February 6, 2026

Only three Iowa counties are in drought, but almost half are very dry

A new map from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows nearly half of Iowa is considered abnormally dry, while parts of three counties are now in moderate drought. Earlier this week, the state climatologist said Iowa’s in a snow drought, as January snowfall was about six inches below normal. While months of dry weather triggered a […] View Full Story

Ag Economy Barometer shows increased financial stress could pressure working capital in 2026

An ag economist says producers are anticipating tighter margins in 2026 and that could impact cash flows. Michael Langemeier is with Purdue University.  “When we look at increases in the size of operating loans, about a third of the people that had unpaid operating loans were due to operating labor,” he says. “That’s an indicator that […] The post Ag Economy Barometer shows increased financial stress could pressure working capital in 2026 appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

South American weather, quality issues could extend rally in grain markets

South America could soon add more fuel to the recent rally in grain prices. Market analyst Michael Cordonnier with Soybean and Corn Advisor says there’s momentum from President Trump’s announcement that China plans to up its commitment of U.S. soybean purchases. “That’s been the impetus for the price increase for soybeans. But now the market […] The post South American weather, quality issues could extend rally in grain markets appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Dairy Business Association leader says WI ag bills need to pass soon

The executive director of the Dairy Business Association says several bills need to cross the finish line during the final weeks of the Wisconsin legislative session. Chad Zuleger tells Brownfield legislation close to getting final floor votes would help veterinary students pay for their education if they work in rural Wisconsin. “They’re free to do […] The post Dairy Business Association leader says WI ag bills need to pass soon appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Food for Peace transition could bring long-term support for sorghum growers

A Kansas farmer says the Food for Peace program transitioning to USDA could bring reliable, long-term demand for sorghum. Amy France says it’s been a tough stretch for farmers who continue to face low-commodity prices. “It’s been a difficult time, so to get anything moving on a consistent basis is exciting.”   She says the […] The post Food for Peace transition could bring long-term support for sorghum growers appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Former USDA chief economist: Crop farmers facing tight margins with no clear catalyst

The former chief economist for USDA says crop farmers are stuck in tight margins and are looking for a way out. “I’m not sure I’ve got a happy message,” Seth Meyer said, “which is I’m not sure what the catalyst is.” Meyer, who currently works as the director of the Food and Agricultural Policy Research […] The post Former USDA chief economist: Crop farmers facing tight margins with no clear catalyst appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Ag awaits Supreme Court opinion on Trump tariffs

The U.S. Supreme Court still hasn’t issued a decision on President Trump’s use of tariffs and ag lobbyist says he’s eager to see the opinion. Randy Russell with the Russell Group says if the court upholds the authority, tariffs will continue, but if the court strikes it down “I think you’ll see the administration use […] The post Ag awaits Supreme Court opinion on Trump tariffs appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

NPPC working with Congress to develop federal Prop 12 legislation

The president of the National Pork Producers Council says the industry is developing federal legislation that would address California’s livestock confinement law. Duane Stateler says Proposition 12 has created a patchwork of state regulations. “We have Q3 in Massachusetts and we now have a new one coming in Oklahoma,” he says. “It’s just a disruption […] The post NPPC working with Congress to develop federal Prop 12 legislation appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Southeast Minnesota farmer expands grain storage to improve marketing flexibility

A farmer in southeastern Minnesota is planning additional grain storage. Glenn Groth raises corn and soybeans in Winona County. “We’re kind of staying the course in most aspects of the farming operation, we do plan to build more grain storage in the next year. Just giving us more flexibility in terms of marketing.” He tells […] The post Southeast Minnesota farmer expands grain storage to improve marketing flexibility appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Texas cattle producers say proactive management is critical amid New World screwworm concerns

The northward advancement of New World screwworm continues to have Texas producers on edge. Texas stocker Wayne Cockrell says ramping up animal health practices is crucial in the fight against New World screwworm, “You’ve got to put your eyes on those animals every day.”  Cockrell is a board member with the Texas Southwest Cattle Raisers […] The post Texas cattle producers say proactive management is critical amid New World screwworm concerns appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story