Local, State & Ag News
Illinois distributes $4 million to strengthen local food system
The acting assistant director at the Illinois Department of Agriculture says the state’s local food system is receiving a boost. Kristi Jones says nearly $4 million has been awarded through
Broiler placements hold faster than last year pace
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,
Tar spot confirmations highlight need for increased scouting
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
Ethanol production, stocks, exports top year ago levels
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
AI expected could reshape agronomic decision-making
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
New Canadian dairy tariffs highlight long-running USMCA market access dispute
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
Grassley asks Special Counsel Smith to testify before U.S. Senate panel
Senator Chuck Grassley has invited the attorney who led investigations of President Trump to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee next month. Special Council Jack Smith oversaw the investigation of
Ohio Farm Bureau says current data center permitting process protects state’s water resources
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
Finstad: farm bill must include Prop 12 language and year-round E15
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
Cattle inspections will be key when live imports from Mexico resume
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
