tells Brownfield the Securing American Agriculture Act would reduce the country’s reliance on markets like China. “China could pull that trigger at any time and decide to not ship key parts of…… Continue Reading
Managing weeds crucial to protecting yields
Many farmers are looking for ways to reduce costs without impacting productivity. But, Will Griffin, row crop segment manager with Valent U.S.A., says, “It’s really difficult to save your way to prosperity.” He tells Brownfield when farmers cut corners on inputs, they risk yield loss. “I don’t think you could cut herbicides enough to really…… Continue Reading
Ohio Farm Bureau members concerned about tariff impacts to trade
Ohio Farm Bureau members are optimistic the President’s trade strategy will open market opportunities in the European Union. Southern Ohio farmer Jim Percival says the EU’s regulations have created export challenges for the US. “There are a lot of barriers for us being able to export commodities to those countries,” he says. “It closes off…… Continue Reading
Pioneer launches Plenish Enlist E3 soybeans
The marketing manager with Pioneer’s Plenish high oleic soybeans says both growers and dairy producers will benefit from the company’s latest innovation. Roger Theisen says the specialty beans are now available with the Enlist E3 trait. “That is the number one herbicide trait used in soybean acres across the U.S.” He says, “Now I can…… Continue Reading
Duvall: Short-term pain for long-term gain?
The president of the American Farm Bureau Federation says ongoing tariffs could impact the viability of the ag industry. Zippy Duvall says producers can’t sustain the uncertainty much longer. “If it stretches out 18 months or two years, we will have a disaster,” he says. “But, if we can get it done we could bring…… Continue Reading
Tariff concerns continue amid global trade tensions
Many in the ag industry continue to express concern about how President Trump’s tariffs will impact the farm economy. West Central Ohio farmer Fred Yoder says the trade tensions are creating uncertainty and volatility in agriculture that the industry can’t afford. “It makes me really nervous when we start putting tariffs on our favored importers…… Continue Reading
