Farm News

Lawmakers push for potash and phosphorus protections

Monday, April 7

Potash and phosphorus are gaining support in the nation’s Capital to be listed as critical minerals and expedite production in the U.S. The Fertilizer Institute’s President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch tells Brownfield, “The President’s executive order, which included potash but did not include phosphate,... Read More.

Bayer petitions Supreme Court to dismiss Roundup cases

Monday, April 7

Bayer has filed a petition with the US Supreme Court to dismiss cases against its herbicide, Roundup. The company says there have been conflicting rulings in recent cases, which is why Supreme Court intervention is needed. Bayer says previous verdicts have overlooked federal law and ignored... Read More.

High cash rents in Iowa

Monday, April 7

A farm real estate specialist says he’s seeing high cash rental rates in Iowa. Jim Rothermich with Iowa Appraisal tells Brownfield, “I just picked one up not too long ago $587 an acre for a five-year term. That’s the highest one I’ve gotten so... Read More.

Purdue Ag Week reaches consumers during 2025 event

Monday, April 7

The president of the Purdue Ag Week Task Force says this year’s event reached a record number of students across campus. Marnie Schwartzkopf says it’s important for consumers to be knowledgeable about agriculture. “Our goal is to really just empower the Purdue community to... Read More.

Supply of fertilizer mixed, analyst says

Monday, April 7

A fertilizer market analyst says some supplies have been steady this spring while others are questionable. Josh Linville with StoneX Group says, “We have not heard anything as far as shortages or issues when it comes to potash or phosphate this spring. UAN is... Read More.

Most of Wisconsin not planting yet

Monday, April 7

Wisconsin’s weather has kept most farmers out of the fields. The recent cool temperatures along with wind, rain, and snow have left fields far from ideal, impacting the ability to apply manure, fertilizer, or do spring field work, even in southern Wisconsin. Janesville area... Read More.

Southern Illinois farmers fighting floods

Monday, April 7

A far southern Illinois farmer says torrential rains have rivers on the rise and planters parked. “We’ve had 10 1/2 inches of rain drop on us and there’s places with 10 to 15 feet of water on it.” Granvil Travis raises row crops in... Read More.

Wisconsin Corn Foundation creates Oleson scholarship

Monday, April 7

The Wisconsin Corn Foundation has created a new scholarship to honor a past executive director. The scholarship is named for Bob Oleson, who served as executive director of the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association and the Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board for seventeen years and was... Read More.

Lender says farm finances about the same as ‘24

Monday, April 7

An agricultural lender says the financial picture for most farms is a lot like last year. Roger Sinkula with Nicolet National Bank tells Brownfield they had about the same number of farmers come in for operating loans this year. Sinkula says there is one... Read More.

Farmers uncertain about tariff impacts

Monday, April 7

Some farmers say the newly announced tariffs from the Trump administration add more uncertainty to the ag economy. Arkansas farmer Derek Haigwood tells Brownfield he’s concerned that the new policy could tighten margins even further. “It’s almost a game of who can hold... Read More.

Input costs top-of-mind as farmers kick off growing season

Monday, April 7

Input costs are top-of-mind as crop farmers begin the 2025 growing season. Iowa State University Extension agronomist Rebecca Vittetoe says most fertilizer decisions were locked in months ago. “But I had a fair amount of questions during the winter months about looking at those... Read More.

Soggy early season brings crop claim reminders

Monday, April 7

The crop claims manager with Country Financial says torrential rains and severe storms have some farmers concerned about replanting. Jessica Carter says crops planted after initial federal insurance plant dates, or covered by private replant coverage, could be eligible. “You must submit a notice... Read More.