20% of Iowa oat crop has been planted
Iowa farmers are off to a fast start to oat planting. In its first weekly crop progress update of 2026, the USDA says 20 percent of the state’s intended oat […]
Groups lobby for state funding of water quality sensors
A variety of groups are urging legislators to continue state funding for the University of Iowa’s network of river sensors that measure water quality. Cynthia Farmer of the Center for […]
Drought impacting soil moisture levels in Nebraska
On-going drought across Nebraska is continuing to deplete the soil profile. The USDA says topsoil moisture is 84 percent short to very short, and subsoil moisture is 85 percent short […]
Corn and soybean planting hasn’t started, but Michigan farmer says it’s about to get underway
A southeast Michigan farmer says he expects to plant soybeans starting this week. Jim Isley tells Brownfield, “We’ve planted soybeans on the eighth day of April for three years in […]
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: April 6, 2026
May corn $4.54, up 1 and 3/4 centsMay soybeans $11.66 and 3/4, up 3 and 1/4 centsMay soybean meal $316.60, up $1.40May soybean oil 69.95, up 101 pointsMay Chicago wheat […]
Southwest Indiana farmer expects to start planting next week
A southwest Indiana farmer says he plans to start planting soybeans as early as next week. Ben Kron tells Brownfield, “We’ve got a bunch of anhydrous put on and a bunch […]
Moisture welcome, but snow delays start of planting season
Another blast of winter weather is slowing spring fieldwork in parts of the Upper Midwest. Jake Thompson farms near Barnsville in central Minnesota and says about a foot of snow […]
USDA winter wheat condition rating lower than a year ago
U.S. winter wheat is out of dormancy and showing the impact of dry weather. The USDA says 35% of U.S. winter wheat is in good to excellent shape, 13% below […]
USDA winter wheat condition rating lower than a yeaer ago
U.S. winter wheat is out of dormancy and showing the impact of dry weather. The USDA says 35% of U.S. winter wheat is in good to excellent shape, 13% below […]
Semi-automatic milking system called “game changer”
A milking system that reduces labor by using robotic milk technology is now available. James Bringe with GEA tells Brownfield dairy farmers have been asking for a simple semi-automatic milking […]