Ag News

USDA Undersecretary Bill Northey defends actions by the U.S. that have resulted in tariffs placed by other countries on U.S. farm goods. “We’ve taken some trade actions that we would argue are legal trade actions, [Read More…]

At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live cattle futures closed higher on spillover support from lean hogs and higher wholesale values at midday.  Feeder cattle closed mixed with pressure from the day’s higher move in corn.  [Read More…]

President Trump says there is progress in trade negotiations with the European Union. He says the two sides plan to, “work together towards zero tariffs, zero non-tariff barriers, and zero subsidies on non-auto industrial goods.” [Read More…]

Soybeans were modestly higher on commercial and technical buying. Contracts were up and down for most of the session, with spillover support from corn and wheat against pressure from generally good crop conditions in most [Read More…]

The EPA has approved sorghum oil as an eligible feedstock under the RFS, allowing for its expanded use in biodiesel and other advanced biofuels. National Sorghum Producers CEO Tim Lust says the ruling helps level [Read More…]

There is an increase in swine farm expansion in Illinois and the Director of the Illinois Pork Producers says interest from younger generations and supportive communities are to thank. “Not only have we been able [Read More…]

A dairy checkoff leader says consumer demand has influenced a shift in cheese manufacturing. Patrick Geoghegen with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin says, “Consumers today are really interested in new flavors.” Geoghegen tells Brownfield those new flavors can [Read More…]

Michigan farm groups say the Trump administration’s plan to backstop farmers hurt by trade retaliation will provide short-term relief, but more needs to be done. Members of the Ag Leaders of Michigan coalition say they’re [Read More…]

The acting administrator of the EPA says he will pursue changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard.  Andrew Wheeler told reporters EPA needs to look at ways to change the program, which is getting criticism from [Read More…]

Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue’s announcement of a 12-billion-dollar assistance program for farmers affected by trade tariffs and lost markets was welcomed by dairy leaders. American Dairy Coalition President Laurie Fischer tells Brownfield they appreciate the [Read More…]

Many parts of the Midwest have experienced hot and humid conditions.  In some locations, it has also been excessively wet. As a result, diseases have started to appear in corn and soybean fields, and a [Read More…]

Missouri farmer Kyle Kirby says farmers facing issues with weather, markets and trade need the tariff relief announced by the Trump administration Tuesday. “There are some guys that are going to be looking at some [Read More…]

The pro-ethanol group Growth Energy says American drivers have driven more than five billion miles on E15 fuel. CEO Emily Skor says it is telling that the new milestone was reached even when there are [Read More…]

Southern Rust has been confirmed on corn in eight states, but an Illinois plant pathologist says it is not uncommon this time of year. “It’s actually a good thing that we are seeing it this [Read More…]

Milk futures were up sharply and cash dairy prices were mixed at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Tuesday. July Class Three milk was up $.01 at $14.20.   August was up $.28 to $14.92. September was up [Read More…]

The latest update on dicamba injury to soybeans indicates that, as of July 15th, 1.1 million soybean acres were damaged nationwide. That compares to 2.5 million acres of dicamba-damaged soybeans reported at this point in 2017, [Read More…]

Michigan State University is offering a free-online course to help people learn about pollinators and how to help them. The program is open to the public and does not have an official enrollment structure. It [Read More…]

This month ground has been broken for the American Farm Museum and Educational Center near the Michigan/Ohio border. The center grew out of an idea for a farm toy museum after a family from Blissfield, [Read More…]

Mexico reportedly wants to reach a North American Free Trade Agreement by the end of August. Bloomberg reports that a modernized NAFTA would allow Mexico’s new president to focus on other priorities when he takes [Read More…]

Mike North with Commodity Risk Management Group says not all of the milk marketing news is bad, and says many farmers are still not using the tools that can add more than two dollars a [Read More…]