Farm News

November milk production down slightly

Thursday, December 19

USDA says milk production in the 24 major producing states was down 0.8% from a year ago. The November production totaled 17.2 billion pounds. Nationwide, production was down 1% at 17.9 billion pounds. The number of milk cows in the U.S. totaled 9.37 million...

Successful Illinois EATS program faces uncertainty

Thursday, December 19

The executive director of the Illinois Specialty Growers Association says the state’s successful Illinois EATS program faces an uncertain future. Raghela Scavuzzo says the program has provided increased market opportunities for farmers and much needed food for communities. “That is funded through the Local...

Financial and disaster aid for farmers at risk

Thursday, December 19

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture says financial assistance and disaster aid for America’s farmers and ranchers is at risk with the lack of a federal spending bill. Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “We had a deal.” In an exclusive interview with Brownfield, he said the...

Rep. Hinson seeks Prop 12 solution in 2025

Thursday, December 19

U.S. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson says she hopes Congress addresses California’s Proposition 12 law sometime in 2025. “I do believe the farm bill extension is not going to include that (Prop 12) language,” she told reporters Thursday. Proposition 12 bans the sale of pork, veal,...

Drought assistance coming for Ohio farmers

Thursday, December 19

The director of state policy at Ohio Farm Bureau says Senate Bill 54 has passed the state legislature with bipartisan support. Evan Callicoat says the $10 million drought relief bill comes after a challenging 2024. “Rising input costs, property taxes going through the roof, land...

November red meat production down on slower slaughter

Thursday, December 19

Commercial red meat production was down during November 2024. The USDA says the monthly total of 4.564 billion pounds was 3% lower than November 2023 with slower slaughter rates for both cattle and hogs canceling out steady to higher average live weights. Beef production...

RFA CEO optimistic year-round E15 will remain in funding bill

Thursday, December 19

After a government funding plan broke down Wednesday, there is uncertainty whether a new bill will include a provision for year-round E15. Geoff Cooper, CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, tells Brownfield he remains optimistic. “There is absolutely zero cost associated with the year...

New USB secretary sees strong demand for U.S. soy

Thursday, December 19

The new secretary for the United Soybean Board says she’s optimistic about the future of U.S. soy exports. Susan Watkins tells Brownfield, “I think we’re trying to get into new markets. We understand you can’t rely on the same players over and over again....

Opportunities in planting high oleic soybeans

Thursday, December 19

A western Indiana farmer says producers should consider planting high oleic soybeans in 2025. Kevin Cox says the product is helping boost soybean demand. “This is a product that we’re able to promote through the use of Indiana grown soybeans and to be able to...

Tariffs as a potential trade negotiating tactic

Thursday, December 19

An ag policy expert says he expects President-elect Donald Trump’s threat of tariffs to play some role in future U.S. trade negotiations. Jordan Dux, with Nebraska Farm Bureau tells Brownfield there are some questions about how tariffs can be used strategically. “Are we talking...

Uncertainties spark questions about conservation funding

Thursday, December 19

Some farmers and landowners might be concerned about access to conservation funds given uncertainty with the farm bill and a change in administration. But Adam Kiel with the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund says he’s assured by the private sector’s focus on sustainable agriculture....

Ag equipment sales soften in 2024

Thursday, December 19

Farm machinery sales weakened in 2024. Curt Blades with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers says the market was soft in all categories to end the year. “Overall tractor sales were down a little over 13 percent for the year, and combines were down about...