Farm News

Exports continue to boost U.S. pork demand

Thursday, February 13

U.S. pork demand continues to be boosted by exports. National Pork Board senior vice president of market growth David Newman tells Brownfield 2024 was another banner year for pork exports. “And again, we continue to be the shining star globally on both volume and... Read More.

Fertilizer prices could jump soon, economist says

Thursday, February 13

An ag economist says the outlook for fertilizer prices isn’t favorable for farmers. University of Missouri’s Ben Brown says, “My general bias here is that fertilizer prices are going to move higher as we get closer to spring. I think there’s certain product categories... Read More.

New Ohio legislation would create more native plant habitats

Thursday, February 13

The Ohio State Legislature has passed a bill that would create more native plant habitats across the state. Mary Turocy, with the Nature Conservancy in Ohio, says the legislation allows organizations to restore over-run invasive land by planting native seeds across the state. “There isn’t really... Read More.

ASA says current farm economy shows the need for a farm bill

Thursday, February 13

The chairman of the American Soybean Association says the organization continues to urge Congress to pass a full five-year farm bill. Josh Gackle says the ag economy isn’t the same as it was in 2018. “Farm prices and profitability on the farm are continuing to decline,”... Read More.

IL pork farmer optimistic in 2025

Thursday, February 13

A central Illinois pork producer is optimistic about the industry’s direction in 2025. Phil Borgic, who raises hogs and grain in Montgomery County, says the pork profitability outlook has improved. “2025 is looking a lot better than the last 24 months.” He says, “The... Read More.

Soybean export sales sharply below average

Thursday, February 13

U.S. soybean export sales are taking a hit from global competition. The USDA says soybean sales during the week ending February 6th were impacted by a big cancelation from unknown destinations, possibly because of high prices relative to Brazil. U.S. soybean sales commitments are... Read More.

Diesel stocks falling

Thursday, February 13

An ag economist says diesel stocks continue to fall. University of Missouri’s Ben Brown says, “Our U.S. diesel fuel stocks are 7% lower right now than they were this time last year,” he said. “We’re also 12% lower against the five-year average.” But he... Read More.

Labor uncertainty facing pork industry

Thursday, February 13

Officials in the pork industry are concerned an already shallow labor pool is getting smaller. Matthew Grill, senior director of Congressional relations with the National Pork Producers Council, says the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration is creating uncertainty. “I think there’s a lot of... Read More.

Wisconsin Ag Coalition sets state budget priorities

Thursday, February 13

Several of Wisconsin’s agricultural organizations are optimistic the next state budget will continue to fund some successful programs. Jason Mugnaini is Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s director of government relations and also lobbies for the state’s ag coalition. He tells Brownfield one issue stands out as... Read More.

CONAB corn, soybean estimates hold above last year

Thursday, February 13

Brazil’s equivalent of the USDA continues to project a year-to-year increase in corn and soybean production. CONAB’s latest guess for Brazil’s soybean crop is 166.014 million tons, 0.2% lower than in January, but still up 12.4% on the year thanks to increased acreage and... Read More.

Iowa farmer discusses ‘exceptional’ winter calving season

Thursday, February 13

Photo courtesy of Lance Lillibridge/Facebook An eastern Iowa farmer says it’s been the best winter calving season of his farming life. “It’s been a wonderful winter to have calves,” said Lance Lillibridge of Vinton. His first calf was born December 30th. “In 30 days... Read More.

CEC and Percent Base Saturation

Thursday, February 13

Soils with higher percent-based saturation are more fertile because they have more plant nutrients and fewer toxins. In this episode, Stephanie Zelinko, National Agronomist for AgroLiquid, uses a parking lot analogy to explain how farmers can balance those nutrient levels and improve productivity. The post... Read More.