January 14, 2025

Pictured: Iowa farmer James Holz at the 2025 Practical Farmers of Iowa annual conference (Photo by Brent Barnett/Brownfield) A central Iowa cattle farmer says 2024 ended on a high note and he’s optimistic about the year ahead. “Cattle prices are really good going into 2025,” said James Holz. “We’re pretty excited about that.” Holz says […] The post A good time to be a cattle producer appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A southwest Iowa farmer says he’s concerned about uncertainty in the ag industry. Jeff Jorgenson says he’s hopeful agriculture will be a priority for the incoming Trump administration. “As we transition into a new administration that appears to look at cutting quite a few things, just figuring out where we’re going to be in agriculture […] The post Farmers stay connected on ag policy in 2025 appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The communications director for the Ohio Pork Council says carcass management is a critical component to foreign animal disease preparedness. Mike King says composting is key in developing an effective plan.  “To do that successfully, you need a great carbon source, because that’s really what helps breakdown the carcass and provide that heat and energy […] The post The importance of carcass management planning  appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Milk futures mostly higher, cash dairy mostly lower January Class III milk futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange closed 16 cents higher at $20.35.  February up 33 at $20.60.  March milk up 31 at $20.27.  April through June contracts unchanged to 20 cents higher. Dry whey down $0.0025 at $0.7375 Barrels down $0.01 at $1.87 […] The post Milk futures mostly higher, cash dairy mostly lower appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A central Illinois cattle producer has some concerns over the current price of beef. Chase Brown, who raises cattle in Macon County, says he’s worried about sustainability. “A whole beef can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $3,000.”  He says, “Then with the processing on that, you know that’s a big outlay of cash for a […] The post Concerns over beef price sustainability appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A director with the American Soybean Association says the U.S. Treasury Department’s decision to not allow imported used cooking oil to qualify for the clean fuels tax credit is a huge win for the soybean industry. Eastern Iowa soybean farmer Dave Walton says the biodiesel industry adds value to each bushel of soybeans. “Soybean oil as […] The post 45Z guidance shows positive outlook for the soybean industry appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The University of Nebraska has announced a leadership change within the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR). Mike Boehm, who has served in the dual role as vice chancellor and vice president for agriculture and natural resources since 2017, is stepping down from those positions at the end of the spring semester. The university […] The post Boehm stepping down from roles at University of Nebraska IANR appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A Kentucky-based agronomist says planning for effective disease management should be a priority for growers heading into 2025. Josh Johnston with AgriGold says farmers need to take a proactive approach to prevention. “Last year, we battled a tremendous amount of disease,” he says. “Sudden death syndrome and Tar Spot moved very aggressively. Making sure that when […] The post Taking a proactive approach to disease management  appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story