Farm News

Corn was mixed, soybeans were lower following USDA reports

Monday, March 31

Soybeans ended the day lower following the USDA’s prospective plantings and Quarterly Grain Stocks reports. Planted area is seen at 83.5 million acres, a 4 percent decline from last year. Planted acreage is down or unchanged in 23 of the 29 reporting states. Soybean... Read More.

Robotic dairy finds success without serving pellets

Monday, March 31

Some dairies have been able to successfully get cows to their robotic milkers without pelletized treats. Jay Heeg with Heeg Brothers Dairy near Colby Wisconsin tells Brownfield, “We don’t see any need for the pellets. The cows are doing really good. They go and... Read More.

Farmers see promise in SAF

Monday, March 31

A southern Illinois farmer says the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry can be agriculture’s next big boon. Matt Raben, who farms in White County and serves on the Illinois Corn Marketing Board of Directors, says finding new markets for U.S. corn is crucial for... Read More.

Sec. Rollins releases key biofuel infrastructure funds

Monday, March 31

Photo by Brent Barnett/Brownfield The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture says new biofuel infrastructure funding will have a wide range of uses. Brooke Rollins says the USDA is releasing $537 million in obligated funding under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, or HBIIP. “This funds... Read More.

Markets already factor in USDA data, attention turns to tariffs

Monday, March 31

USDA is expecting U.S. farmers to plant more corn, fewer soybeans and wheat this year. However, Naomi Blohm with Total Farm Marketing says there’s still time for last minute changes as planting season picks up. “Could some of those corn acres go back into... Read More.

USDA projects more corn and fewer soybean acres in 2025

Monday, March 31

The USDA expects farmers to plant more acres of corn and fewer acres of soybeans in 2025. Corn planted area is projected at 95.3 million acres, up 5 percent from last year. The numbers are above the pre-report average estimate, but within the range. ... Read More.

Ag economist expecting additional disaster relief assistance

Monday, March 31

An ag economist at the University of Illinois is expecting farmers to see additional disaster assistance through the American Relief Act of 2025. Gary Schnitkey says the legislation includes $21 billion that was allocated for natural disasters. “This is a continuation of the WHIP... Read More.

Will U.S. ag stay competitive if trade tariffs in effect?

Monday, March 31

Grain market economist Frayne Olson says it’s unclear how competitive U.S. agriculture will remain in global trade if trade tariffs go into effect this week. “Global demand is still very strong and we do have opportunities.” Olson says the response from different trading partners... Read More.

Changes made on World Food Prize Foundation advisory council

Monday, March 31

A former U.S. ag secretary is the new chairman of the World Food Prize Foundation’s Council of Advisors. Tom Vilsack tells Brownfield “there’s a lot of work for us to do in order to broaden and deepen the understanding, relationship and support of the... Read More.

Iowa Corn takes policy priorities to Des Moines

Monday, March 31

Members of the Iowa Corn Growers Association recently discussed policy priorities with Iowa legislators. President Stu Swanson, who farms near Galt in north-central Iowa, says the association held its annual day on the Hill Thursday. “It is a great opportunity for farmers to prioritize... Read More.

USDA tightens corn stocks, soybean and wheat stocks see increase

Monday, March 31

The USDA is reporting tighter corn stocks, while soybean stocks increased as of March 1, 2025. Corn stocks totaled 8.15 billion bushels, down 2 percent from last year. The December 2024 to February 2025 disappearance is 3.92 billion bushels, compared to 3.82 billion bushels... Read More.

CHS grant allows expanded safety training

Monday, March 31

Grant funding from an agricultural cooperative is expanding firefighter farm safety and health training. The CHS Foundation provided the funds, which cover the cost of a full-time trainer, expanding a series of training videos for local fire departments, and 18 trainings over the next... Read More.