Farm News

Feral swine bill passes state legislature in Ohio

Thursday, December 12

The Ohio Senate has passed the Feral Swine bill is a unanimous and bipartisan vote this week. The bill aims to protect Ohio agriculture by eradicating the feral hog population, which poses a significant risk of disease to the state’s livestock industry. It passed out...

AFBF pushes back IFB expulsion

Thursday, December 12

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) won’t terminate Illinois Farm Bureau’s (IFB) membership on December 20th as originally planned. AFBF’s Board of Directors have approved an amended resolution that would instead end IFB’s membership effective 30 days after conclusion of the pending litigation between...

Purdue program improves safety in U.S. egg production

Thursday, December 12

The creator of the Shell Egg Academy would like to grow the quality and sustainability program. Purdue University associate professor Darrin Karcher says it’s currently offered twice a year. “Our target audience is the workers in the production houses with the birds as well as...

HPAI detected in Wisconsin turkey flock

Thursday, December 12

Wisconsin has a new case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a poultry flock. State Veterinarian Darlene Konkle says 13,507 turkeys are affected on a farm in Barron County. She says, “DATCP animal health officials are working with USDA animal health officials to respond...

Take advantage of risk management protection in 2025

Thursday, December 12

An insurance agent says livestock producers should have a risk management plan in 2025. Shane Holtorf says Livestock Risk Protection helps producers protect their income. “Sitting here at all time high prices or right up next to all time high prices, it’s a very attractive program...

U.S. soybean meal exports hit record levels

Thursday, December 12

The CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) says the 2023-2024 marketing year was a record for soybean meal exports. Jim Sutter says export volumes were up 10% on the year and 17% over the five-year average. “It’s been a good year.” He...

Whey and cheese higher, butter and powder lower Thursday

Thursday, December 12

Cash dairy prices were mixed Thursday on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Dry whey prices were up $0.0175 at $0.7675. No sales were recorded. Forty-pound cheese blocks were up $0.0375 at $1.7875. Six sales were recorded, ranging from $1.78 to $1.7875. Cheese barrels were up...

Farmers remain concerned about the lack of a 5-year farm bill

Thursday, December 12

Darke County, Ohio, farmer Matthew Aultman says volatility in the ag industry is ongoing, and farmers need some assurance. “My biggest concern is getting a farm bill signed or a Continuing Resolution here at the end of the year,” he says. “And then look...

Healthy year for beef demand

Thursday, December 12

The CEO of the Minnesota Beef Council is reflecting on a year of strong demand. Kelly Schmidt says 2024 has been healthy for the cattle business. “In terms of our product, and I think that’s a reflection of good demand in a lot of...

Continuing to grow export demand

Thursday, December 12

The director of market development for Ohio Corn and Wheat says trade missions in 2024 focused on building demand overseas. Wendy Osborn says Ohio farmers visited four target markets in 2024. “We were able to stretch across 3 continents through our trade missions this...

Soybean, corn export sales see week-to-week decline

Thursday, December 12

Soybean and corn export sales were down on the week. The USDA says the week-to-week decline for corn followed a slower week of business with Mexico, while soybean sales were impacted by a cancelation from unknown destinations. Pork, wheat, rice, cotton, and soybean meal...

Push continues for Ohio drought relief bill

Thursday, December 12

There are just a handful of legislative days in the state, and the Ohio Farm Bureau is hoping the drought relief bill can make it across the finish line. Evan Callicoat, director of state policy, says Ohio Farm Bureau has been working hard to...