Southwest Indiana farmer Mark Seib says accessing parts is a challenge this planting season. “That’s getting to be more and more of a concern for all the farmers. I used to go to one dealership and get almost everything I needed and now to do that same parts run, I have to go to two or three dealerships to get everything unless I want to sit and wait for it […]
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed legislation incentivizing use of higher biodiesel blends. Andrew Larson with the Illinois Soybean Association tells Brownfield the bill has been a cornerstone initiative of their organization for 3 years. “We were successful in getting legislation passed and signed this week by the governor to extend the state sales tax exemption on biodiesel blends of 10% and higher for the next few years.” The legislation […]
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is urging funding to small farmers to combat a food insecurity crisis that is being worsened by the Russian – Ukrainian war. “We must quickly support the most vulnerable populations with social safety nets,” Yellen said. “And target support for small holder farmers, so they can continue to produce.” Yellen said even as the U.S. escalates its trade sanctions against Russia… “We reiterate our commitment […]
Commentary. The Science Council defines science as the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world following a systematic methodology based on evidence. The Science Council tells us that scientific methodology includes the following: Objective observation: Measurement and data (possibly although not necessarily using mathematics as a tool) Evidence Experiment and/or observation as benchmarks for testing hypotheses Induction: reasoning to establish general rules or conclusions […]
A southeast Minnesota farmer marketing grain suggests patience is paying off. Ben Storm grows corn and soybeans near Dover. “Sure seems like the more days you wait to sell crops, the better off you are. We’re looking at old crop corn in that $7.80 to $7.90 range at Winona for this summer, and it’s just crazy to see what it’s done just since the first of the year even.” He […]
The USDA says export sales for several key commodities dropped during the week ending April 14th. That’s likely because of a combination of high prices due to tight supply and recent strength in the U.S. dollar, which makes U.S. goods less competitive on the export market. Wheat, pork, sorghum, and cotton all notched marketing year lows, while sales of corn, soybeans, soybean products, and beef posted week-to-week declines. The USDA’s […]
An agronomy professor says he’s not worried about planting delays just yet. Michigan State University’s Manni Singh tells Brownfield while planting progress is behind, soil temperatures need to be at least upper 40s for soybean planting and not too wet. “We are still very much in the early phase of our planting window,” he says. “If this weather stays for another week to 10 days—that’s when I will start getting […]
A Northeastern Michigan farmer says planting was over halfway complete at this time last year. Robyn Fogarasi tells Brownfield that’s not the case this year as an inch of snow this week has stalled any plans for starting. “It’s rough,” she shares. “Are we nervous? Not quite yet.” In the meantime, she says they’re preparing mentally for some long nights ahead and, “We’re basically getting all of our equipment ready […]
The world’s largest biofuel producer says ethanol tax credits will boost access to lower-cost fuel options across the Midwest. Doug Berven, Vice President of Corporate Affairs with POET, says Nebraska recently passed a law that provides credits to retailers who sell E15 and E25. “States like South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana – these states can see the success of E15 in Nebraska and they want to be successful as […]
