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A break in the heat wave pattern ahead; cooler, drier air for the Holiday Weekend

Looking ahead, the 6- to 10-day outlook calls for the likelihood of near- or above-normal temperatures nationwide, except for cooler-than-normal conditions from the central Plains into the upper Midwest.  Meanwhile, near- or above-normal rainfall across most of the country should contrast with drier-than-normal weather...

Fertility key to higher corn yields

A professor of crop physiology at the University of Illinois says fertility is the key to higher corn yields. Dr. Fred Below says proper crop nutrition is vital. “If there’s anything that I think is out of date compared to the yield potential of...

Why soil nutrients matter to corn

A regional agronomy manager at Beck’s Hybrids says rising input costs has some farmers questioning the importance of soil fertility. Jon Skinner says now is not the time to cut back. “Where profits may be a little slim, there’s always thoughts about where can I cut,”...

Grain, oilseed export inspections above last year

The USDA says that as of the week ending August 22nd, corn and wheat export inspections remain ahead of the paces needed to meet projections for the respective marketing years. The 2024/25 marketing year got underway June 1st for wheat, while 2023/24 started September...

MO Bootheel farmers expecting good cotton this fall

Farmers in the Missouri Bootheel say cotton should be ready to harvest in the next month. Gary Hayes tells Brownfield his crop is expected to be good to average. “The plants have bolls, a few of them are opening, but still getting age on...

Scott Beck named ASTA Central Region Vice President

The American Seed Trade Association has elected Scott Beck its central region vice president. The president of Beck’s Hybrids will represent Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin during his three-year term with the association.  He will act as a liaison on central region legislative...

Fertility Planning and Conservation Research

Conservation practices tie into the checkoff-funded research for farmers. Missouri Soybeans Conservation Programs Manager Brady Lichtenberg says it is common for farmers to create a fertility plan and prevent over or under-fertilizing fields, which can affect the environment. The post

Canadian rail ordered to stay open, settle disputes

Canadian railroads have been ordered to remain open amid ongoing labor disputes. Soy Transportation Coalition Executive Director Mike Steenhoek tells Brownfield the Canada Industrial Relations Board is obligating the involved parties to arbitration to settle negotiations. “In the meantime while that arbitration process is...

Corn Sustainability Assurance Protocol

The Indiana corn and soybean checkoffs invest in developing trade relationships to grow demand for both corn and soybeans. Paul Hodgen, a farmer and member of the Indiana Corn Marketing Council says it’s all about moving the pile.  The post

4-H livestock competitors see hard work pay off at Nebraska State Fair

It’s been a busy week at the Nebraska State Fair for 4-H exhibitors.  Fourteen-year-old Harley Hansen was all emotions after her market steer Die Hard won overall grand champion Sunday. “He got really sick in the winter and he was dying. We weren’t sure...

Soy-based asphalt enhancements to be highlighted at Farm Progress Show

Photo: Joclyn Bushman/Iowa Soybean Association The uses of soy will be on display at this year’s Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa. Iowa farmer Jeff Frank serves as treasurer for the Iowa Soybean Association’s Board of Directors. He tells Brownfield attendees will be able...