Local, State & Ag News
MSU explores solutions for agriculture and food supply chain efficiencies
Collaborators at Michigan State University are working to strengthen the flexibility and resilience of agriculture and food supply chains during major disruptions. Co-Director of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture Ian
USDA: 2025 cotton crop slightly below 2024
The U.S. produced less cotton in 2025 than 2024. Upland production last year was 13.492 million bales, down 447,000 from the year before that, with a decline in yield to
Demand for cheese and butterfat expands March dairy exports
The U.S. Dairy Export Council says eight percent growth in March shipments continued year-over-year gains for the sixth straight month. Cheese exports increased 29 percent in March, setting a record
Iowa ethanol advocate predicts E15 bill passes US House with bipartisan backing
A vote may be held tomorrow in the U.S. House that would permanently override EPA rules and allow E15 to be sold at all U.S. gas stations year-round. Iowa Renewable
Fertilizer price spikes bring concerns and audibles for Illinois farmers
A pair of Illinois farmers say rising fertilizer costs are impacting their operations. Ken Franklin, who farms in Christian County, says he had most of his fertilizer purchased before the
USDA sees big year-to-year drop in winter wheat production
U.S. winter wheat production will likely fall sharply on the year. The USDA projects this year’s winter wheat crop at 1.0548 billion bushels, a drop of 25% from 2025, largely

85th Annual Tulip Festival Week Underway in Orange City
The 85th annual Orange City Tulip Festival officially begins this week in Orange City, with the Tulip Festival Night Show on Tuesday evening ahead of the festival’s traditional Thursday-through-Saturday run.
USDA adjusts old crop ending stocks estimates, issues new crop guesses
The USDA raised its 2025/26 ending stocks estimates for corn while cutting the outlook for wheat and soybeans. Corn ending stocks for the current marketing year are seen at 2.142
New Indianapolis 500 partnership expands iconic milk tradition
Changes at this year’s Indianapolis 500 will give attendees an opportunity to take part in a long-standing tradition. Jenni Browning, CEO of the American Dairy Association Indiana, says through a
Early season wet and cold raising disease, pest concerns for one Indiana farmer
A west central Indiana farmer says cool and wet conditions have created challenges for early-season crop development. Kevin Cox, who raises corn and soybeans in Clay and Parke Counties, says emergence
