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An ag economist says the tentative labor deal for West Coast ports will make a night and day difference for exports of U.S. ag products.  West Coast ports play a vital role in the supply chain for exports of ag goods to Asian customers. University of Missouri’s Scott Brown the work stoppages at Los Angeles and Long Beach during the contract negotiations created uncertainty for foreign buyers. “Having those ports, perhaps, working more […]

Profits are down on many dairy farms. Cindy Swenson and her family milk around 270 cows in southern Minnesota and she says inflation is hurting demand. “Because consumers just don’t have the disposable income, which is lowering the milk price.” She tells Brownfield her family is finding ways to reduce costs. “And if we can’t cut back, we just have to stop an idea that we might have and try […]

Dry weather has sparked a rally in the grain markets. Naomi Blohm with Total Farm Marketing says December Corn has gained a dollar the past month. “With just this week the market able to push about 40 to 50 cents higher on corn alone for new crop because of the weather concerns.” She tells Brownfield November Soybeans bottomed out around $11.30 a bushel two weeks ago, but have climbed back […]

Scorching heat will continue into next week across Texas and neighboring areas, including the western Gulf Coast region.  By early next week, high temperatures could reach 110 to 115°F or higher in parts of western and southern Texas.  Heat will also spread northward across the nation’s mid-section, with temperatures possibly reaching 100°F by Monday as far north as South Dakota.  Heat in the western Corn Belt could significantly increase stress […]

USDA has invested $320 million dollars into projects across 19 states to create and improve markets for food and agricultural businesses. The funding will help expand processing capacity, production, and resources for businesses across the food supply chain. Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio were among the states to receive grants and loans as part of the Biden Administration’s Investing in America agenda. ...

Widespread rainfall across areas of the Great Plains has improved drought and the Kansas Ag Secretary says that might improve the winter wheat crop. Mike Beam tells Brownfield most of the damage is already done, but “There are a few wheat producers who may get a little bit of a rally in their wheat from rains in May.  There maybe new tillers.  It may be some unevenness when it ripens.  […]

Michigan State University researchers say the first three months of this year were the wettest on record for the state and that’s helping crops survive the current drought. Thumb area farmer Jeff Krohn tells Brownfield aside from wheat, his crops are faring ok. “It forces crops to put down deeper roots, get into that moisture so we get into the growing season with taller, bigger crops that require more moisture,” […]

You might have seen some social media posts recently where dairy farmers are dumping milk.  But why does this happen?  University of Missouri dairy economist Scott Brown says it’s oversupply. AUDIO: Healthy Living on milk dumping ...

Across the Corn Belt, smoky, hazy conditions continue to plague portions of the upper Midwest.  Meanwhile, any lingering showers are confined to the upper Great Lakes region.  Across most corn- and soybean-production areas, relatively cool but dry weather is further reducing soil moisture availability.  Nearly all areas of the Corn Belt have reported below-average rainfall in recent weeks, leading to a gradual reduction in crop and pasture vitality. On the […]