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Community connections have helped one first-generation crop farmer get started. Mitch Kline tells Brownfield he began farming when he was 14 years old and traded mowing services with a neighbor to grow hay in an overgrown field. “I just used my dad’s mower and mowed his grass for rent and took the field out and borrowed some tractors from neighbors.” Over time, more farmers helped him expand. “They ended up […]

The top cheese-producing state saw growth in the specialty cheese markets.  USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service says Wisconsin continued to produce the most cheese in 2022 making 25% of U.S. cheese.  Specialty cheeses accounted for 26% of the state’s total production, and that was 51 million more pounds of specialty cheese than Wisconsin made in 2021. Asiago, Hispanic, and Parmesan wheel production grew 14% each last year.  There was also […]

Missouri’s farmers and ranchers say they are grateful for any rain, but it will take decent amount to regrow pasture, produce a decent hay crop and fill ponds. “We’re talking 2 to 6 inches of rain, not a quarter inch.” Matt Van Schyndel has cattle, sheep and goats in central Missouri. He says the pasture growth has not taken off like it usually does in the spring due to the […]

A bipartisan group of Michigan lawmakers say a proposed rule to increase filing fees for seasonal guestworker visas will negatively impact farmers. Congressman Bill Huizenga tells Brownfield farmers using the H-2A program are already facing a nearly 13 percent wage increase this year. “We’re seeing a lot of frustration and anger out of farmers who are genuinely worried about what the future of the industry is going to be, not […]

Wisconsin has two new and two returning members on the state’s ag board.  Cashton farmer and Organic Valley’s Senior Director of Dairy Handling and Supply Miranda Leis and Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery CEO Paul Bauer have been re-appointed to the board.  Dairy farmer Tina Hinchley was appointed to a six-year term replacing potato farmer Andy Diercks.  Cindy Brown is the President of Chippewa Valley Bean.  She replaces Patty Edelburg from Amherst, […]

Jul. corn closed at $5.89, up 1/2 centJul. soybeans closed at $14.17 and 3/4, up 1/4 centJul. soybean meal closed at $424.60, down 30 centsJul. soybean oil closed at 52.48, down 16 pointsJul. wheat closed at $6.45, up 5 and 1/4 centsJun. live cattle closed at $161.57, down 7 centsMay feeder cattle closed at $203.65, up 22 centsMay lean hogs closed at $77.07, down $1.07May Class III milk closed at $16.68, […]

The US Department of Agriculture has unveiled 12 USDA Regional Food Business Centers to help farmers and ranchers access new markets and navigate federal, state, and local resources. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said, “we think it will provide technical and financial assistance to continue strengthening our local and regional food system.” The USDA has said $400 million will be used to fund the Regional […]

Soybeans were mixed on bull spreading, reflecting the tight nearby supply. Near-term planting weather looks generally favorable in most of the Midwest and Plains. Export sales were down on the week, but above the four-week average. The big old crop buyers were China and Germany, with a net cancellation by unknown destinations, while new crop sales were routine, all to China. Brazil continues to dominate the export market, but their […]