May 5, 2026

Global demand for U.S. ethanol was strong during the first quarter of 2026. The Renewable Fuels Association says that during the first three months of year, the U.S. has exported 639.8 million gallons of ethanol, 20% ahead of 2025’s record pace, boosted by competitive prices and solid world demand for lower carbon fuels. That included […] The post 2026 ethanol exports remain on pace to shatter 2025 record appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

An ag economist says rising input costs and concerns about product availability due to the ongoing conflict in Iran led to a decline in farmer sentiment in this month’s Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. Michael Langemeier is the director of Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture. “When you look at the general price increases across the board […] The post Ag Economy Barometer signals growing concern about profit margins in 2026 appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The crop sales leader with COUNTRY Financial says hail has been plaguing some newly emerged crops this spring. Jason Maschhoff says both corn and soybean fields have been impacted by severe storms. “Corn. A lot of it is up in parts of the states where they’ve been able to plant, but typically at a V2 […] The post Spring storms bring hail coverage reminders appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Iowa lawmakers have signed off on new guidelines for companies that want to tap hydrogen beneath the ground. State Senator Derek Wulf, a Republican from Hudson, says the measure creates a consistent framework and strengthens protections for farmers and landowners above those deposits. “Hydrogen is not some far off idea anymore. It is quickly becoming […] The post Hydrogen exploration in Iowa moves forward under new state guidelines appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Intensifying drought conditions in parts of the Central Plains are a taking serious toll on this year’s winter wheat crop. Southwest Kansas farmer Gary Millershaski says his area has only received a quarter-of-an-inch of precipitation since last fall. “For us to get a 30-bushel crop, you’ve really got to be optimistic and believe in prayer. […] The post Drought deepens across Central Plains, slashing winter wheat outlook appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The cost of fuel is taking a bigger bite out of a dairy farmer’s margin. Northern Wisconsin dairy and crop farmer Ben Augustine says, “Trucking milk here is getting way too expensive.” Augustine tells Brownfield he hauls his own milk to the processor, and he’s feeling the pain at the pump. “It’s eighty-five miles round […] The post Fuel prices put additional stress on farm finances appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

An atmospheric scientist says many farmers will have to wait for warmer weather. Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions says, “I think you’ve got to get past Mother’s Day before it starts to warm up.” Snodgrass tells Brownfield that summer-like temperatures might not arrive until the end of the month.  He says last month will […] The post Wild weather now, mild weather later appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

An ag meteorologist says the threat of wildfires could stick around for an extended period of time in Nebraska. “It would probably take multiple (rain) events at this point,” USDA’s Brad Rippey said. Rippey tells Brownfield the state has a lot of brush and dry grass. “We’re just getting so much wind, warmth and drying,” […] The post Wildfire threat continues in Nebraska, Great Plains appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story