A group of lawmakers is pressing the USDA for answers on its loan and grant oversight practices after a recent recipient, Pure Prairie Poultry, abruptly closed. Wisconsin Congressman Derrick Van Orden tells Brownfield the letter he and eight other members of the U.S. House and Senate sent to USDA was the first step. “The House Agriculture Committee…… Continue Reading
Soybeans firm, with corn mixed, wheat down
Soybeans were higher on fund and technical buying. Soybeans continued to be influenced by the strength in soybean and global vegetable oils, in addition to the bullish crush margins. The USDA’s monthly soybean crush numbers are out Friday. The USDA’s attaché in Argentina estimates 2024/25 soybean production at 52 million tons, compared to the official…… Continue Reading
Farmer-focused school food supply chain presents opportunities
The chair of the National Farm to School Network says creating farmer-focused incentives could provide greater food supply chain resiliency. May Tsupros tells Brownfield, “In the United States, school food is the country’s largest restaurant.” “If we can invest in getting local food into schools, then the purchasing power is exponential,” they say. The Network…… Continue Reading
Some optimism remains for farm bill to get to finish line in 2024
There is still some optimism that Congress can pass a farm bill before the end of the year. Congressman Mike Flood of Nebraska tells Brownfield… “Hopefully we can act on it in the lame duck. If not, let’s get an extension, let’s provide some relief, just take the anxiety off the table and then get…… Continue Reading
USDA price indices fall in September
Farmers made and paid less in September than August. The USDA says the index of prices received fell 5.6% with losses in cattle, hogs, market eggs, and lettuce against gains in corn, broilers, turkeys, and milk. The index of prices paid was down 0.2% with decreased costs for feeder cattle, hay and forages, diesel and…… Continue Reading
Aquaculture is a growing market for U.S. soy
The board chair of the Indiana Soybean Alliance says China’s growing demand for a sustainable and high-quality protein is an opportunity to expand U.S. soy exports. Kevin Cox tells Brownfield… “To see that big picture and to understand how it takes everybody doing their part to make sure that we successfully can get those products exported…… Continue Reading
Investing in prodution research benefits America’s soybean farmers
A northeast Indiana farmer says continuing to invest soybean checkoff dollars into production research is crucial to the bottom line for farmers. Don Wyss, an Executive Committee member for the United Soybean Board, says it’s all about finding ways to improve performance without increasing costs. “The areas that we’re focused on is either increasing that…… Continue Reading
Fall rains welcome for Kansas winter wheat
The CEO of Kansas Wheat says the recent rains are welcome for the winter wheat crop. “The reports look to be anywhere from 1 to 1.5 inches in areas.” Justin Gilpin tells Brownfield storms and rain developed along I-35 in central Kansas into the eastern part of the state, which helps winter wheat emerge and…… Continue Reading
Global drought concerns catch attention of wheat market
A market analyst says lower world wheat stocks are starting to catch the attention of the grain markets. Mike Zuzolo with Global Commodity Analytics and Consulting says there’s drought in top wheat growing countries like the United States, Australia and the Black Sea region. Russia and Ukraine are expected to set a minimum price for…… Continue Reading
Divorced Couples Share the Moment They Knew Marriage Was Doomed
The divorce rate in America has hovered around the 50 percent mark for quite some time. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
