Farm News

Recent rains welcome for cover crops

Tuesday, November 5

Recent rains across the Midwest are a welcome sight for farmers that have seeded cover crops. Northern Illinois farmer Norm Deets tells Brownfield the dry fall has challenged crop establishment. “One of the things that we’ll probably see if the weather does turn cold,... Read More.

Another strong month for ethanol exports

Tuesday, November 5

U.S. ethanol exports remain on a record pace. The Renewable Fuels Association says the September total of 148.5 million gallons was up 5% from August. Canada took the top slot for the 42nd month in a row, pulling in nearly half of all monthly... Read More.

Down cycles in ag lead to more farm transitions

Tuesday, November 5

An agricultural economist says downturns in the ag economy typically lead to an increase in farm transitions. Dr. David Kohl, professor emeritus at Virginia Tech, tells Brownfield… “Given the economic cycle this whole thing of transition management will accelerate because I’m hearing a number... Read More.

Grassley remains pessimistic about lame duck farm bill

Tuesday, November 5

There’s still hope the farm bill can be completed during the lame duck session of Congress. But U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley tells Brownfield he’s not optimistic. “I haven’t heard of any movement during the month of October, and that movement would be just among... Read More.

Precision Conservation Management

Tuesday, November 5

For nearly ten years, the Illinois Corn Checkoff has invested in the Precision Conservation Management program to help farmers realize the economics of in-field conservation. In this Managing for Profit, three Illinois farmers share their experience with PCM. The post Precision Conservation Management appeared... Read More.

Largely beneficial rains from the southern Plains to the Great Lakes region

Tuesday, November 5

Across the Corn Belt, a storm system crossing the upper Midwest is producing widespread rain and slowing or halting fieldwork. A wide temperature gradient exists across the storm, with Tuesday’s Midwestern high temperatures expected to range from near 45°F in much of Minnesota to... Read More.

How an increase in pigs per litter is affecting the market

Tuesday, November 5

A Purdue University ag economist says U.S. pork producers have steadily increased productivity since the mid-1990’s. Michael Langemeier says the number of pigs per litter reached a record high in September. “Annually, there’s a 0.1 pig increase, that’s 3.1 pigs from 1994 to 2023,”... Read More.

Several winter wheat areas get much-needed rain

Tuesday, November 5

An ag meteorologist says some of the bigger hard red winter wheat growing areas are getting some much-needed rain this week. Drew Lerner with World Weather Incorporated says the most impressive rains over the weekend were in West Texas into southeastern Kansas. “Rain totals... Read More.

An active and moisture-laden pattern to continue across the Heartland; mild for the season

Tuesday, November 5

Looking ahead, the 6- to 10-day outlook calls for the likelihood of near- or below-normal temperatures in the West, while warmer-than-normal weather will prevail from the Plains to the Atlantic Coast. Meanwhile, wetter-than-normal conditions will cover much of the country, with near- or below-normal... Read More.

Agricultural Youth Exchange connecting Kansas State University students with Taiwan

Tuesday, November 5

An agricultural youth exchange program at Kansas State University is helping students learn more about global agriculture. Each year, thanks to a partnership between Kansas State University and Taiwan’s National Chung Hsing University, six students spend a week traveling abroad. Junior agriculture education major... Read More.

Rains bring optimism for some cattle producers

Tuesday, November 5

Recent rains have been a welcome sight for many cattle producers. Tony Hancock is with the Missouri Department of Agriculture. “We’re hoping we get a little runoff to put some water in the pond,” he says. “You can buy feed, you can truck feed,... Read More.

New FARM ES program updates can help producers use GHG data

Tuesday, November 5

Farmers generate a lot of data, but turning date into dollars is not always easy, even with emerging carbon markets. Nicole Ayoche with the National Milk Producers Federation says their Farmers Assuring Responsible Management Environmental Stewardship or FARM-ES program has just been updated, and... Read More.