Some farmers are exploring alternative enterprises to stay resilient in a challenging ag economy. Compeer Financial senior lending officer Paul Dietmann says there are numerous ways to make money on the farm. “We’re seeing people interested in marketing meat direct to consumers, or maybe growing some vegetables to sell direct. Agri-tourism opportunities, wedding barns have …
Category: Ag News
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Jan 25
More success with no-till and cover crops in Illinois
Another Illinois farmer is seeing the benefits of no-till and cover crop practices on his farm after transitioning just a few years ago. “We’ve seen that, boy, this is a whole lot better! When those rains come and the water is going in the ditch, the water is clean. So, we just have to learn …
Jan 25
Hoosier farmers identify key priorities for 2019
Trade, ethanol, and farm policy are top priorities for Hoosier corn and soybean growers in 2019. The Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Corn Growers Association assembled a group of grassroots farmers to identify critical issues. The Indiana Soybean Association/Indiana Corn Growers Association Farmer Action Network, or FAN Group, participated in the workshop and identified other …
Jan 25
Research proving less nitrogen is often better
Nitrogen recommendations are being lowered in many cases. Brad Carlson is an extension crops educator with the University of Minnesota. “Our nitrogen recommendations are not an average, they actually encompass most situations. And in most situations you could apply less nitrogen and still get the same yield.” He tells Brownfield university research is telling. “In …
Jan 25
Approval of Illinois hemp regulations expected by 2019 growing season
Photo Credit: IL Department of Ag The Illinois Department of Agriculture expects the state’s proposed industrial hemp regulations, released last month, to be complete in time for the 2019 growing season. “The typical planting season is around June 1st. So, we are hopeful that we can get these rules approved in time for people to …
Jan 25
Ross tempers expectations for end to trade war
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross is tempering expectations for an end to the trade war when U.S. and Chinese officials meet in Washington in a few days. During a CNBC interview Thursday, Ross said, “we’re miles and miles from getting a resolution” and that trade is a very complicated issue. The vice premiere of China is …
Jan 25
Prepping for the spring
Farmers typically begin planning for next year before harvest is done. With margins expected to remain tight, an extension crops educator says what’s already planned should be reviewed and what needs to be planned deserves careful consideration. Dave Nicolai with the University of Minnesota says crop rotation, seed selection, fertility management, and weed control are …
Jan 24
House Ag Committee gets new members
There are 15 new members on the House Agriculture Committee. Among a dozen new Democrats on the panel are Cindy Axne, representing Iowa’s Third District, and Angie Craig of Minnesota’s Second District. Three new Republicans include South Dakota’s Dusty Johnson, Jim Baird of Indiana’s Fourth District and Jim Hagedorn of Minnesota’s First Congressional District. Absent …
Jan 24
House Ag Committee chairs announced
House Ag Chairman Collin Peterson has announced who will lead subcommittees for the 116th Congress. The six chairs elected include Ohio’s Marcia Fudge who will oversee the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight and Department Operations as well as David Scott of Georgia for the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy and Credit, and California’s Jim Costa for …
Jan 24
Cattle futures supported by higher boxed beef
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live cattle futures were mostly higher in a narrow range ahead of widespread direct cash business and firm wholesale values during the session. Feeder cattle futures found some support in the day’s lower move in corn. February live cattle closed $.20 lower at $125.35 and April live cattle closed $.02 …