August 5, 2026

The USDA’s weekly hatchery numbers continue to point to rising chicken production in 2026. 254.134 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubation last week, 267,000 less than the previous week, but 2% more than a year ago, even as the average rate of hatchability declined slightly to 79.1%. 194.392 million broiler-type chicks were placed into […] The post Broiler placements hold faster than last year pace appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

An agronomy manager with Wyffels Hybrids says growers should be scouting for tar spot. Robby Meeker, who covers the eastern half of Illinois and all of Indiana, says he expects reports of the disease to become more prevalent as August progresses. “Not super alarming, but it’s definitely here.”  He says, “We all saw it coming. […] The post Tar spot confirmations highlight need for increased scouting appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

U.S. ethanol production backed off a little bit last week. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production averaged 1.107 million barrels per day, down 26,000 from the previous week, which was the second highest weekly average on record. That was still up 26,000 from a year ago as the industry tries to meet domestic and […] The post Ethanol production, stocks, exports top year ago levels appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

An agronomist says the role of artificial intelligence will have a larger role in the future of ag production. Ryan Wolf with WinField United says some farmers are already using the technology, but more could be done with it. “It’s going to increase production. It’s all about ROI and that’s about increasing bushels out there […] The post AI expected could reshape agronomic decision-making appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

An ag economist says the Trump administration’s recently announced tariffs on Canadian dairy products could help expand market access for U.S. dairy exports.  Ian Sheldon with Ohio State University says President Trump is trying to level the playing field for U.S. dairy producers. “The U.S. believes it has been discriminated against in terms of the amount of dairy […] The post New Canadian dairy tariffs highlight long-running USMCA market access dispute appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The director of state policy for Ohio Farm Bureau says protecting water quality remains a top priority as data center development continues across the state. Evan Callicoat tells Brownfield, “How much water are these taking in daily,” he says. “Are they plugged into a municipal water system? As long as our members are asking these […] The post Ohio Farm Bureau says current data center permitting process protects state’s water resources appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee is pushing for a farm bill that addresses Proposition 12 and includes year-round nationwide E15.  Minnesota Republican Brad Finstad says when it comes to passing a farm bill with Prop 12 and E15 language. “I want them both, and that’s the position we’re going to take in […] The post Finstad: farm bill must include Prop 12 language and year-round E15 appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Monitoring cattle for signs in infestations remains a priority as the industry continues to navigate New World screwworm. Tucson, Arizona feedyard owner Barbara Jackson says when live cattle imports from Mexico resume, cattle will be thoroughly inspected before crossing the border.  “When they come into the feed yard and if they’re not processed off truck, […] The post Cattle inspections will be key when live imports from Mexico resume appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The USDA has announced crop insurance changes to strengthen coverage and give farmers more flexibility.  U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins attended Farmfest in southwest Minnesota Tuesday where she announced USDA’s Risk Management Agency will provide producers up to 60 additional days to pay crop insurance premiums. “For some of you that may not be a […] The post Rollins announces crop insurance changes at Farmfest appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story