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Soybean crush, corn for ethanol use down on month

The U.S. soybean crush was down in August. The USDA says 168 million bushels of soybeans were crushed during August 2024, falling 25 million from July and 1 million from August 2023. Those declines were due to some plants performing seasonal maintenance ahead of...

National Nematode Day

Today is National Nematode Day.  Ohio State University soybean pathologist Horacio Lopez-Nicora says the SCN Coalition strategically selected October first to bring attention to soybean cyst nematode. “It’s when most of our growers are starting, in the midst of, or wrapping up soybean harvest....

Farmer sentiment drops to its lowest level since 2016

Purdue University ag economist says farmers sentiment has reached it’s lowest level since 2016 in the latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer.  He says the decline can be attributed to increased concerns about lower crop and livestock prices. “To put that in perspective, about...

Illinois cattle producer optimistic

A north central Illinois producer says things are going well in the cattle industry. David Mool, who raises beef cattle and row crops in McLean County, says he’s optimistic the market will hold. “I don’t envision this cow herd growing, and we certainly aren’t...

Bipartisan cohort of U.S. lawmakers form Sustainable Aviation Caucus

A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators has formed the Sustainable Aviation Caucus to aid in the advancement of the industry. Kansas Republican Jerry Moran will serve as the caucus chair… “Again it’s one more market for agriculture commodities. We’ve got to make up this...

Risk protection key in down price environment

A Minnesota farmer is stressing the importance of risk protection amid low commodity prices and high input costs. Darin Johnson says it’s a tough environment for marketing corn and soybeans. “As we figure break-evens looking into this next year, we are well below the...

Prairie Farms Dairy acquires Ohio-based SmithFoods

Illinois-based cooperative Prairie Farms Dairy has acquired Orrville, Ohio-based SmithFoods. SmithFoods operates under the retail brand Smith and are known for their plant-based dairy products. SmithFoods says the shared values of Prairie Farms Dairy will ensure success for years to come. Both companies say...

New NCGA president lays out priorities

The new president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) says farmers are facing many hurdles as his one-year term begins. Kenneth Hartman Jr., a fifth-generation farmer from Waterloo, Illinois, tells Brownfield… “There’s higher costs when it comes to fuel labor, you know, across...

Nebraska Corn Board, Growth Energy applaud House bill for year-round E15

The executive director of the Nebraska Corn Board says a House bill that would establish permanent year-round sales of E15 is a good step forward for corn growers. Kelly Brunkhorst tells Brownfield… “Essentially, we would be looking at a 50% increase in the ethanol...

How port shutdowns impact U.S. agriculture

More than 35 East and Gulf Coast ports are at a standstill due to a labor union strike and the executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition says meat and poultry exports are a concern. “These occur in refrigerated containers, so there is a...

Kansas Ag Secretary talks HPAI

The Kansas Secretary of Ag says protecting animal health is crucial to expanding exports.  Mike Beam tells Brownfield… “We have to protect our livestock and also protect human health, so we have to understand that there are expectations by other countries,” he says. “For...

Organic Farmers Association says members need a farm bill

The executive director of the Organic Farmers Association says their members need a new five-year farm bill. Kate Mendenhall says all farmers need a safety net. “We continue to push for crop insurance fixes for organic farmers so that crop insurance program will work...