A bipartisan group of lawmakers is pushing the Biden administration to step in amid reports Colombia could launch an investigation into U.S. corn subsidies. In a letter to Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack and US Trade Representative Katherine Tai, the 39 members of Congress said maintaining market access is critical to farmers as Colombia ranks among the…… Continue Reading
Minnesota FFA to hold new State Leadership Conference
Minnesota FFA will host a new State Leadership Conference next month. FFA president Lauren Stoel says the move begins to address the challenge of meeting its growing membership needs during Minnesota’s State Convention in April. “We’re going to be holding all of our Leadership Development Events, so all of those competitions focused on leadership, along…… Continue Reading
Midwest Food Bank delivers hay to North Carolina farmers
The CEO of the Midwest Food Bank says a unique donation is helping to replenish hay supplies in hurricane ravaged western North Carolina. Eric Hodel tells Brownfield… “A local central Illinois farmer said ‘Hey, I’ve got an excess hay crop, and I feel like I should be charitable and give to those that are in…… Continue Reading
Lessons from 2024
A southern Iowa-based LG Seeds agronomist says 2024 was a learning experience for many farmers in the upper Midwest. Bryant Luers says crop conditions varied across the state. “Poor root development, sidewall compaction, lower stands in certain instances and so that really led to a ton of variability when we went into harvest,” he says.…… Continue Reading
Wheat grower encouraged by deregulation of HB4 trait
The past chairman of U.S. Wheat Associates says the deregulation of a drought-tolerant wheat variety is a promising step forward. Darren Padget tells Brownfield the HB4 trait will benefit many growers. “But if you add say 20% to your production, that’s great, but then you’re also probably going to pay a lot more. There’s a…… Continue Reading
Cash dairy prices higher except cheese Wednesday
Cash dairy prices were higher except for cheese Wednesday on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Dry whey prices were up $0.02 at $0.71. Two sales were recorded at $0.6950 and $0.70. Forty-pound cheese blocks were down $0.0525 at $1.6425. One sale was recorded at that price. Cheese barrels were down $0.0350 at $1.6050. Six sales were…… Continue Reading
Arkansas denied from enforcing laws on foreign land ownership
A federal judge has blocked enforcement of two Arkansas laws prohibiting land ownership by foreign entities. U.S. District Judge Kristine G. Baker issued the order after Jones Eagle LLC filed suit against Ag Secretary Wes Ward and Attorney General Tim Griffin. The suit stated that Act 636 and Act 174 violated the 14th and 5th Amendments.…… Continue Reading
U.S. ethanol stocks hit 8-week high
U.S. ethanol production increased over the past week. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production was up 0.8% to 1.12 million barrels per day, equivalent to 47 million gallons daily, which is a record high. U.S. ethanol stocks hit an 8-week high of 22.9 million barrels. Stocks were up 7% from year-ago levels. Ethanol exports…… Continue Reading
REAP tops $1 billion in IRA clean energy investments
Pictured: Brownfield’s Brent Barnett (right) with Under Secretary Dr. Basil Gooden at the 2024 NAFB Convention in Kansas City The USDA’s Under Secretary for Rural Development says the agency continues to invest in projects that help farmers address climate change while lowering energy costs. Dr. Basil Gooden says the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)…… Continue Reading
A commitment to climate-smart practices
Pictured: Indiana farmer Don Villwock at the 2024 NAFB Convention in Kansas City (Photo by Brent Barnett/Brownfield) A southwest Indiana farmer says he’s made a commitment to climate-smart ag practices. Don Villwock, who also represents 25×25 Solutions from the Land, says his latest focus has been the impacts of machinery on soil. “We put all…… Continue Reading
