Brownfield

The USDA is extending application deadlines for the Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities program. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says “there is a lot of interest in this and producer groups who are putting together proposals wanted just a little more time. They asked for about a 30-day extension on submissions and so we agreed to do that.” Speaking during Commodity Classic, he said the deadline for larger-scale projects, ranging from […]

An expert at the Center for Dairy Research says the recently announced additional funding for the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives will help farmers and processors develop new products and reach new markets.  Tom Guerin tells Brownfield the 80-million dollars from the American Rescue Plan will be divided between Wisconsin, Vermont, Tennessee, and California.  He says the roughly 20-million-dollars going through the University of Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research will impact […]

At the annual Commodity Classic, Missouri Soybeans, along with four other state soybean boards, rolled out a strategic study on the future of soy. Missouri Soybeans CEO Gary Wheeler says this study identifies a path for future opportunities through five major areas, including fuel markets and alternative proteins. Wheeler says that a similar study is planned this year with a laser focus on serving Missouri soybean growers in the next […]

Kansas and Illinois are the latest states where highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. HPAI has been detected in a backyard mixed-species poultry flock in Franklin County, Kansas, and a non-commercial backyard flock (non-poultry) in McLean County, Illinois.  Birds from both flocks have been depopulated. Samples from the Kansas flock were tested at the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory and […]

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has announced the six top candidates for the 75th Alice in Dairyland position. Alice in Dairyland is a full-time educator, public relations, and marketing person promoting Wisconsin agricultural products through the state’s Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. Women who apply go through a five-month-long interview process in hopes of getting the 12-month-long assignment. Applicants must have a variety […]

Farmers from around the country are preparing for the 2023 Farm Bill debates and sustainability and conservation are high on the list.  Ohio Corn and Wheat at-large director Scott Ruck says utilizing tools like cover crops and proper nutrient stewardship are key.  “It’s doing the right thing,” he says.  “And ultimately the environment wins in the long run.  But, we have to do it sustainably, too.  Because we can’t spend […]

Farmers at this week’s Commodity Classic have said the extreme volatility in the commodity markets is making it more difficult to make marketing decisions. John Delmotte is a director for the Michigan Corn Growers Association.  “Everybody has at least some level of uncertainty about what the right moves are,” he says.  “Do we market grain going forward knowing we can lock in profits or are we going to pass up […]

An Indiana farmer says he’s optimistic about the upcoming growing season despite skyrocketing input costs. Mike Beard tells Brownfield it’s really looking like a good season.  “Price-wise we have excellent crop insurance prices for corn and soybeans, those were set in February,” he says. “It’s kind of an exciting time, but it’s a little scary.” He says one of the biggest challenges for farmers right now is navigating the uncertainty, […]

PHOTO: Alice in Dairyland Finalists L-R Charitee Seebecker, Amber Cafferty, Amelia Hayden, 74th Alice in Dairyland Julia Nunes, Taylor Schaefer, Samantha Schuessler, Courtney Moser Wisconsin is a step closer to hiring its next state agriculture advocate. Alice in Dairyland is the state’s advocate and educator promoting a very diverse agricultural economy, and Amy Pflugshaupt-Hanson with ABS Global is on the Dane County committee hosting the Alice finals and says the […]