Farm News

Poultry production up in January

Friday, February 21

U.S. poultry production was higher in January. The USDA says 4.613 billion pounds of poultry were certified wholesome last month, up 1% on the year, with a 2% increase for chicken to 4.186 billion pounds canceling out a 5% decrease in turkey at 415.219... Read More.

National FFA Officer stops in MO for FFA Week

Friday, February 21

The Western Region Vice President of National FFA Organization says there is a place for everyone in the FFA. Abby Jacobsen says “to carry our world into its next era, we’re going to need all types of people to move people forward as we... Read More.

January cattle placements see year-to-year rise

Friday, February 21

The USDA says 1.822 million cattle entered U.S. feedlots during January 2025. That was an increase of 2% from January 2024, towards the low end of the range of pre-report estimates. Weather was likely a factor. Most of those cattle weighed less than 800... Read More.

Bright future for MO FFA

Friday, February 21

The president of Missouri FFA says the future of agriculture is bright. Andi Belt from northeast Missouri tells Brownfield “these kids just getting started in the organization have a really good future ahead and it gives me confidence we’re in good hands the next... Read More.

Milk production down in January, 5% of dairies closed in 2024

Friday, February 21

U.S. milk production was up fractionally in January as dairy farmers worked to grow their herds. Production in the U.S. totaled more than 19 billion pounds with production per cow down seven pounds from last year. USDA says farmers increased the dairy herd size... Read More.

John Deere confirms 119 layoffs in Ankeny, Iowa

Friday, February 21

John Deere is planning a workforce reduction at its Des Moines Works plant in Ankeny, Iowa. In a statement to Brownfield, Deere says 119 employees are losing their jobs as part of a three-group layoff throughout March and April. The company says the layoffs... Read More.

Bill banning lab-grown protein dies in SD Senate

Friday, February 21

A bill that would have banned the sale of lab-grown protein for 10 years in South Dakota has failed in the Senate. A second vote was considered after a tie vote on Wednesday, but lawmakers decided not to consider the measure again. In a... Read More.

ODA: Ohio has become a hotspot for avian flu

Friday, February 21

Ohio’s director of ag says the state has become a national hotspot for highly pathogenic avian influenza this year. Brian Baldridge says more than 11.5 million birds have been depopulated because of the virus. “As we’ve seen the numbers in Ohio, we’ve heard the poultry... Read More.

How a budget year could impact Ohio agriculture

Friday, February 21

Photo by Brownfield’s Erin Anderson. An Ohio state representative says he’s concerned about how the governor’s budget proposal will impact the state’s ag industry. District 65 Representative David Thomas tells Brownfield, “We have to use some of our state sales tax and income tax... Read More.

10th annual Give FFA Day helps strengthen National FFA programs

Friday, February 21

Photo by Brownfield’s Erin Anderson. The National FFA Foundation plays a significant role in strengthening nationwide FFA programs through Give FFA Day. Kimberly Coveney, the senior manager of giving development, says all dollars donated directly benefit the organization. “You can support the mission of FFA... Read More.

Michigan legislature passes paid sick leave, minimum wage bills

Friday, February 21

The Chairman of the Michigan House Agriculture Committee says the state legislature has been able to come to agreement on new wage requirements. Jerry Neyer tells Brownfield paid sick time requirements set to go into effect this week would have hurt farmers and small... Read More.

Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale sets records

Friday, February 21

Record prices in the cattle market are carrying over to the bull market. Travis Meteer, University of Illinois Extension beef specialist, says the 2025 Illinois Performance Tested Bull (IPT) Sale was a record setter. “We actually set an all-time record for the average bull... Read More.