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Cold weather not enough to solve insect problems yet

An entomologist says the cold weather being experienced by many in the upper Midwest this week will probably not help control some crop pests. Emily Bick is an entomology professor and researcher with the University of Wisconsin. She tells Brownfield corn rootworm is used...

ASA sees opportunity in proposed monarch listing

A member of the board of directors for the American Soybean Association (ASA) says the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposed listing of monarch butterflies under the Endangered Species Act is an opportunity for agriculture. Brandon Wipf, a South Dakota farmer, tells Brownfield… “They...

CONAB makes minor changes to Brazil crop estimates

Brazil’s equivalent of the USDA trimmed its combined grain and oilseed production estimates. CONAB has combined crop production at 322.425 million tons, slightly less than the November guess following minor adjustments to planted area and yield projections, but still up 8.2% on the year...

Livestock economist approaching 2025 with cautious optimism

A livestock economist is reminding cattle producers to have a risk management plan. Don Close, with Terrain Ag says he’s bullish on cattle markets heading into 2025, but is also approaching the new year with some caution. “When cattle prices get to all-time record...

USMEF CEO says outlook for beef remains strong

The CEO of the US Meat Export Federation says the outlook for beef is strong heading into 2025. Dan Halstrom tells Brownfield beef exports are ending 2024 on a high note. “We’re going to be very close to last year’s volume, but we’re going...

Breitkreutz family receives Minnesota’s first Leopold Conservation Award

A farm family from southwest Minnesota is the recipient of the state’s first Leopold Conservation Award. Dawn and Grant Breitkreutz own and operate Stoney Creek Farm near Redwood Falls.  Dawn tells Brownfield they are honored to be recognized for their efforts. “It means the...

Congress continues work on supplemental disaster package for farmers

Congress continues to discuss ways to provide supplemental financial assistance to farmers. U.S. Congressman and House Ag Committee member Brad Finstad, who farms in Minnesota, tells Brownfield producers are having to make difficult decisions for the 2025 growing season. “In regards to operating loans...

Minnesota Biofuels Association celebrates E15 milestone

The Minnesota Biofuels Association is celebrating a significant milestone. Executive director Brian Werner says there are now 500 E15 fueling stations in Minnesota. “I think that’s a pretty big accomplishment. That’s roughly 25 percent of all of the fuel stations in the state of...

Cattle futures supported by direct business

Chicago Mercantile Exchange live and feeder cattle were up, watching direct business develop in the North at higher prices, following up on Tuesday’s steady to higher trade. February live was up $2.35 at $191.37 and April was $1.97 higher at $192.62. January feeders were...

What resources do beginning farmers need?

USDA and Michigan State University Extension are collaborating to create more comprehensive resources for beginning farmers. USDA Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Coordinator for Michigan Aimee Swenson tells Brownfield, “I get calls, emails several times a week— How do I get started? What do I...

Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: December 11, 2024

Mar. corn closed at $4.48 and 1/4, down 3/4 centJan. soybeans closed at $9.95 and 1/2, up 3/4 centJan. soybean meal closed at $291.10, down 90 centsJan. soybean oil closed at 42.44, down 28 pointsMar. wheat closed at $5.63 and 1/4, up 1 and...