Ag News
A high level of food satisfaction
A recent study from Purdue University’s Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability found consumers are highly satisfied when it comes to food. The lead author of the report, Joseph Balagtas explains the conclusion. AUDIO: [Read More…]
Cattle futures higher waiting for direct business to develop
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were higher, waiting for direct business to develop. Direct cash cattle trade activity picked up on Thursday. Bids did surface in the South at $177 live [Read More…]
Survey finds consumers largely prefer beef to protein alternatives
The latest Consumer Food Insights report from Purdue University’s Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability finds consumers overwhelmingly prefer beef to plant-based or cell-cultured alternatives. Joe Balagtas is the lead author of the study [Read More…]
A little pest that is causing big problems for corn growers
Corn rootworms can reduce yields by up to 50% and cause up to $2 billion dollars in damage. Erica Strittmatter with Bayer says the pest feeds on nodal roots found within the root crown. “What [Read More…]
A state fair family tradition
The Missouri State Fair kicked off in central Missouri on Thursday. Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe used his final opening day welcome to highlight tradition and the importance of youth agriculture is at the [Read More…]
Wastewater expansion grants available for first time
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has announced a new wastewater grant program to help businesses meet additional regulations. Director Tim Boring tells Brownfield the $30 million available will support economic development while [Read More…]
Soil health case study evaluates farmer economics
A nationwide study tracks the economic benefits farmers have experienced from long-term soil health management. Jeremy Peters is the CEO of the National Association of Conservation Districts. “The focus of these case studies is demonstrating [Read More…]
Snodgrass: wet and cold conditions could lead to tighter harvest windows
A principal atmospheric scientist says he’s slightly concerned about wetter conditions in some areas of the Midwest during harvest. Eric Snodgrass, also a senior fellow with Nutrien Ag Solutions, says the El Niño weather [Read More…]
Brazil corn crop continues to get bigger
Brazil’s equivalent of the USDA has raised its corn production projection again. CONAB now estimates total production at a record 129.962 million tons, 1.7% above in July, with the second crop at 100.184 million tons. [Read More…]
EPA tightening pesticide regulations under Endangered Species Act
Environmental groups are pushing the EPA to better comply with the Endangered Species Act when registering crop protection products. Aaron Hager is a weed scientist with the University of Illinois. “This will have an impact on [Read More…]
Review insurance while waiting for harvest
An insurance expert says farmers should consider reviewing their coverage before the busy harvest season. Autumn Schlieckau with Rural Mutual Insurance in Wisconsin says the slower-than-usual time between fieldwork and harvest is a good time [Read More…]
Beneficials provide best, free pest control
A field crops entomologist is encouraging farmers to incorporate beneficial insect habitats into their management plans. Chris DiFonzo with Michigan State University tells Brownfield the best pest control comes from a thriving ecosystem. “If we [Read More…]
A farm bill for Christmas
A member of the U.S. House Ag Committee says she’s optimistic the 2023 Farm Bill will pass by Christmas. Michigan Democrat Elissa Slotkin tells Brownfield any work on the farm bill will be held up [Read More…]
Farmer reports variability in crop conditions while walking fields
Southern Indiana farmer Ben Kron says he’s seeing variability in crop conditions following recent warm and dry conditions. “I think the beans are going to turn out well. The corn crop, I believe, is [Read More…]
Drought conditions spark corn lodging concerns
An extension corn agronomist is concerned drought stress could result in weakened stalks. Jeff Coulter with the University of Minnesota says it’s sure to be an issue if conditions get progressively dryer. “Especially for corn [Read More…]
Ethanol production lower as stocks rise slightly
U.S. ethanol production has slipped for a second consecutive week. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production hit an eight-week low, averaging 1.023 million barrels a day. That’s a decline of 44,000 from the previous [Read More…]
Study aims to zero in on cover crop ROI
Determining the return on investment of cover crops can lead to more questions than answers. Vincent Gauthier with the Environmental Defense Fund says they’ve been collaborating with the Center for Farm Financial Management at the [Read More…]
Mississippi River levels remain low, trade disruptions could occur
A climatologist says water levels remain low on the Mississippi River and the situation could worsen this fall. Dennis Todey, Director of the USDA’s Midwest Climate Hub, says conditions are slightly better than last year. [Read More…]
Locally heavy showers, t-storms march from the central Plains to the central, southern Corn Belt
Across the Corn Belt, showers and thunderstorms are returning across some areas west of the Mississippi River, especially Missouri. The remainder of the Midwest is experiencing dry weather and near- or below-normal temperatures. Some of [Read More…]
10 Cents a Meal dollars support Michigan farmers
Michigan’s state budget is funding free public school lunch and breakfasts next year and continuing incentives to purchase locally sourced produce. Wendy Crowley tells Brownfield the 10 Cents a Meal for Michigan’s Kids and Farms [Read More…]