May 8, 2026

U.S. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson says it’s time for Congress to pass year-round E15 legislation once and for all. “Our producers have waited long enough. It is time to make sure we deliver the certainty they deserve, and that starts by having a vote in the House.” The Iowa Republican tells Brownfield that House Speaker Mike […] The post Rep. Hinson presses for E15 vote as fuel prices surge appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A U.S. Representative from Minnesota says current challenges are making it harder for the next generation to get started in farming and ranching. “I’m very worried about young and beginning farmers right now,” Democrat Angie Craig said. Craig, the Ranking Member of the U.S. House Ag Committee, says production expenses are out of control. “Farmers […] The post Rep. Craig says aging farm population is ‘a real problem’ for agriculture appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley says he’s encouraged by steps taken by the Trump administration to investigate competition in the meat processing industry. The Iowa Republican tells Brownfield getting to the bottom of potential antitrust violations by the big four meatpackers will take time. “But I can say over my years in the Senate it’s been […] The post Grassley welcomes federal scrutiny of meat processing industry appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A plant pathologist with University of Tennessee Extension says she’s optimistic the recent conditions can create more resilient crops this year. Heather Kelly tells Brownfield the recent rains and cooler temps have brought some balance to the widespread drought conditions. “It’s almost like April and May have been switched, right? We were really warm in […] The post Weather shifts could lead to more resilient crops appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The senior vice president of public policy and counsel at the Ag Retailers Association says the agriculture industry is actively working to manage nitrate runoff from fertilizer applications. Richard Gupton says there are things that can be controlled, like implementing good on-farm practices when applying nutrients. “For split applications and other things to make sure it’s staying on […] The post Ag industry responds to nitrate pollution concerns with stewardship practices appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A Congressman says legislation to make E15 available nationwide year-round should pass the House soon. Wisconsin Representative Tony Weid tells Brownfield he’s optimistic about the nationwide year-round E15 bill. “I think there’s legs with it to pass through the House. I think it’s important that we get that to a vote, and I think we […] The post Congressman believes E15 bill will pass House appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

An ag economist says there’s a lot at stake for the ag industry as two large railroads pursue a potential merger. Guy Allen with Kansas State University says the consolidation of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern represents the market evolution of the rail sector. “The railroads are arguing increased efficiency and reduced internal costs for […] The post Proposed rail merger puts focus on grain rates and service appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A director with the Illinois Corn Marketing Board says this summer’s review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) agreement is vital for agriculture. Southern Illinois farmer Matt Raben tells Brownfield, “Our number one market where we export corn is Mexico. And then our number one ethanol market is Canada.”  He says, “We need to make sure that […] The post USMCA renewal vital for corn farmers appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The president of the Illinois Pork Producers Association says morale is high in the industry despite some challenges this spring. Katie Brown, who’s a 5th generation hog farmer in Christian County, tells Brownfield, “Our number one issue that we’re seeing is some disease pressure with PRRS or porcine respiratory virus. So, we’re trying to make […] The post Positive outlook for pork industry, despite challenges appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story