April 17, 2026

Lawmakers pressed the U.S. Trade Representative this week over policies they say are hurting American farmers during a U.S. House Appropriations Committee hearing. Indiana Democrat Frank Mrvan confronted Ambassador Jaimeson Greer repeatably about lost soybean exports to China and questionable financial support to Argentina. “You didn’t answer the question,” Mrvan sparred. “The administration gave $40 […] The post USTR under fire for trade policies affecting farmers, requests 46% budget increase appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Lawmakers pressed the U.S. Trade Representative this week over policies they say are hurting American farmers during a U.S. House Appropriations Committee hearing. Indiana Democrat Frank Mrvan confronted Ambassador Jaimeson Greer repeatably about lost soybean exports to China and questionable financial support to Argentina. “You didn’t answer the question,” Mrvan sparred. “The administration gave $40 […] The post USTR under fire for trade policies affecting farmers appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The retiring Missouri State FFA President says she has a greater appreciation for the diversity of Missouri agriculture as her year of service wraps up. Ivy Elwell from La Monte, in central Missouri, tells Brownfield “When I got to the fourth week of camp, I met so many members from southeast Missouri, and I didn’t […] The post Missouri FFA president reflects on ag diversity, calls members “future of agriculture” appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

An ag engineering professor says he’s watching how Caterpillar potentially integrates technology being acquired from Monarch tractors. Scott Shearer is the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering chair at Ohio State University. “I’m really kind of curious as to if they were interested in the IP around the autonomy or whether there was much […] The post Ag engineer watches Caterpillar–Monarch deal for AI innovations appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

MFA Incorporated, a farmer cooperative in Missouri, has entered into an agreement to acquire four ADM grain elevators in the state: Montgomery City, Center, Novelty and Shelbina. Those country grain elevators represent six million bushels of licensed grain storage capacity, and MFA says it will expand access to delivery points and improve grain handling logistics. […] The post MFA Incorporated acquiring four ADM grain facilities appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The CEO of an ethanol plant in southern Minnesota anticipates Congress passing year-round nationwide E15 legislation this year.  Brian Kletscher with Highwater Ethanol in Lamberton says lawmakers are working hard to get E15 across the finish line. “They just need to find the right bill to attach it to and let it move forward.” He […] The post Ethanol industry poised for major growth ahead of E15 approval appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Corteva has announced new executive leadership teams for its crop protection and seed units following the planned separation later this year.  The company says the split will create two independent businesses, New Corteva and SpinCo.  Luke Kissam has been named New Corteva’s CEO and will join the company on June 1st. Current Corteva CEO Chuck […] The post Corteva announces executive leadership teams to lead its new crop protection and seed companies appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Tight margins could squeeze some sugarbeet growers out of planting all their acres this year. Kristina McVicker with South Central College in Mankato, Minnesota says she’s hearing of banks leery of financing. “I have heard rumors where banks have looked into are you better off forfeiting over your shares for this year versus actually farming […] The post Financing fears rise as sugarbeet profitability narrows appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A coalition of ag groups would like to see a focus on strengthening markets as part of a future economic aid package. RJ Kearney, director of public policy with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, says the support would help connect farmers with local customers. “Here’s an opportunity for small farmers and ranchers […] The post Farm organizations advocate for market-focused relief amid volatility appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Iran’s foreign minister announced Friday morning that the Strait of Hormuz has reopened for commercial ships. Fuel market analyst Patrick De Haan with GasBuddy says energy markets had a quick reaction to the news, which showed a positive trend for consumers. “Oil prices were plummeting 10% to 11% at recent check,” De Haan said. “The […] The post Strait of Hormuz reopens, oil prices plunge and markets react appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story