Farm News

Will the Fed cut rates in March? Economist says not likely

Tuesday, March 18

An ag economist says he doesn’t expect any policy changes from the Federal Reserve during its March meeting this week. University of Missouri’s Ben Brown says several recent economic reports indicated weaker conditions, slowing consumer demand, and some softening in the job market. “My... Read More.

Illinois farmer says input costs are “ugly”

Tuesday, March 18

A central Illinois farmer says input costs haven’t been friendly to the budget this spring. “It’s ugly,” Derek Martin said. Martin says most of his purchases have been more expensive than last year. “They definitely didn’t decrease. From out standpoint, they are definitely on... Read More.

NASDA working on combatting HPAI

Tuesday, March 18

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture is collaborating with government agencies in its efforts to combat highly pathogenic avian influenza. Senior director of public policy RJ Karney says the organization recently amended their policy to align with USDA’s national action plan. “That’s... Read More.

County ARC payments likely in 2025

Tuesday, March 18

Many producers are likely to see federal farm program payments this year. “ARC payments are likely in ‘25.” Paul Mitchell, director of the Renk Agribusiness Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Madison says many farmers were plagued by drought in 2024. “There were some... Read More.

Investing in Consumer Trust

Tuesday, March 18

Research shows Missouri beef consumers feel more strongly about animal welfare and management practices than the national average. In this episode, Dr. Craig Payne with the University of Missouri Extension shares how the Beef Quality Assurance program invests in building consumer trust. The post Investing... Read More.

Eating Michigan Soybeans

Tuesday, March 18

Michigan’s climate is ideal for growing higher protein food-grade soybeans. In this Pods for Profit, we’ll meet an edible soybean marketer with Star of the West Milling Company who will help explain more about the specialty crop and its supply chain. The post Eating... Read More.

How rising retail prices for proteins could shift the make-up of consumer grocery baskets

Tuesday, March 18

Retail prices for beef in the U.S. have already exceeded the record highs hit in 2024. With the costs of other proteins, like eggs, could that impact what consumers are putting in their grocery carts. Charley Martinez with the University of Tennessee says that... Read More.

How rising retail prices for proteins could shift consumers grocery basket make-up

Tuesday, March 18

British, U.S. farmers compare notes on wheat production using conservation practices

Tuesday, March 18

British farmer Mark Stubb credits several crop-specific Yield Enhancement Network programs for nearly doubling his wheat yields, and he was at the Michigan Wheat Program annual meeting to compare notes. The post British, U.S. farmers compare notes on wheat production using conservation practices appeared... Read More.

Chinn: WOTUS certainty needed quickly

Monday, March 17

Missouri’s Ag Director says she’s optimistic for a more durable definition for the latest revamp of the Waters of the United States rule. Chris Chinn tells Brownfield a quick decision from the Trump administration on the Waters of the United States rule is needed... Read More.

USDA takes more comments on HPAI indemnity payment rule

Monday, March 17

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has reopened the public comment period for an interim final rule for indemnity payments for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. The interim final rule requires farmers pass a biosecurity audit before restocking their poultry after an HPAI... Read More.

Beef processing plant closes in southeast South Dakota

Monday, March 17

A beef processing facility in southeastern South Dakota has closed. CIMPL’s, LLC is part of the American Foods Group’s fresh meats division. A press release says the closure is due to changes in the current cattle cycle and other long-term industry changes. More than... Read More.