Farm News

Pork, rice export sales up on the week

Thursday, February 27

There were a few bright spots in the weekly export sales update. The USDA says pork sales during the week ending February 20th were up on the week thanks to solid demand from Mexico, rice notched a marketing year with Iraq topping the list,... Read More.

Nebraska lawmakers considering bill to increase protections for meat and poultry workers

Thursday, February 27

Nebraska lawmakers are considering a bill that could increase protections for meatpacking and poultry workers during animal disease outbreaks. State Senator Dunixi Guereca is the bill’s sponsor. “This bill emerges from an urgent need to bridge meatpackers and agricultural production while ensuring, even during... Read More.

Illinois continuing to monitor H5N1 in dairy cattle

Thursday, February 27

The Illinois state veterinarian says the state is increasing its efforts to monitor dairy cattle for H5N1 avian flu. Dr. Mark Ernst tells Brownfield, “The Illinois Department of Public Health is beginning their initiation of milk testing at processors, and so that should give... Read More.

Sen. Ernst praises USDA, Ag Secretary Rollins for HPAI response plan

Thursday, February 27

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst says she’s pleased the USDA is moving quickly to combat the avian influenza crisis. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins revealed a $1 billion HPAI response plan on Wednesday, and Ernst tells Brownfield it includes some of her recommendations. “There’s an increase... Read More.

Potential health insurance change could cost farm families thousands

Thursday, February 27

The director of the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation at Iowa State University warns farm families about a potentially harmful change to federal health insurance. Christine Tidgren says a premium tax credit that covers a large portion of the cost is set to... Read More.

Thompson: 2025 needs to be the year of the farm bill

Thursday, February 27

The chairman for the U.S. House Ag Committee says farmers will need more support this year if a farm bill isn’t passed this summer. Glenn “G.T.” Thompson, R- PA, says farmers need the programs included in the legislation. “If we wait any longer than... Read More.

Rep. Hinson discusses GOP budget plan, farm bill negotiations

Thursday, February 27

The U.S. House narrowly approved a budget plan this week and Congresswoman Ashley Hinson says it shouldn’t impact farm bill negotiations. “I’m going to remain optimistic until I have a reason not to be,” she said Thursday morning. The budget resolution includes cuts to... Read More.

Illinois cattle industry holding strong

Thursday, February 27

The executive vice president of the Illinois Beef Association says the state’s cattle industry is holding strong. Josh St. Peters tells Brownfield, “If we look at the data from USDA, and from private sources as well, Illinois has held our own.” He says, “We... Read More.

Importance of Working With a Crop Nutrition Expert

Thursday, February 27

In challenging economic times, basing fertilizer decisions off a current soil test is even more important. In this episode, Stephanie Zelinko, national agronomist with AgroLiquid shares why working with a crop nutrition expert can help farmers spend fertilizer dollars efficiently. The post Importance of... Read More.

Cheesemakers call for release of Dairy Business Innovation funding

Wednesday, February 26

A processing group says many dairy farmers and processors are feeling the impact of the federal government’s funding freeze. Rebekah Sweeney with the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association tells Brownfield the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative has been a successful program that reimburses small businesses for... Read More.

New solutions to combat avian influenza

Wednesday, February 26

USDA specialists say the $1 billion investment in Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza offers new solutions to combat the virus. Dr. Mike Watson with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service says HPAI has circulated for the past four years and it’s not going... Read More.

Former trade official calls for comprehensive enforcement agenda for China

Wednesday, February 26

A former trade official is calling on Congress to employ a comprehensive trade enforcement agenda with China. Jeffrey Gerrish served as Deputy U.S. Trade Representative during President Trump’s first term and told a U.S. House Ways and Means subcommittee Tuesday Chinese ambitions pose an... Read More.