Missouri lawmakers are considering a bill that would require a permit to export water outside of the state. Senator Jamie Burger is the bill sponsor and he tells Brownfield “in southeast Missouri, we irrigate heavily and grow crops that feed the nation. We need to make sure water rights are protected.” It’s the second year…… Continue Reading
MO Soybean researching SCN resistant gene
A farmer in northeast Missouri says the state’s soy checkoff is in the process of researching a new resistant gene that protects soybeans against Soybean Cyst Nematode. Mark Lehnbauer, chairman of the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, tells Brownfield “we’ve all planted resistant varieties, but we’ve also found there’s resistance being built up, too, around SCN.…… Continue Reading
R-CALF USA supports new Trump tariffs
While some in agriculture express concern about President Trump’s new tariffs, a group representing many beef producers is applauding the move. Bill Bullard with R-CALF USA tells Brownfield they’ve been calling for tariffs against beef importers for years. “The importers are bringing in cheaper product from foreign countries that have a distinct pricing advantage. They’re…… Continue Reading
Strong gains for cattle, hog futures
Chicago Mercantile Exchange live and feeder cattle were up sharply on technical buying, while waiting for widespread direct cash business. April live was $1.90 higher at $196.55 and June was up $2.62 at $192.70. April feeders were $3.57 higher at $276.07 and May was up $4.07 at $275.07. Direct cattle markets were generally quiet. Some…… Continue Reading
ACRE Act reintroduced in U.S. House
Legislation to lower interest rates for agricultural and rural home loans has been reintroduced in the U.S. House. Iowa Republican Randy Feenstra helped introduce the Access to Credit for our Rural Economy, or ACRE Act, and tells Brownfield the bill would amend the IRS tax code to create a level playing field for community banks…… Continue Reading
Walz: tariffs don’t benefit farmers
The governor of Minnesota says trade tariffs don’t benefit American farmers. “To have fun with this is ridiculous.” This week, the United States placed 25% tariffs on all Canadian and Mexican imports, as well as an additional 10% tariff on Chinese products, bringing that rate up to 20%. And retaliation followed. Tim Walz says…… Continue Reading
What budget reconciliation means for taxes
The chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee says expiring tax cuts can be extended once Congress moves forward with budget reconciliation. “It’s extremely important to give certainty to small business owners, working families and farmers as quickly as possible.” U.S. Representative Jason Smith from Missouri says losing Section 199A tax deductions are a…… Continue Reading
What’s next for trade?
A former U.S. trade negotiator says she’s watching President Trump’s response as three of the top export markets for U.S. agriculture retaliate in a new trade war. Reciprocal tariffs are expected on all countries that levy taxes on U.S. exports starting in April, but Sharon Bomer Lauritsen with AgTrade Strategies LLC says a lot can…… Continue Reading
Soybeans, wheat see oversold bounces
Soybeans were higher on short covering and technical buying. Soybeans are watching development weather in Argentina and the harvest pace in Brazil. Medium-term temperature outlooks for Argentina are up and down, with some areas expected to see more heavy rainfall in the coming days, while Brazil’s harvest is past the halfway point. The USDA’s new…… Continue Reading
Michigan wheat stands being watched closely
Slightly wetter and colder conditions during February could impact Michigan’s winter wheat crop. Sanilac County farmer Scott Wilson tells Brownfield he’s concerned about standing water in some fields. “There’s a possibility, I guess, that the wheat acres may be decreased if this water lays on the wheat too long,” he says. The USDA’s March crop…… Continue Reading
