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An atmospheric scientist says farmers in parts of the corn belt are getting concerned about the lack of moisture. Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions tells Brownfield drought conditions are more widespread. “The drought monitor that just came out shows an extension of the drought area abnormally dry now going into more of Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois.” But, Snodgrass says the forecast has some much-needed relief for some areas over […]

Bayer is reorganizing its seed business and streamlining the seed buying experience for its customers.  The company announced on Wednesday that it will combine the best elements of its regional brands and the Channel brands to create a more robust Channel brand.  Bayer says the move will strengthen dealer relationships and allow the company to invest more in agronomic support and products that benefit customers. The company says it is […]

A variety of factors continue to tighten margins for pork producers. Josh Maschhoff of Nashville, Illinois is a director for the Illinois Pork Producers Association. He tells Brownfield an extended period of high grain prices have not helped. “Feed costs make up 70% of the cost of production for these protein animals. So, when you couple that with the weaker than normal summer demand that we’re seeing right now, the […]

U.S. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson says commodity programs needs to be strengthened in the 2023 farm bill. “Crop insurance is a critical program for so many of our producers,” she said. The Iowa Republican tells Brownfield any cuts to federal crop insurance would hurt the ag industry. Hinson says she recently met with House Ag Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson to discuss her priorities. “I expressed my support for not only […]

Birds from a small backyard flock in Posey County have tested presumptive-positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza.  The small flock was reported to the Board of Animal Health after significant death loss.  Samples were sent to the national USDA laboratory for confirmation. Since it is a small flock, not engaged in commerce, the finding does not impact Indiana’s highly pathogenic avian influenza-free status that went back into place on April […]

A Southwest Nebraska farmer says planting conditions are worse than last year. Andy Jobman tells Brownfield it’s drier and colder. “We went ahead and ran center pivots ahead of planting to try to put some moisture back in the fields and soil.  That’s helped a lot, but pivot corner and dryland fields are in desperate need of rainfall.”   He says April was the second driest month on record and […]

The Senate has voted to strike the Lesser Prairie Chicken (LPC) from being listed on the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Kansas Senator Roger Marshall says the listing was unnecessary because producers have done their part in protecting the species. “Thanks to voluntary efforts already, the prairie chicken numbers have a general upward trend.” The Congressional Review Act Resolution of Disapproval was introduced by Marshall and passed 50-48Thursday night. During a […]

The 95th Ohio FFA Convention is underway in Columbus, Ohio. Addison Summers, a sophomore from the Penta-Oak Harbor Chapter, is attending the state FFA convention for the first time. “This is something I never expected to do in my life. This is extremely awesome,” she says. “(FFA) is a huge family and everyone is so open, so energetic, so happy to be here and it really puts a great aspect […]

The head of the state soybean board says California has untapped potential for soy-based fuels. Nebraska’s Andy Chvatal says the low carbon fuel standard has spurred interest in additional soy crushing plants. “For California to be able to create that demand for us to bring those facilities online is huge and it’s going to double numbers very quickly.” He tells Brownfield there should be enough soybean acres to support demand. […]