Agriculture

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack says his department is taking several steps to help farmers burdened by inflation. Vilsack is testifying before the Senate Agriculture Committee today and was asked about the rising cost of ag inputs. “In terms of the fertilizer, there are a number of things we are doing. We are working with farmers to make sure that they are fully aligned with the right application, the right time, […]

Export sales for most major commodities declined during the week ending May 19th, but there were a couple of bright spots. U.S. exports continue to face several difficulties on the global market, including relative strength in the dollar against other currencies, which makes U.S. goods more expensive. Pork, rice, and soybean oil sales all saw solid week-to-week improvements, while old crop corn and wheat hit marketing year lows, sorghum had […]

A southeastern Missouri farmer says corn planting was very drawn out this year. “I’ve got some corn that’s knee high and some that’s just coming up,” said bootheel farmer Clint Stevens. Stevens tells Brownfield he started planting corn on March 15th. “Which was a little bit earlier than we normally would,” he said. “But the weather was good, the temperatures were good, so we decided to go on with it.” […]

A cattle producer says he’s still replacing fences destroyed during a wildfire in December. Ethan Dickerson from North Central Kansas tells Brownfield repairs started in January, but supply chain disruptions and weather have slowed progress. “Working really, really hard and feeling like we’re getting nothing done. Honestly, I think, we’re probably a quarter of the way done.  This whole rain situation has helped. I’m definitely ok with putting off building […]

The USDA has announced multi-million-dollar investments to help strengthen food supply chains. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the administration is making available $200 million to expand competition in meat processing. He also announced a $25 million investment in workforce training. “It’s an intermediary loan program,” he said. “It’s going to provide grants to co-ops, other nonprofit organizations, and public agencies to create revolving loan funds to assist and help those […]

A Food Bank is highlighting the need for milk in food insecure homes. Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, a member of Feeding America, has launched a campaign centered around the idea of “Winners Give Milk,” that encourages people to donate money to buy gallons of milk. Healthy Living: Click here for more information. ...

As farm bill discussions continue, the head of a state Farm Bureau organization says crop insurance and conservation should not be combined.   Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue says adequate crop insurance premiums need to remain, but “Environmental conversations are going to creep in,” he says. “We do not want any sort of environmental production practices tied to crop insurance. I think there’s going to be a push to […]

Each year, American Dairy Association Indiana (ADAI) honors the Fastest Indianapolis 500 Rookie and introduces new drivers to the tradition of drinking milk in Victory Circle. Romain Grosjean tells Brownfield “performing the Indy 500, I would be happy to drink the whole bottle milk. I think it’s a cool tradition and I like it. It’s important to keep traditions going.” If he takes the prize on Sunday, Grosejan says he […]