Ten percent of Indiana dairy farms closed in 2018 and the total number of dairy farms dropped below 900. But, Indiana Dairy Producers Executive Director Doug Leman says it’s not a state issue, it’s a general industry issue. “It was not just an Indiana problem, it’s that way throughout the Midwest,” he says. “We …
Category: Ag News
Auto Added by WPeMatico
Feb 07
Wild cards in the protein sector
To say it’s been an unpredictable start to 2019 in the protein sector would be an understatement. In this Managing for Profit, Don Close with Rabo AgriFinance takes a closer look at some of the factors that could shape how 2019 plays out for both the pork and the beef sectors. AUDIO: Managing for Profit, …
Feb 07
Farmers, businesses speak for legislation to strip President of tariff authority
Tariffs Hurt the Heartland teamed up with farmers, business owners and U.S. Senators to back legislation that would remove the President’s tariff authority. Delaware Farm Bureau President Richard Wilkins grows crops and livestock, and says on top of farm income dropping 50%, tariffs have dropped soybean values 20% He says, “It’s not just impacting that …
Feb 06
Johnson encouraged by call for bipartisanship
Congressman Dusty Johnson says he’s encouraged by the President’s call for bipartisanship in the State of the Union address. Johnson, a South Dakota Republican, says political parties working together lead to results. The freshman lawmaker says he looks forward to continuing with what President Trump calls an improving economy and better employment picture. “We also …
Feb 06
Steenhoek: Action needed on infrastructure improvements
The executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition says he’s grateful for the mention of transportation infrastructure in Tuesday’s State of the Union Address, but there’s a need for action. Mike Steenhoek tells Brownfield it is necessary to put resources into improving the nation’s infrastructure, which he considers investing in the future. “It’s going to …
Feb 06
Ethanol production dives to more than one year low
U.S. ethanol production last week hit a new 16-month low. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production averaged 967,000 barrels a day, a drop of 45,000 on the week, for the lowest weekly average since early October 2017. The industry continues to be concerned about margins, while waiting for clarity on year-round E15 availability and …
Feb 06
Michigan Tree Fruit Commission undergoing first referendum
The Michigan Department of Agriculture is asking the state’s tree fruit producers if they want to continue the state checkoff for the next five years. The Michigan Tree Fruit Research and Development Program was created in 2014 to support research stations, research and extension programs focused on tree fruit. Growers have until February 22nd to …
Feb 06
Broker: More cropland being listed in western Nebraska
A western Nebraska ag real estate broker anticipates more sales activity in 2019. Mike Lashley with Lashley Land Brokers based in North Platte says there is more farm ground being listed for sale this winter in western Nebraska. “We’re already seeing a lot of crop ground come on the marketplace,” Lashley says. “Ranches, not so …
Feb 06
African swine fever outbreak could be worse than China lets on
There’s speculation China is under-reporting the loss of pigs as the country struggles to contain African swine fever. Minnesota Pork Producers CEO David Preisler says he’s talked to people who have visited China to work with farms, providing first-hand knowledge of the situation. “And everything I’ve heard from that standpoint has been that it certainly …
Feb 06
Farm groups want follow through from Trump
Farm groups say President Trump’s State of the Union is a reminder there’s more work to be done in Congress. The American Farm Bureau Federation is applauding the priories outlined in the President’s speech including a call for the passage of the USMCA. Executive Vice President Dale Moore tells Brownfield it was reassuring to hear …