May 14, 2026

A food economist says April food prices posted the largest month-to-month increase in four years. David Ortega with Michigan State University tells Brownfield there are still inflationary pressures impacting food costs. “Compared to a year ago, grocery prices are up 2.9%, and that is the largest yearly increase since August of 2023,” he says. “There’s very […] The post Grocery prices see largest monthly increase since 2022, driven by weather events, trade, and rising fuel costs appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The executive director of the Minnesota Biofuels Association says he was caught off guard by the American Soybean Association speaking up in opposition of nationwide year-round E15 this (last) week. Brian Werner tells Brownfield he’ll need to look further into a study by the University of Missouri’s Food and Ag Policy Research Institute that ASA […] The post Minnesota Biofuels leader says ASA tried to “kill the bill” on year-round E15 appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Some farmers say the recently passed House version of nationwide, year-round E15 provides much needed certainty to the U.S. ag industry. “It’s been twenty years that we’ve been fighting for this,” he says. “We needed this. It gives us a lot of confidence.” Ohio farmer Eric Tipton says the added corn demand could help improve […] The post Some farmers say House passed E15 legislation could strengthen corn outlook appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A group of farmers is reaching out to neighboring farms and families to make sure they are mentally okay. Neil Christenson is part of the Shawano County, Wisconsin’s Farm Bureau chapter and tells Brownfield that they put together sixty care packages to take to their neighbors. “As a farmer, I know how everyone is stressed […] The post Wisconsin ag leaders support neighbors’ mental health appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The House of Representatives passed legislation that would make E15 available all year, nationwide. Wisconsin Congressman Derrick Van Orden says, “This is a fantastic thing for our farmers.” The 3rd District Republican tells Brownfield the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act is a win-win for farmers and consumers. “There’s no detrimental effect to the […] The post Wisconsin lawmaker pleased with E15 House vote appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The U.S. is on track to produce the smallest winter wheat crop in nearly half of a century, largely due to the ongoing drought in the Central Plains.  Interim executive director with the Wheat Quality Council Sean Finnie says the damage seen on this year’s wheat tour was remarkable. “You would walk into a field […] The post Wheat tour shows 26 percent decline in production from 2025 appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

In recent weeks the Choice/Select spread, which can be an indicator for beef demand, has been very narrow and in some instances negative.    University of Kentucky ag economist Kenny Burdine says historically that shift would indicate a weakening in demand.  A wide Choice/Select spread typically indicates strong consumer demand for premium cuts.  “I don’t think the Choice/Select spread means what it used to,” he says. “The reality is there’s very little Select in the marketplace right […] The post As beef prices rise, shoppers shift within the beef case and challenge traditional demand indicators appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

An ag economist says the Trump administration’s recently floated plan aimed at lowering beef prices likely wouldn’t have moved the needle. Dr. David Anderson with Texas A&M University says, “I don’t think this would do very much to beef prices at all.”  On Monday, the Wall Street Journal reported that President Trump planned to temporarily reduce Tariff […] The post Economist says Trump administration’s rumored beef plan was unlikely to lower retail costs appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

An agronomist says planting progress continues to move at a record pace in parts of the Midwest. Jordan Arndell, who covers southwest Indiana for Dekalb ASGROW, says many farmers in his area already have their crop in the ground.  “This time last year, we didn’t even have our first crop in the ground,” he says. […] The post Agronomist says 2026 planting season could be one of the earliest on record appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

An ag attorney says carbon sequestration programs could be an opportunity for farmers to diversify their income. Todd Janzen with Janzen Schroeder Ag Law tells Brownfield, “There can be some additional revenue for the farm,” he says. “Each farmer needs to figure out for themselves whether it makes sense for their operation or not.” He says producers have […] The post New carbon contract tool helping farmers evaluate contracts and maximize returns appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story