Farm News

Broker discusses old-crop marketing options

Friday, July 26

A commodity broker says some farmers are waiting for demand to pick up before they market their grain. Tommy Grisafi with Advanced Trading says he expects some more grower decisions to be made soon. “We can’t force the farmer to sell,” he said. “There’s...

Iowa farmer optimistic about his 2024 crop

Friday, July 26

A western Iowa farmer says the 2024 growing season has been better than expected. Kelly Garrett raises corn, soybeans, and winter wheat in Crawford County. “The corn planted before April 25th looks perfect,” he said. “There are a few weak spots. In those side...

Dairy cooperative offers permitting assistance through new tool

Friday, July 26

Dairy farmers that need assistance with new or renewed CAFO permits have a new tool available. Tim Trotter with Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative tells Brownfield their Maestro program will assist farmers through the many steps and processes of obtaining and maintaining a permit, and...

Farmers continue to tackle higher fertilizer prices

Friday, July 26

A market specialist says the fertilizer market has been confusing for growers. “In the face of declining commodity prices, fertilizer prices are holding strong,” said Galynn Beer with AgroLiquid. Beer says there’s some potential for phosphorus prices to move lower. “And if it doesn’t,...

More cheese going towards snacks

Friday, July 26

Cheese production is growing, and a dairy economist says processors are betting on snacks and convenience foods. Geiger says the snacking cheese category is growing rapidly, and it’s not all chunks, slices, and charcuterie boards. “This is going to be like pairing chunks of...

Heat dominates the Plains, expands into parts of the western Corn Belt

Friday, July 26

Across the Corn Belt, hot weather is expanding into the far upper Midwest, where Friday’s high temperatures will generally range from 90 to 100°F. In areas that have experienced a cool, wet growing season to date, a short-lived hot spell may benefit corn and...

Iowa Corn Growers president encouraged by June GM corn dispute hearing in Mexico

Friday, July 26

The president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association is encouraged by the latest developments in the GM corn dispute with Mexico. Jolene Riessen says as part of the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement dispute settlement process, a public hearing was held in Mexico late last...

A seasonal weather pattern continues for the Heartland; welcome rains in the Southeast

Friday, July 26

Rainfall in the South will become less organized, although 5-day totals could still reach 1 to 3 inches in numerous locations. Meanwhile, a cold front will generate locally severe thunderstorms while crossing the northern Plains and upper Midwest, with 1 to 3 inches of...

Census of Ag deep dive highlights value of Iowa agriculture

Friday, July 26

New data tied to the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture highlights the vital role agriculture plays in Iowa’s economy. Brian Waddingham with the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers says the study takes a deep dive into the census and what livestock and crop production...

A hot, humid pattern ahead; rain chances to vary for parts of the Heartland

Friday, July 26

Looking ahead, the 6- to 10-day outlook calls for above-normal temperatures nearly nationwide, with an area stretching from the Plains and upper Midwest into the New England having the greatest likelihood of experiencing hotter-than-normal weather. Meanwhile, near- or above-normal rainfall along and near the...

Farmers facing off against corn aphids

Friday, July 26

Two central Illinois farmers are among many in the state fighting corn aphids. “They’re everywhere. I’ve heard some guys say that it’s literally sucking the life out of some of their corn.” Clint Gorden, who farms in Macon County, says they’re not usually a...

Sugarbeet Grower leader trying to stay positive about new farm bill in 2024

Friday, July 26

The president of the American Sugarbeet Growers Association says he’s trying to stay positive about the farm bill getting done in 2024. Neil Rockstad tells Brownfield some lawmakers are saying the legislation can get pushed through despite relatively few legislative days remaining before the...