April 16, 2026

The USDA says it wants help from farmers as the department investigates soaring fertilizer prices. Deputy Undersecretary Stephen Vaden tells Brownfield an online portal is being developed so farmers can confidentially report challenges with agricultural input suppliers.  “We want as many on-the-ground stories as possible of what American farmers are experiencing, and not just with […] The post USDA calls on farmers to share fertilizer and input cost concerns appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A graduate research assistant at Purdue University says  strong demand is creating more basis opportunities for some corn and soybean farmers. Josh Strine says regional variations are driving local pricing. “We’ve seen that across the board,” he says. “Basis has increased for both corn and soybeans. It’s a greater increase than the historical averages would […] The post Strong demand supports higher basis for corn, soybeans in Eastern Corn Belt states appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The 2026-27 Missouri State FFA Secretary says she’s looking forward to the year ahead. Madeline O’Brien from the Troy FFA tells Brownfield “Coming from the northeast district, I know a lot of those people, but I’m looking forward to exploring other regions of Missouri. I’m really happy to be selected as part of the team. […] The post MO FFA Secretary looks forward to year-ahead appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

There are mixed feelings in farm country about another round of financial aid from the government.  “It’s almost like a necessary evil at this point.” Southern Illinois farmer Granvil Travis says he’s prefers market-based solutions, but he can’t afford to opt out right now. “You’ve got to sign up for it. You have to stay […] The post Mixed reactions in farm country over potential new aid package appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Members of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee are concerned about proposed staffing cuts to USDA in President Trump’s upcoming budget. Ranking Member Sanford Bishop of Georgia says eliminating more than a dozen USDA programs and 15 percent of Farm Service Agency staffing is shocking. “Efficiencies is an often-cited rationale for cuts, but I don’t think […] The post Proposed USDA staffing cuts questioned as lawmakers warn of impact on farmers appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

An agricultural economist with Advance Trading says the corn and soybean markets have fallen off their highs of early spring. Brian Basting says many farmers took advantage of the rally touched off by the Middle Eastern conflict, but… “The market until last day or two had retraced that entire rally that was linked to the […] The post Conflict rally behind corn and soybean markets appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A plant pathologist with Ohio State University Extension says farmers need to be proactive when it comes to managing soybean cyst nematode.  Horacio Lopez-Nicora says the first step is to send in a soil test. “We want to know how much we have,” he says. “Know your numbers, because that will help us dictate the management […] The post New SCN Management Guides aim to help farmers protect profitability appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story