Farm News

Farmers more optimistic about the ag economy, but still show concerns

Thursday, November 7

An ag economist says producers are showing optimism about improvements in the ag economy, but still hold concerns about current conditions. Jim Mintert is with Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture. “Clearly people are still worried about those key factors of what it costs to put... Read More.

2024 a strong year for ethanol

Thursday, November 7

2024 has been a strong year for the ethanol industry. Minnesota Biofuels Association executive director Brian Werner says ethanol stakeholders are in a position of strength. “We’ve seen great production numbers, we’ve seen great exports. Exports to Canada and other places around the world... Read More.

Tar spot gaining foothold in southern Illinois/Indiana

Thursday, November 7

An agronomist with Golden Harvest says management of tar spot is on farmers minds as they plan for 2025. Nate Prater, who covers the southern third of Illinois and portions of southwestern Indiana, tells Brownfield… “We saw tar spot come in on some of... Read More.

Ohio Corn and Wheat focused on nationwide E15 in the lame duck

Thursday, November 7

The executive director of the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association wants Congress to pass the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act in the lame duck. Tadd Nicholson tells Brownfield… “E15 is so bipartisan with a broad coalition of support that we hope... Read More.

Nationwide Insurance donates grain rescue tubes

Thursday, November 7

A senior official with Nationwide Insurance says 58 rural fire departments in 32 states have received critical safety equipment. Laramie Sandquist, senior assistant vice president with Nationwide Agribusiness, says the company and its partners have provided the departments with grain rescue tubes. “It’s an... Read More.

Agriculture concerned tariffs will be part of Trump trade agenda

Thursday, November 7

The return of Donald Trump to the White House has some in agriculture concerned tariffs will be a part of the incoming administration’s trade approach. Compeer Financial vice president of legislative affairs Perry Aasness says President Trump has a track record of using tariffs,... Read More.

Using technology to improve cattle diagnostics in feedlots

Thursday, November 7

With the use of ultrasound, veterinary professionals can determine lung scores to decide the course of treatment for an animal chute-side. Dr. Luis Feitoza with the Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University explains what he’s looking for during the ultrasound. “It ranges one... Read More.

Beef, pork export sales fall to marketing year lows

Thursday, November 7

The USDA says pork and beef export sales hit marketing year lows during the week ending October 31st. Those lower-than-average sales totals for both followed reductions in purchases and a handful of outright cancelations from some key customers. That’s partially seasonal as buyers reevaluate... Read More.

Next USDA Supply & Demand report out Friday

Thursday, November 7

An agricultural economist says farmers need to be watching several things ahead of Friday’s USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate (WASDE). Brian Basting, with Advance Trading, says keep an eye on U.S. export numbers. “I think they will increase exports for corn compared... Read More.

USMEF says red meat export market continues to navigate headwinds well

Thursday, November 7

The CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation says the beef and pork export industry is getting used to navigating volatility in the global markets. Dan Halstrom says there have been plenty of headwinds to overcome. “The last year’s strong U.S. dollar, which is... Read More.

Rain lingers south of the lower Ohio Valley; new moisture pattern on the southern High Plains

Thursday, November 7

Across the Corn Belt, dry weather has returned, aside from lingering showers in the Ohio Valley. Fieldwork delays continue where the heaviest rain fell in recent days, mainly across Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin, as well as portions of neighboring states. However, only 6%... Read More.

Protecting agriculture from cyber criminals

Thursday, November 7

An FBI special agent says agriculture is a growing target for cyber criminals. On this week’s episode, Gene Kowel, with the FBI’s Omaha field office, talks about why that threat exists and what the potential disruption could mean if left unchecked. He also explains... Read More.