A farmer in southeastern Minnesota anticipates soybean harvest beginning in two to three weeks. Brennen Toquam of Blooming Prairie says most of the crop is changing color. “Some more so than others depending on maturity and planting date a little bit, but I think everything is starting to drop leaves and those pods are fully…… Continue Reading
Another dry week for crops in Arkansas
Dry conditions continued in Arkansas, where farmers are making progress with the harvest. Ninety-six percent of the state’s corn is mature with 73% now harvested. Nearly all corn in Arkansas has reached at least the dent stage. Eighty-three percent of the cotton bolls are opening, which is a big jump from last week’s 68%. Twenty-five…… Continue Reading
Altoids Sours Making a Comeback: Here’s Where to Find Them
The popular candy is returning … and you’ll never guess where it will be sold! Continue reading…… Continue Reading
5% of U.S. corn crop harvested
The 2024 U.S. corn harvest is officially underway. The USDA says 5% of the crop is harvested as of Sunday, just ahead of the five-year average, with most of that in southern growing areas. 95% of corn has reached the dough making stage, 74% has dented, and 29% is mature, with 64% of the crop…… Continue Reading
Some improvement in Class III milk prices
A dairy economist says that last couple of months have been better for dairy farmers who sell into the Class III market. Chuck Nicholson with the University of Wisconsin tells Brownfield there has been some strengthening of cheese prices, because of lower cheese stocks. “We’re down about 9% actually compared to this time last year,…… Continue Reading
Once labor hits X, growers say they’re out
An apple grower says many U.S. specialty crops are phasing out as labor costs become unmanageable. Chris Kropf tells Brownfield farmers using the H-2A guest worker program have no idea what their labor costs could be from year to year with Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) increases. “There’s been a few growers out there that…… Continue Reading
Cash rents predicted to drop in 2025
A farm management professor at the University of Illinois says cash rents are expected to decline in 2025. Gary Schnitkey says lower return on investment is a contributing factor. “For 2024, we’re projecting a negative $129 return for cash rent land in Central Illinois,” he says. “That’s pretty low and we would be looking at pretty low…… Continue Reading
Harvest slowly starting in southern Wisconsin
A few farmers in southern Wisconsin have begun harvesting. Doug Rebout says he’s getting ready to combine some soybeans at his Janesville, Wisconsin farm. “We’ve got a couple of fields where the leaves have basically all dropped off of it. It was an early-day variety and we’re looking at possible the end of this week.…… Continue Reading
Iowa farmer discusses harvest plans at Farm Progress Show
A central Iowa farmer says he’s cautiously optimistic about his 2024 crop. Tim Bardole raises soybeans, corn, and hogs near Rippey in Greene County. “The soybeans are still plugging along and they look pretty good,” he said. “The corn is maturing and maybe just a little faster than I would like. All in all, I…… Continue Reading
Agronomist hearing strong harvest optimism in Iowa
An extension agronomist says harvest could pick up steam in parts of Iowa as early as next week. Iowa State University’s Meaghan Anderson says some central Iowa farmers have high expectations for their corn and soybean crops. “The farmers I’ve talked with have pretty strong feelings about the crop. And I do too. I’ve heard…… Continue Reading
