Farm News

Despite fall drought, cattle producer says feed supplies good

Sunday, January 19

A central Illinois cattle producer says his hay supplies are holding up through the winter. Chase Brown, who raises Hereford cattle in Macon County, tells Brownfield, “We had a pretty good year making hay, putting up good quality hay.” He says, “Our cows, they’re...

Rural broadband gaps shrinking

Sunday, January 19

A new report shows high-speed broadband reaching more rural Americans. Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of NTCA—the Rural Broadband Association, says their 2024 survey found more than 76 percent of customers have access to Gigabit downstream speeds, an increase from 67 percent in 2023. “These community-based...

Purdue Extension working to expand impacts in 2025

Thursday, January 16

The interim director of Purdue Extension says the organization is working to expand its statewide impact in 2025. Angie Abbott says extension outreach programs provide tailored knowledge based on local needs. “We provide people with skills that they need to help move projects forward...

Minnesota Farm Bureau legislative priorities include generational farming

Thursday, January 16

The 2025 Minnesota Legislative Session began this week and Minnesota Farm Bureau director of public policy Loren Dauer says the organization has several priorities. “This year with everything that’s going on, we wanted to take another stab at what really is affecting our membership...

Farmers consider less crop insurance coverage

Thursday, January 16

A farm business management instructor says some farmers are considering cuts to crop insurance. Kristina McVicker with South Central College in Mankato, Minnesota tells Brownfield it’s partly a reflection of very tight margins. “They’re really giving it a lot of consideration, and the crop...

Trade a priority for Klobuchar

Thursday, January 16

Trade is a priority for the Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Minnesota Democrat Amy Klobuchar tells Brownfield there’s great value in ag exports. “The tariff talk, you know I believe in targeted tariffs (but) do get concerned if they’re across-the-board tariffs that...

House Dems introduce Prevent Tariff Abuse Act

Thursday, January 16

A group of Democrats in the U.S. House have introduced a bill that would prevent the incoming Trump administration from imposing import tariffs through a national emergency declaration without Congressional approval. The Prevent Tariff Abuse Act, co-authored by Democrats Suzan DelBene of Washington and...

Gevo CEO says USDA’s Climate Smart Ag policy will benefit biofuels industry

Thursday, January 16

The CEO of Gevo says USDA’s interim rule including climate smart ag practices could create new opportunities to improve efficiency and economic value for biofuels. Patrick Gruber says the proposed rule gives farmers clarity for accessing the benefits of eligible practices. “No till, reduced...

Get to know your fresh chiles

Thursday, January 16

While many chiles are hot, hot, hot. They can do more than just provide heat to your culinary dish. There are several different kinds of chiles and they range from not-so-hot to incredibly hot. AUDIO: Healthy Living on fresh chiles The post

Understanding Your Soil Test Analysis

Thursday, January 16

Nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium are often seen as the key nutrients in a plant’s overall development and growth. But in this week’s episode, an expert with AgroLiquid explains why micronutrients may be the better option to improve the return on investment. The post

Power struggle an early storyline as Minnesota legislators work on budget

Thursday, January 16

2025 is a budget year for the Minnesota Legislature. Minnesota Farmers Union government relations director Stu Lourey says there are implications for agriculture. “Fundamentally, they’re charged with passing a new state budget for everything from road construction to meat inspections to potato grading.” He...

Deere & Company sued for alleged repair monopoly

Thursday, January 16

John Deere has been sued by the Federal Trade Commission and the states of Minnesota and Illinois, claiming the company uses unfair practices that prevent farmers from repairing their own equipment. The suit, filed Wednesday claims Deere and Company forces farmers to rely on...