May 21, 2026

Minnesota Farm Bureau is giving mixed reviews at the conclusion of the 2026 state legislative session. President Dan Glessing tells Brownfield MFBF is disappointed legislators could not pass an agriculture bill. “But pleased that the tax bill had some agricultural perspectives and benefits to farmers and ranchers, and bonding.” He says the cap on the […] The post Farm Bureau praises tax and bonding wins, laments missing ag bill in Minnesota appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A central Indiana farmer says it’s been a challenging start to the 2026 planting season. Chris Eck tells Brownfield, “It’s been everything from initially in early May, it was 80 degrees and dry,” he says. “Then it went to cold and dry and then to warm and wet. We’ve had everything you can think of […] The post Indiana farmers battle wild weather swings during 2026 planting season appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The jump in fuel prices is hurting the bottom line of farmers like Cordt Holub in east-central Iowa. “Certainly been the biggest question here when it comes to springtime planting and putting the crop in the ground. A lot of people are taking last year’s crop to local processors now.” Holub grows corn and soybeans […] The post Iowa farmer says fuel costs are becoming biggest expense appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The president of the Illinois Wheat Association says the state’s new wheat checkoff is just weeks from going into effect. Tracy Heuerman, who farms in Effingham County, tells Brownfield… “The wheat checkoff doesn’t officially take place until July 1st, so technically any checks cut after July 1 would have the wheat checkoff money taken out […] The post Illinois wheat checkoff rolls out this summer appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The on-going drought in the Central Plains has some producers thinking outside of the box. “It’s a heart-breaking story, but at the same time, it’s really great to see farmers, ranchers and neighbors find some creative solutions.” Southwest Nebraska farmer Andy Jobman says producers are exploring ways to avoid liquidating herds and improve feed supplies. […] The post Creative solutions emerging amid Central Plains drought appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A member of the Senate Ag Committee says work is underway to craft its version of a skinny farm bill. Deb Fischer, a Republican from Nebraska, says legislation and it will need bipartisan support. “From specialty crops to salmon fishing and to all farmers and ag producers and all people involved in agriculture, they need […] The post Senate continues work on “skinny” farm bill appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The founder and CEO of Phospholutions says fertilizer supply challenges in the U.S. are becoming structural rather than temporary. Hunter Swisher points to The Mosaic Company’s recent decision to curtail domestic phosphate production over surging sulfuric acid costs. He tells Brownfield that Mosaic’s move shows phosphorous security is not just a mining issue in the […] The post Efficiency takes center stage in fertilizer debate appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A new Iowa law aims to strengthen agricultural education by ensuring students aren’t penalized for participating in FFA and other school‑sponsored activities. Iowa Cattlemen’s Association CEO Bryan Whaley says Governor Kim Reynolds has signed Senate File 2219, which brings consistency to student absence policies statewide. “It just provides them a great opportunity to learn hands […] The post Gov. Reynolds signs bill protecting FFA, school activity absences appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story