December 5, 2024

There are concerns layoffs across the agriculture workforce will continue. Ag economist Christopher Pudenz with Iowa Farm Bureau says a 2024 study showed at least 23 ag-related businesses in Iowa have let more than 4,000 employees go through mid-September. “And fundamentally, the downturn that we have in this ag economy starts at the farm gate. […] The post Concern ag workforce layoffs will continue appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

U.S. ethanol exports saw a 3% decline from September to October. The Renewable Fuels Association says October’s total of 143.5 million gallons were primarily to Canada and India, followed by the United Kingdom, South Korea, and Colombia. There were no reported shipments to Brazil, which maintains an 18% tariff on ethanol imports. U.S. ethanol imports […] The post Ethanol exports down on month, holding record pace appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Cash dairy prices were mostly steady to lower Thursday on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.  Dry whey prices were unchanged at $0.7025. No sales were recorded.  Forty-pound cheese blocks were down $0.0350 at $1.6650.  Three sales were recorded at that price.  Cheese barrels were down $0.0250 at $1.6425.  Two sales were recorded at $1.6350 and $1.6425.  […] The post Cash dairy prices mostly steady to lower Thursday appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

India could soon be a market for U.S. grain sorghum producers. Adam York, CEO of the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission, tells Brownfield there is an opportunity in India’s poultry feed sector. “Typically the Indian poultry sector has been able to readily purchase domestic Indian corn, but with the new ethanol mandate that went into effect […] The post Sorghum producers looking to India as potential export opportunity appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The USDA says U.S. beef export sales notched a marketing year low for the second consecutive week. That was the combination of it being a holiday week and handful of major buyers canceling or reducing their weekly purchases and instead buying beef for 2025 delivery. Pork was up sharply on the week, led by Mexico […] The post Pork export sales rise, beef dips appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The president and CEO of the National 4-H Council says a new partnership with the Farm Foundation is focused on increasing interest in ag careers. Jill Bramble says the joint effort combines Farm Foundation’s Next Generation program with the Beyond Ready initiative from 4-H.  “It really is a natural partnership that provides a solid career pathway focus […] The post New partnership is helping develop ag career interest appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

An ag economist says concerns over Russian wheat quality caused U.S. wheat futures to move higher Thursday. Jim McCormick with AgMarket.Net says Russia’s winter wheat condition rating is sharply below year ago levels. “A private agency came out and said (Russia’s) winter wheat condition rating stands at about 31%. I think it’s actually the worst […] The post Wheat prices higher amid Russian quality concerns appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A Minnesota dairy farmer hopes improvements to the dairy safety net are included in the next farm bill. Fran Miron of Hugo says Dairy Margin Coverage calculations need to be updated to reflect current costs of production. “And what farmers need in the way of a return to continue to survive out there.” He tells […] The post Minnesota dairy farmer wants improved safety net appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The director of conservation for the Illinois Corn Growers Association says farmers need to pay extra attention to chemical labels in 2025 and beyond. Megan Dwyer says the EPA’s new herbicide strategy means even familiar chemicals could see label changes when re-registered. “We all get comfortable with products in our toolbox that we’ve maybe used […] The post Extra attention needed for product labels in 2025 appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Michigan Farm Bureau delegates have selected a northwest cherry grower as their next president. Ben LaCross says he’d like to amplify the importance of Michigan-grown food on a broader level. “We have such a great climate for growing specialty crops, grain, sugarbeets, dairy, and everything else,” he says. “But with increasing trade and lower commodity […] The post Cherry grower Ben LaCross to lead Michigan Farm Bureau appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story