January 14, 2026

A real estate agent says farmers could lower their expenses by reevaluating their lease agreements. Kraig Urkoski with AgWest Land Brokers says while most leases are staying in place, some landlords are exploring ways to share risk. “I’m starting to see a lot more of a base-rate cash rent rate with bonuses on price or […] The post Lease flexibility may help farmers manage tight margins appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

U.S. ethanol production has reached record levels for the first time in 2026. This is the fourth month in a row with an all-time high for ethanol production as the industry absorbs a record corn crop and tries to meet demand expectations. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production 1.196 million barrels per day, an […] The post Another week of record ethanol production appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The executive director of the Illinois Specialty Growers Association says the local food system should see a boost in 2026. Raghela Scavuzzo says several state and federal programs enacted last year to strengthen the food chain are set to open. “The Local Food Infrastructure Grant program, we anticipate seeing that grant open.”  She says, “This […] The post Illinois specialty growers expect 2026 boost from new local food and infrastructure grants appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance is now the U.S. Identity Preserved Alliance. Chair Bryan Severs, who farms in east-central Illinois, says the name change aligns with their product labeling. “Buyers have been using that in their products overseas, and our sellers here in the U.S. have been tagging their products as they send them […] The post Name change reflects growth for U.S. Identity Preserved Alliance appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association anticipates a challenging state legislative session. Darin Johnson farms near Wells. “It’s going to be kind of interesting given the political landscape as far as the state of Minnesota goes. It’s going to be rather difficult for us to get things done legislatively.” He tells Brownfield one […] The post Political landscape could complicate priorities for Minnesota soybean farmers appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden highlighted agriculture in his State of the State address on Tuesday. “Ag is king in South Dakota, so let’s keep it strong for the future.” He said state support will be extended for the Keep Farmers Farming Initiative, presented by the South Dakota Ag Foundation, to help family farms transition […] The post Rhoden highlights ag, rural health funding in South Dakota’s State of the State appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

In the State of the State Address on Tuesday, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe said agriculture remains one of the strongest foundations of the state’s economy. “When agriculture is strong, Missouri is strong.” He says Missouri’s farmers and ranchers have faced several challenges, including unpredictable weather and rising input costs. And the state is doing what […] The post Gov. Mike Kehoe highlights agriculture, rural investment in Missouri State of the State Address appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story