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A climatologist says Illinois is the linchpin between drought and excessive moisture in the Midwest as spring approaches. Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford says the southern part of the state is too wet, a trend that follows through southern Indiana, Ohio and parts of Kentucky. “The Ohio Valley has been very wet, and the outlook has strong confidence of wetter than normal conditions for that area.” As you move north […]

The Fertilizer Institute says it’s unclear what the effects of the Russia/Ukraine conflict will have on global fertilizer supplies.   Kathy Mathers, vice president of public affairs, says the market was already tight before the invasion and supplies are likely to get tighter especially for fall application. “Although we get significant amounts of fertilizer from Russia, at this point, much of the spring if not all of the spring fertilizer […]

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has unveiled plans to develop a state-of-the-art processing plant that will strengthen the meat industry in the region. Clint Krehbiel with UNL’s Animal Science department said the plant will serve as a processing hub for cattle producers and a prototype for small processors. “We think our best way to grow the industry from the capacity standpoint is with our workforce development where we’re providing our expertise […]

Supply chain disruptions are making it difficult for grain elevators to expand and improve their equipment. Scott Dockerty, General Manager of Western Grain Marketing based in Rushville, Illinois tells Brownfield projects are getting pushed back because suppliers do not have building materials. “Anytime we invest capital into a company we are trying to get that in place for the next crop cycle. But right now that is going to be […]

In just over a week, Chicago wheat markets have moved sharply higher following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the May contract is locked limit up again today. University of Illinois Ag Economist Scott Irwin tells Brownfield he thinks this will be the biggest supply shock to the global grain market in his lifetime. “This reflects the reality of trying to grasp exactly how big of a hole this war could […]

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers is calling for bipartisan policies that support long-term economic growth in the industry.   Kip Eideberg, senior vice president of government and industry relations, says the infrastructure law is a good start. “We are urging our elected officials to invest in our nation’s infrastructure. That means the rapid implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” he says. “Rural broadband, large capital investments in our […]

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues to threaten global wheat supplies, sending prices soaring. Stephen Nicholson, global grains and oilseeds strategist for Rabobank says Russia and Ukraine account for about 30% of global wheat exports. “If you take Russia and Ukraine wheat out and you think ‘that means there’s a lot left’, but you look at the other exporters in the world and you look at those stocks,” he says.  “There […]

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in a flock of commercial broiler chickens in Missouri.  The facility is located in Stoddard County, Missouri (Southeast Missouri) along the Mississippi flyway.  The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is working closely with state animal health officials on a joint incident response.  The affected premises has been quarantined, and all the birds on the properties will be depopulated to prevent […]