Farm News

Soybean growers brace for short and long-term trade war impacts

Friday, April 4

The American Soybean Association is concerned about how trade retaliation will impact farmer viability. Director of Government Affairs Virginia Houston tells Brownfield Chinese tariffs on U.S. soybeans have increased to about 60 percent after the latest retaliatory tariff announcement. “That’s an astronomically high rate for... Read More.

Some farm expansions happening despite down economy

Friday, April 4

An agricultural banker says some farm operations are borrowing for expansions despite the down farm economy and higher interest rates. Roger Sinkula with Nicolet National Bank tells Brownfield much of that expansion is in the dairy sector. “I see a couple of farmers that... Read More.

NCBA optimistic tariffs will help level the playing field for U.S. beef

Friday, April 4

The head lobbyist for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says he’s optimistic the President’s tariff announcement will level the playing field for U.S. beef on the global market. Ethan Lane says American beef has been the target of unfair trade practices. “The President, in... Read More.

Farmers gaining interest in short-stature corn

Friday, April 4

There could be another uptick in short-stature corn acreage this year. Stine Seed CEO Myron Stine says more farmers are talking about growing short corn. “Our definition of short-stature corn is probably different than some other companies have, so as that whole thing has... Read More.

Planning for tar spot

Friday, April 4

An agronomist with AgriGold says many farmers have tar spot on their mind. Brian Weihmeir, who covers central Illinois, says the yield robbing corn disease is at the forefront of many farmers plans for the 2025 growing season. “That kept a lot of growers... Read More.

Nebraska FFA members give back by packaging meals for kids in need

Friday, April 4

Teaming up to provide meals for 400 children statewide. Nearly 800 Nebraska FFA members took part in an event with Meals for the Heartland during this year’s 97th state convention. They packaged more than 100,000 meals to be delivered to the Food Bank of... Read More.

Sec. Rollins, ethanol industry express need for E15 year-round

Friday, April 4

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says the Trump administration remains committed to finding a permanent solution for year-round E15. “What our farmers and ranchers stand for is how we truly save the future of the country,” Rollins said. “We do believe that E15 is a... Read More.

Planting season off to a measured start in central IL

Friday, April 4

A pair of central Illinois farmers say the 2025 planting season is off to a measured start in their area. Ron Kindred, who grows corn and soybeans in Logan County, tells Brownfield, “A lot of anhydrous got put on in the last couple of... Read More.

A pattern shift ahead next week to drier weather; a gradual moderation of temperatures, too

Friday, April 4

Looking ahead, the 6- to 10-day outlook calls for the likelihood of below-normal temperatures along and east of a line from Louisiana to Michigan, while warmer-than-normal weather will prevail from the Pacific Coast to the Plains and upper Midwest. Meanwhile, near- or below-normal precipitation... Read More.

Early assessments on alfalfa

Friday, April 4

An extension crops educator encourages growers to assess alfalfa conditions. Dave Nicolai is with the University of Minnesota. “We don’t know for sure, but we think it’s actually going to be okay. It’s somewhat based on having really cold temperatures without that snow cover,... Read More.

Corteva confirms layoffs in Johnston, Iowa

Friday, April 4

Corteva Agriscience has confirmed some upcoming layoffs at its Johnston, Iowa location. According to Iowa Workforce Development data, approximately 44 employees will be laid off next month. In a statement to Brownfield, a Corteva spokesperson said the company regularly evaluates the organization and at... Read More.

The path to fair trade

Friday, April 4

Ted McKinney with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture says the path to fair trade is likely going to be a bumpy ride. “Let’s take our sedatives in the morning, replenish at noon if we need to and add a couple of... Read More.