Creighton University economics professor Ernie Goss says the Midwestern agricultural sector is now in a “significant recession,” and the region’s economic picture is lagging. Creighton’s monthly survey of business leaders and supply managers in Iowa and eight other states finds the overall Business Conditions Index fell below growth neutral during September — for the fifth […] View Full Story
Illinois-based cooperative Prairie Farms Dairy has acquired Orrville, Ohio-based SmithFoods. SmithFoods operates under the retail brand Smith and are known for their plant-based dairy products. SmithFoods says the shared values of Prairie Farms Dairy will ensure success for years to come. Both companies say they are committed to maintaining day-to-day operations and preserving their customer […] The post Prairie Farms Dairy acquires Ohio-based SmithFoods appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story
A Minnesota farmer is stressing the importance of risk protection amid low commodity prices and high input costs. Darin Johnson says it’s a tough environment for marketing corn and soybeans. “As we figure break-evens looking into this next year, we are well below the cost of production. And that brings me (to) crop insurance, that’s […] The post Risk protection key in down price environment appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story
The new president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) says farmers are facing many hurdles as his one-year term begins. Kenneth Hartman Jr., a fifth-generation farmer from Waterloo, Illinois, tells Brownfield… “There’s higher costs when it comes to fuel labor, you know, across the board, everything is more expensive, but yet corn prices are […] The post New NCGA president lays out priorities appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story
The leaders of both of Iowa’s major political parties say tonight’s debate between vice presidential candidates J-D Vance and Tim Walz is an important milestone in the 2024 campaign. Iowa Democratic Party chairwoman Rita Hart said history shows a V.P. can have major influence. “Depending upon how the administration views the vice president, that vice […] View Full Story
More than 35 East and Gulf Coast ports are at a standstill due to a labor union strike and the executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition says meat and poultry exports are a concern. “These occur in refrigerated containers, so there is a period of time they can sit on the docks and remain […] The post How port shutdowns impact U.S. agriculture appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story
The executive director of the Nebraska Corn Board says a House bill that would establish permanent year-round sales of E15 is a good step forward for corn growers. Kelly Brunkhorst tells Brownfield… “Essentially, we would be looking at a 50% increase in the ethanol blend from an E10 to E15. “We’re talking millions of bushels […] The post Nebraska Corn Board, Growth Energy applaud House bill for year-round E15 appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story
The Kansas Secretary of Ag says protecting animal health is crucial to expanding exports. Mike Beam tells Brownfield… “We have to protect our livestock and also protect human health, so we have to understand that there are expectations by other countries,” he says. “For the most part we’ve been able to meet those expectations, especially […] The post Kansas Ag Secretary talks HPAI appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story
Rainfall in the spring and early summer briefly relieved drought in the Corn Belt but it also contributed to elevated nitrate concentrations in many of the region’s waterways. During dry years, nitrates from soil microbes and farm fertilizers can accumulate in fields until it rains and a lot of it flushes into rivers, lakes and […] View Full Story
