Agriculture

Education coordinator Pam Debele says Minnesota Farm Bureau has a goal of increasing the positive public perception of agriculture. ...

An Illinois pork producer says the high cost of building materials is a hurdle for any farmer looking to expand their operation. Josh Maschhoff of Nashville tells Brownfield, “After the pandemic we’ve seen inflation and rising costs of material goods which is cost prohibitive to producers that want to add to their operation through new construction.” He says that is also preventing new producers from entering the market and the […]

Milk futures were higher in the near term and cash dairy prices were mixed Wednesday on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. May Class III milk was up $0.06 at $16.46.  June was up $0.31 at $17.19.  July was up $0.22 at $17.87.  August was up $0.09 at $18.54.  September through April contracts ranged from one cent lower in November and December to six cents higher in October. Dry whey was down […]

A farmer director on the United Soybean Board says soybean crush expansion in the Midwest will provide a more affordable feed option for livestock and aquaculture. Shannon Ellis from Virginia tells Brownfield the soy checkoff is making investments to ensure soybeans have the best amino acid profile to encourage healthy livestock growth. “We have research showing growing pigs have a higher rate of gain as well as growth, in general, […]

Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council Secretary Pat Sullivan, who farms in Renville County, says MSRPC is sponsoring a Checkoff Fund towards reimbursing young farmers who complete the Minnesota Private Pesticide Applicator Certification. He tells Brownfield the reimbursement will be available to the first 200 Minnesota farmers between the ages of 18 and 35 who apply. Visit https://mnsoybean.org/blog-msrpc/minnesota-soy-checkoff-to-reimburse-young-farmers-who-receive-private-applicators-certification/ to apply today! ...

Xochitl Torres Small is expected to receive bipartisan support to become the next deputy ag secretary for USDA. The Senate Ag Committee didn’t vote on her confirmation Wednesday, but Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow said, “Your impressive and wide-ranging background makes you an ideal candidate to help lead the nearly 100,000 public servants USDA has stationed at more than 4,500 locations.” Iowa Republican Joni Ernst says Torres Small has a proven track […]

Agricultural groups want Michigan State University to reevaluate its selection committee for the institution’s next president. Michigan Agri-Business Association President Chuck Lippstreu tells Brownfield excluding agricultural voices could have far-reaching impacts. “Agriculture is by some measures the second largest driver of Michigan’s economy,” he points out.  “One in four people in our state work in some way in the food or agricultural sectors, and MSU plays a critical role in […]

The president of the National Pork Producers Council says freedom to operate is the biggest challenge facing the nation’s pork producers. “If the pigs do well, we do well and that’s what drives us,” he says. “We need that choice.” Scott Hays tells Brownfield federal and state regulations, including the Waters of the United States rule, makes farming more difficult. “WOTUS is like that bad penny that keeps showing up. […]

U.S. ethanol production and stocks notched notable lows last week. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production was a four-week low, averaging 965,000 barrels a day, down 11,000 on the week and 26,000 on the year. That’s at least partially due to seasonal maintenance as the industry waits for increased demand during the summer driving season, with travel expected to be back to pre-pandemic levels. The Renewable Fuels Association says […]