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Non-emotional decisions critical during market volatility

An ag economist says the current volatility in the cattle markets is a good reminder for producers to explore risk management options.  University of Tennessee’s Charley Martinez says producers who sold animals on Monday or Tuesday of last week had a very different experience... Read More.

More corn & later planting decisions

The leader of a crop inputs business says farmers are planning to plant more corn this spring.  Leah Anderson is Senior Vice President of Land O Lakes, and President of their WinField United crops division.  She tells Brownfield the economic fundamentals just push growers... Read More.

Price still a factor in acreage decisions

A senior research economist at MU’s Food and Ag Policy Research Institute says there could be even fewer acres of U.S. soybeans planted this spring if prices remain volatile. Bob Maltsbarger says November soybean prices dropped and recently bounced back some this month as... Read More.

Climate grantees anxiously awaiting USDA decisions

An agricultural nonprofit says USDA is expected to make decisions on the future of Climate Smart Commodity Programs and frozen assets by the end of the month. Michigan Agriculture Advancement’s Julie Doll tells Brownfield,“Let’s try to hold them to this.” “If they have said 90 days,... Read More.

Don’t wait until April 15th to make ARC and PLC decisions

An ag economist at the University of Illinois says farmers shouldn’t wait until the deadline to enroll in risk management programs. Nick Paulson says considering this year’s commodity price expectations will help farmers choose between agriculture risk coverage or price loss coverage. “Every day... Read More.

Acreage decisions weighing on farmer’s minds

A board member with the American Soybean Association says many farmers likely have decisions still to make on some of their 2025 acres. Rob Shaffer, who farms in central Illinois, says he has a few fields that could go to either corn or soybeans.... Read More.

Important risk management decisions loom

Farmers will be making a lot of important risk management decisions over the next two months. Farm business management analyst Kent Thiesse with the Green Solutions Group says the spring crop insurance price is set in February. “So if we do get some strength... Read More.

Drought concerns not driving agronomic decisions

The prospect of drought does not seem to be influencing agronomic decisions as farmers prepare for the 2025 growing season.  Stine Seed president Myron Stine says some growers are concerned about dry soils heading into the spring. “Ironically, I don’t see them making huge... Read More.

Iowa farmer still making decisions for 2025 growing season

A southeast Iowa farmer says he’s optimistic about the 2025 growing season despite the mild start to winter. Tim Meyer raises corn and soybeans in Henry County. “We’ve got somewhat okay moisture. I think folks would like to see a little bit more, but... Read More.

Tough decisions facing farmers in 2025

A pair of Illinois farmers say the ag economy means some tough decisions in 2025. Tom Hieronymus, who farms in DeWitt County, tells Brownfield, “The cost of inputs these days, and this last couple of years the commodity prices have really kind of taken... Read More.