February 12, 2026

A Michigan Farm Bureau lobbyist says it’s unclear how many ag issues can be addressed in Lansing during this legislative session. Rob Anderson tells Brownfield major policy efforts aren’t typical during election years. “From expanding methane digesters in Michigan, to some MIOSHA reforms on reporting, we have a handful of issues like that out there,” […] The post After historic low bill count, Michigan Farm Bureau questions 2026 ag policy movement appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A biofuels market expert says global demand is keeping U.S. ethanol exports strong. Ron Lamberty with the American Coalition for Ethanol says clean fuel regulations in Canada have helped boost consumption. “You have refiners eager to get their hands on it because the math works for them. It’s cheaper than the gas they can make, […] The post Biofuels leader highlights growing international demand for U.S. ethanol appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A grain merchandiser says farmers can’t afford to sit-on-the sidelines and wait to market grain this year. Mathew Burkey with Ag Valley Coop says there’s too much volatility. “I tell guys have some future targets working. Spread out your risk. Maybe do some seasonal-average contracts, but you have to do something.”   Seasonal average contracts […] The post Volatile markets require active grain marketing strategy appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A flour mill in the Thumb is expanding to meet growing demand for locally sourced specialty grains. Stony Croft Farms owner Doug Hodge tells Brownfield he grows, grinds, and directly sells organic flours produced on his 110 acres in Lapeer. “We are not going to be able to grow everything, we’re going to have to […] The post Michigan flour mill increases capacity as demand for stone-ground organic grains grows appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The National Young Farmers Coalition says the delay of the USDA’s 2024 Tenure, Ownership, and Transition of Agricultural Land (TOTAL) Survey could impact how the next generation acquires farmland. Vanessa Garcia Planco, director of government relations, says the survey provides important insights into farmland ownership trends across the U.S. “It was scheduled for publication, and it was completed even before […] The post Land access challenges grow for young farmers as USDA delays key survey results appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A new study from the University of Minnesota is linking whole-fat dairy products to lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Hanna Kelley is the director of health and wellness for the American Dairy Association Indiana.  “Milk, cheese, and yogurt are part of a balanced diet,” she says. “It can help reduce the risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 […] The post New research suggests higher consumption of whole-fat dairy could lower heart disease risks appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

An economist says record U.S. dairy exports are not enough to boost dairy prices because of higher production. Danny Munch with American Farm Bureau Federation tells Brownfield that 2025 milk production grew more than demand. “The U.S. all milk price averaged $19.70 per hundredweight in November, and that was down four dollars since early January […] The post Dairy production greater than export demand appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Cash dairy prices were mixed, with a big jump in the butter price Thursday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.    Dry whey remains unchanged at $0.72.  No sales were recorded.  Forty-pound cheese blocks were down $0.0050 at $1.3875.  One sale was recorded at that price.  Cheese barrels remained unchanged at $1.44.  No sales were recorded.  Butter prices were up $0.0825 at $1.7350.  Twenty-three sales were recorded, ranging from $1.72 to $1.7525.  There were also fifty-four unsuccessful bids.  Nonfat dry milk was up $0.0025 at $1.5975.  Three sales were recorded, ranging from $1.5950 to $1.60.  The post Butter higher, cheese lower at CME Thursday appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story