Farm News

USAID funding research into climate resilience in crops, improved use of precision technology

Friday, November 29

The U.S. Agency for International Development is funding research to study climate resilience in crops and improved use of precision technology. Kansas State University agronomy professor Vara Prasad tells Brownfield… “What we first want to do is to understand how these high temperature events,...

Christmas tree growers say prices not increasing for consumers

Friday, November 29

Christmas tree growers expect to keep prices stable with less inflationary pressure this year. Real Christmas Tree Board Executive Director Marsha Gray tells Brownfield nearly half of wholesale growers in their annual survey said their input costs were up less than five percent. “This...

A Winter “feel” for many; the “look” of Winter for some

Friday, November 29

Across the Corn Belt, cold, blustery weather prevails. Snow showers and squalls are raging downwind of the Great Lakes, mainly across Michigan, although flurries extend as far south as the Ohio Valley. Friday’s high temperatures should range from around 10°F in the Red River...

Illinois Soybean Association teaming with NRCS for more conservation opportunities

Friday, November 29

The chairman of the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) says a new three-year partnership with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is bringing more conservation assistance to farmers. Ron Kindred, who farms in Logan County, tells Brownfield it means more boots on the ground....

A mixed week for export sales

Friday, November 29

The USDA is reporting a generally mixed week for U.S. export sales of commodities. With net sales of 2,490,500 MT, soybean sales were a marketing-year high, up 34 percent from the previous week and up 41 percent from the prior 4-week average. Increases were...

Nebraska 2024 net farm increase expected to decrease

Friday, November 29

An ag economist with the University of Nebraska says he expects 2024 net farm income to decrease for several reasons. On this week’s episode, Brad Lubben explains more about why the downtrend continues, despite records set the year prior. He also explains what changes...

Making More Effective Nitrogen Applications in Variable Soil Conditions

Friday, November 29

Many growers prefer to make nitrogen applications in the spring, but spring can bring unpredictable soil conditions. On this episode of the Nitrogen Corner, an agronomy expert with Koch Agronomic Services talks about how soil can play a role in the effectiveness of nitrogen...

Extension specialist says U.S. could turn to Canada to meet import needs

Friday, November 29

An extension beef specialist says the U.S. may need to consider other trading partners to fill the void left by the temporary suspension of live cattle imports from Mexico. Charley Martinez with the University of Tennessee says the U.S. may need to look to...

Females in Food turns 5

Thursday, November 28

A networking organization is working to close the gender gap in leadership positions throughout the food supply chain. Females in Food President Alyssa Badger tells Brownfield, “Eighty percent of food buying decisions globally are made by women, but only 24 percent of senior leader...

Watching the farm bill in the lame duck

Thursday, November 28

The executive director of the Plant Based Product Council says finalizing a farm bill before the end of the year is becoming increasingly difficult. James Glueck is also the former policy director for Senate Ag Committee Chairman Pat Roberts. “Always hopeful that there’s a...

Turkey prices are expected to decline 30 percent this year

Thursday, November 28

The head of a state poultry group is encouraging consumers to stock up on turkey before the avian influenza outbreak impacts the supply chain. Bill Mattos with the California Poultry Federation says retail turkey prices should be much higher because of reduced supplies this...

Iowa job losses connected to downturn in farm economy

Thursday, November 28

The down farm economy is taking a toll on employment in at least one Midwestern state. Iowa Farm Bureau economics and research manager Christopher Pudenz says recent analysis shows the downturn could claim more than 11,000 jobs in the state. “With a $1.5 billion...