Agriculture

Blueberry growers say specialty crop programs in the farm bill are vital to remaining competitive. Michigan Blueberry Advisory Committee President Chad Reenders tells Brownfield the Tree Assistance Program in the legislation is widely used by Michigan growers to renovate blueberry fields. “With technology, we’re able to create a better blueberry, a bigger, crunchier blueberry for everyone to enjoy,” he says.  “This TAP program is a little bit of assistance to […]

A freshman Senator says he’ll use his experience as governor of an agricultural state to help lawmakers understand the importance of the farm bill. Nebraska’s Pete Ricketts tells Brownfield he will engage with Senators who may be skeptical about certain areas of the legislation. “And, talking with them about how important it is to have a strong ag economy.  Food security has got to be the number one security issue […]

Northeast Kansas farmer Lance Rezac says soil conditions were nearly perfect for corn planting this month. “The ground came out of spring really mellow and loose.  We no till everything.  It hadn’t rained to pack it down or run it off.  It was a really nice, mellow seed bed.  I don’t think it could have been any better.” He says his area received about 2 inches of rain last week, […]

U.S. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson says she’d like to strengthen parts of the 2023 Farm Bill that help improve bottom lines for producers. “The farm bill is more critical than ever,” she said. The Iowa Republican tells Brownfield, “When I look at some of the uphill battles some of our beginning farmers are facing, our farm economy is simply getting crushed,” Hinson said. “We need to be prioritizing trade, providing more […]

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The State FFA Star Farmer in South Dakota says being open to learning new technology has helped him become more efficient in raising corn and soybeans. Landon Roling from the McCook-Central FFA in Salem tells Brownfield he’s learned more about precision agriculture by attending local conferences and watching tutorials on YouTube. He says one goal is to become more efficient with fertilizer. “Everyone wants to get the highest yield out […]