Farm News

Has ag economy bottomed out?

Friday, February 28

Has the farm economy bottomed out? Iowa State University Extension and Outreach vice president Jason Henderson tells Brownfield it’s close. “I think right now we’re really close to a bottom in the farm economy. It’s gone from about $200 billion on a real basis... Read More.

Sen. Ernst lauds Greer’s USTR confirmation

Friday, February 28

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst says she’s hopeful new U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will explore free trade agreements with emerging markets. “We saw absolutely no new trade deals in the previous four years,” she said. “It’s time to break that loose and get on... Read More.

Tariff impacts on U.S. agriculture

Friday, February 28

With tariffs on Canada and Mexico looming, an economist is concerned about the long-term impacts on agriculture. Ohio State University professor Ian Sheldon says he’s most worried about the U.S. soybean industry. “The rates at which Brazil has been grabbing market share has been growing very, very... Read More.

A conservation convert

Friday, February 28

A central Illinois farmer says a decision to change farming practices ten years ago has made him a conservation convert. Randy Strubhar, who farms in McLean and DeWitt County, says introducing cover crops and no-till practices has transformed his farm. “We turned the corner... Read More.

Nebraska farmer says additional moisture needed ahead of growing season

Friday, February 28

An eastern Nebraska farmer says a lack of moisture could be problematic for spring planting. Tanner Hoffman tells Brownfield dry conditions have been in place for the past two to three months. “I think that may come to roost as we hit planting. We’re... Read More.

Milder to more seasonal days ahead across the Heartland; a more active pattern in the new week

Friday, February 28

Looking ahead, the 6- to 10-day outlook calls for the likelihood of near- or above-normal temperatures and near- or below-normal precipitation across the central one-third of the U.S. Meanwhile, wetter-than-normal weather will prevail in the East and west of the Rockies, while cooler-than-normal conditions... Read More.

Wind-blown, nnseasonably mild weather across the Heartland; colder air poised to the north

Friday, February 28

Across the Corn Belt, mild, breezy weather prevails in advance of an approaching cold front. The front is connected to a low-pressure system, which early Friday was centered near Lake Superior and is producing snow in the upper Great Lakes region. Pre-frontal temperatures could... Read More.

Milder to more seasonal days ahead across the Heartland; a more active pattern too for some

Friday, February 28

Looking ahead, the 6- to 10-day outlook calls for near- or above-normal temperatures nationwide, except for cooler-than-normal conditions from California to the Four Corners States. Meanwhile, below-normal precipitation in the Rio Grande Valley should contrast with wetter-than-normal weather across much of the remainder of... Read More.

Unseasonably mild, wind-blown weather across the Heartland; colder air poised to the north

Friday, February 28

Across the Corn Belt, an organized storm system is producing light rain and snow showers in the upper Great Lakes region. Friday’s Midwestern maximum temperatures will remain below 40°F in the upper Great Lakes region—but should reach or exceed 65°F in much of the... Read More.

Perseverance paying off

Thursday, February 27

A young Wisconsin dairy farmer says perseverance is paying off. Evan Schrauth from Cloven View Holsteins in Fond du Lack County says he’s always wanted to be a dairyman. “My dad had his own herd of cows and at about two years old I... Read More.

Cattle futures end session sharply higher

Thursday, February 27

Chicago Mercantile Exchange live and feeder were up sharply, with feeders in the lead on the lower move in corn. Additionally, boxed beef was firm at midday. There was some expectation for steady to firm direct business this week, but it looks like the... Read More.

A slow cattle herd rebuild

Thursday, February 27

A cattle producer in western Missouri says he’s been slowly rebuilding his cattle herd following several years of drought. Mark Smith tells Brownfield he sold about 25% of his herd in the last two years. “I personally save my own breeding stock and retain... Read More.