The U.S. produced a record amount of red meat in 2021. The USDA says the total of 55.905 billion pounds was up slightly from 2020 and included an all-time high for beef production at 28.015 billion pounds, a 3% year-to-year increase. The annual commercial cattle slaughter was also 3% above the previous year at 33.947 million head, cancelling out a two pound decline in the average live weight to 1,371 […]
Ever since Wisconsin’s lawmakers budgeted nearly eight million dollars per year into the Dairy Innovation Hub a couple of years ago, new research projects have been underway at three University of Wisconsin campuses. Dr. Sylvia Kehoe is a professor of dairy science at the University of Wisconsin River Falls. She tells Brownfield they are developing an applicator to put a consistent amount of dehorning paste on calves. “It’s sticky and […]
A central Illinois farmer says he is optimistic about the profitability of corn this year, despite high fertilizer costs. Elliott Uphoff of Findlay tells Brownfield they spring apply their nitrogen, so they are looking at a hefty fertilizer bill but, “I still see a pretty good profit margin for corn, especially considering what the price of corn is today, and I’m feeling pretty optimistic about the future.” He says some […]
Corn is projected to be more profitable than soybeans this year according to an analysis by ag economics professors at the University of Illinois. Gary Schnitkey tells Brownfield strong corn prices still outweigh high fertilizer costs giving corn a $108 to $227 dollar per acre return advantage over soybeans when planted between April 1st and June 10th. He says they used maximum yields of 235 bushels per acre for corn […]
An ag meteorologist says farmers are experiencing a wide range of weather conditions in the Corn Belt, Great Plains, and Delta regions at the start of planting season. Brownfield’s Greg Soulje says extreme dryness and drought continues in the Great Plains. “The headline story from a drought standpoint continues to be generally areas west and southwest of the Missouri River, especially Nebraska, more so into Kansas, and even more […]
A new monthly report from Purdue University is gauging consumer perceptions of the food system. Jayson Lusk, director for the Purdue Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability says the latest survey took a closer look at food and agriculture policy. Healthy Living: The Consumer Food Insights Report, which started in January, is a monthly survey of 1200 U.S. food consumers. The report tracks consumer perceptions of the food […]
The White House is announcing a new nationwide network for rural communities to better access federal resources across all agencies. The Rural Partners Network will be led by USDA and dedicated staff to help rural areas apply for and secure federal funds from the American Rescue Plan and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Dustin Maxson says staff will serve as liaisons between communities and […]
U.S. ethanol production and stocks fell last week. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production averaged 947,000 barrels a day, the fourth week in a row with a decline and down 48,000 on the week, but up 7,000 on the year. Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development says ethanol margins moved back into positive territory, but two key demand indicators fell. The Renewable Fuels Association says net […]
Fresh snow means it will be at least two more weeks before a farmer in the Red River Valley can begin planting. Vance Johnson grows corn, soybeans, wheat and sugarbeets near Breckenridge, Minnesota and spoke to Brownfield Wednesday morning. “Well as I sit here right now we’ve got a good mountain snow coming, it’s huge flakes and starting to cover the grass. We haven’t turned a wheel yet, we’re still […]
