Farm News

USDA projects more corn and fewer soybean acres in 2025

Monday, March 31

The USDA expects farmers to plant more acres of corn and fewer acres of soybeans in 2025. Corn planted area is projected at 95.3 million acres, up 5 percent from last year. The numbers are above the pre-report average estimate, but within the range. ... Read More.

Ag economist expecting additional disaster relief assistance

Monday, March 31

An ag economist at the University of Illinois is expecting farmers to see additional disaster assistance through the American Relief Act of 2025. Gary Schnitkey says the legislation includes $21 billion that was allocated for natural disasters. “This is a continuation of the WHIP... Read More.

Will U.S. ag stay competitive if trade tariffs in effect?

Monday, March 31

Grain market economist Frayne Olson says it’s unclear how competitive U.S. agriculture will remain in global trade if trade tariffs go into effect this week. “Global demand is still very strong and we do have opportunities.” Olson says the response from different trading partners... Read More.

Changes made on World Food Prize Foundation advisory council

Monday, March 31

A former U.S. ag secretary is the new chairman of the World Food Prize Foundation’s Council of Advisors. Tom Vilsack tells Brownfield “there’s a lot of work for us to do in order to broaden and deepen the understanding, relationship and support of the... Read More.

Iowa Corn takes policy priorities to Des Moines

Monday, March 31

Members of the Iowa Corn Growers Association recently discussed policy priorities with Iowa legislators. President Stu Swanson, who farms near Galt in north-central Iowa, says the association held its annual day on the Hill Thursday. “It is a great opportunity for farmers to prioritize... Read More.

USDA tightens corn stocks, soybean and wheat stocks see increase

Monday, March 31

The USDA is reporting tighter corn stocks, while soybean stocks increased as of March 1, 2025. Corn stocks totaled 8.15 billion bushels, down 2 percent from last year. The December 2024 to February 2025 disappearance is 3.92 billion bushels, compared to 3.82 billion bushels... Read More.

CHS grant allows expanded safety training

Monday, March 31

Grant funding from an agricultural cooperative is expanding firefighter farm safety and health training. The CHS Foundation provided the funds, which cover the cost of a full-time trainer, expanding a series of training videos for local fire departments, and 18 trainings over the next... Read More.

Ongoing trade tensions could impact long-term demand

Monday, March 31

An ag economist at Ohio State University says ongoing trade tensions could impact demand for US agricultural products. Ian Sheldon says large trading partners are starting to divert sales to other markets. “What’s happening with China is just exacerbating a shift that was already... Read More.

Fieldwork underway in parts of Iowa

Monday, March 31

Some Iowa farmers have begun spring fieldwork. Iowa State University Extension agronomist Rebecca Vittetoe says weather has generally been mild recently. “A lot of what I’ve seen in the last week or so has been dry fertilizer getting spread on fields, I’ve seen anhydrous... Read More.

Several global weather issues could impact U.S. markets

Monday, March 31

The chief science fellow with Nutrien Ag Solutions says several global weather issues could soon have an impact on U.S. commodity markets. Eric Snodgrass says he’s closely monitoring dry areas of eastern Brazil. “They do grow safrinha crop, but it’s about 15%.” He says,... Read More.

WPS Farm Show is growing

Monday, March 31

Wisconsin’s largest farm show is growing even larger. Matt Cullen with the WPS Farm Show tells Brownfield this year’s show needed more display space. “We’re adding a second outdoor exhibitor tent to be able to provide even more solutions and products for our guests... Read More.

Growers encouraged to stay “up-to-date” on new herbicides

Monday, March 31

Farmers are encouraged to stay informed as new herbicides enter the market. University of Minnesota Extension educator Eric Yu says products continue being developed to help combat resistant weeds. “We actually had a recent study where we found six-way resistant waterhemp populations here in... Read More.