Agriculture

Nearly 50 food and ag groups are calling on Congress to support legislation that would enable the United States to negotiate a comprehensive trade agreement with the United Kingdom. John Bode, president and CEO of the Corn Refiners Association, says the Undertaking Negotiations on Investment and Trade for Economic Dynamism (UNITED) Act should move forward as it would benefit the industry. “CRA is really proud to have joined with American […]

U.S. ethanol production held steady last week. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production 1.052 million barrels a day, unchanged on the week and up 1,000 on the year. Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development says operating margins for the average Iowa plant improved a little, while staying just below the profit line. The Renewable Fuels Association says ethanol stocks hit a six-week high at 22.979 million […]

The CEO of Syngenta says weather extremes have shifted how the company advances research and product development.  “Instead of just trying to develop seeds and crop protection products to maximize yields under normal conditions,” Erik Fyrwald says. “Syngenta is trying to develop products that have the highest yield potential but also have resilience.” He says advancing high-performing traits into products is important, but Syngenta is also focused on developing better […]

A recent study from the USDA’s Economic Research Service shows U.S. beef exports to Japan could trigger tariffs beginning in 2028.  Brenda Boetel Agricultural economist Brenda Boetel with the University of Wisconsin River Falls tells Brownfield she expects exports to Japan to decline in the near term as U.S. beef production decreases.  She says that is problematic because it lowers the threshold for tariff triggers. “As we start to build […]

Many times over the years, in this very column, I have voiced my displeasure with the decay of journalistic integrity in this country. I railed against the political agenda positioning and lack of ethics in national network news programs. Some of you who read that might feel that I was blaming the national media for all that is wrong in this country, but I believe this to be only a […]

Some farmers are finding success with carbon markets. Robert Walters grows cotton, corn and peanuts south of Auburn, Alabama and calls his participation in Truterra’s carbon program a win-win. “Because you’re increasing the value and the richness of your soil, you’re helping the environment through the carbon, and a lot of things that some people just don’t realize and don’t see because they’re not there.” He tells Brownfield the carbon […]

Managing drought stress is a hot topic at BASF’s Showcase Plot Tour at their Midwest Research Farm in Seymour, Illinois today. The latest US Drought Monitor shows more than 92% of the Midwest is abnormally dry with at least 75% of that area in moderate to extreme drought. The level of drought intensifies further west into Nebraska and Kansas. BASF Marketing Director for US Ag Solutions Brady Spangenberg tells Brownfield […]

Corn farmers who welcomed recent rain might discover an unwelcome guest. Kim Tutor with BASF says the moisture creates an environment for tar spot to thrive. “We have the host, corn. We’ve got the pathogen, so it’s overwintering in any of that corn residue that hasn’t full decomposed. And really the third factor that’s going to trigger whether or not that disease is present is really the environmental conditions.” She […]

Pork is a nutrient-dense food option that packs a punch when it comes to being a heathful choice for your diet.  Kristen Hicks-Roof is with the National Pork Board. AUDIO: Healthy Living on the benefits of pork ...