Ad Astra Radio Family Brands

Ag banker concerned about lengthy downturn in farm economy

An ag banker is concerned about a prolonged downturn in the farm economy. Ed Elfmann is with the American Bankers Association. “USDA is predicting a 27 percent drop in farm income over the next year, who knows what next year will look like into...

Ernst continues push for nationwide E15 standard

A U.S. Senator continues to call for year-round sales of E15 nationwide. Iowa Republican Joni Ernst tells Brownfield the biofuel will be available during the summer months in eight Midwestern states beginning next year. “But we need the Biden-Harris administration to do the waiver...

Beck’s Hybrids helping farmers navigate lower prices

The president of Beck’s Hybrids says they’re focused on helping farmers navigate lower profitability.                    Scott Beck knows farmers are feeling the squeeze of lower commodity prices. “It’s really a holistic approach to partnering with farmers to help us go through the tougher times together,”...

Colombia accuses U.S. of subsidizing milk powder exports

U.S. milk powder is being targeted for countervailing tariffs by the South American government of Colombia, which claims U.S. milk powders are subsidized by the government. Shawna Morris, with the U.S. Dairy Export Council, tells Brownfield that there’s no basis for Colombia’s complaint. “In...

Farm Technology Days an opportunity to teach farm safety

A farm safety organization is urging families to be very careful as grain bin cleaning and filling season arrives.  Brian Kuhl with Progressive Agriculture tells Brownfield people die every year from grain bin engulfment. “And the easiest way to prevent that is to just...

Farmers encouraged to keep eye on expenses as inflation slows

An ag banker says farmers need to maintain strong balance sheets even as inflation has slowed.  Barry Benson with Nebraska-based First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) tells Brownfield… We do have to look to sharpen our pencils, make sure that we’re controlling costs where we can,” he...

Be strategic moving old crop grain

University of Iowa Ag Economist Chad Hart says many farmers have a lot of old crop grain in storage and some of that will need to be moved to make room for what’s expected to be a good crop this fall harvest. The post

Columbia accuses U.S. of subsidizing milk powder exports

U.S. milk powder is being targeted for countervailing tariffs by the South American government of Columbia, which claims U.S. milk powders are subsidized by the government. Shawna Morris with the U.S. Dairy Export Council tells Brownfield there’s no basis for Columbia’s complaint. “In a...

Cyberattacks a growing concern in agriculture

Cyberattacks continue to be a growing problem for the agriculture sector.  Mark McHargue, president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau tells Brownfield… “They’re really looking at certainly supply chain type venues or vectors that people can get in and disrupt,” he says. He tells Brownfield...

IFB encourages mental health awareness as farm profitability wanes

Top officials with the Illinois Farm Bureau say profitability concerns are bringing increased awareness around farmer mental health. President, and Ogle County farmer, Brian Duncan tells Brownfield… “As we look at depressed commodity prices, wondering where the relief is insight, I think we do...

Uzbekistan becoming a U.S. soybean destination

Soybean export business is growing in Uzbekistan. Minnesota farmer Patrick O’Leary says he was in the central Asian country last week for the arrival of about 150 tons of U.S. soymeal. “A very small thing, but it was really our pilot or test to...

Cattle futures supported by stronger boxed beef

At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were up waiting for direct business to develop.  Contracts were oversold and there was support by stronger boxed beef prices.  October live cattle closed $.72 higher at $180.75 and December live cattle closed $1.35 higher...