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Articles by Ag Research
Benavidez named USDA Chief Economist
News Benavidez named USDA Chief Economist January 6, 2026 By Larry Lee Filed Under: Ag economy, Ag Research, News, USDA The USDA has a new chief economist. Dr. Justin Benavidez has been selected to replace the retiring Dr. Seth Meyer. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says Benavidez brings strong policy experience, deep roots in production agriculture, and a clear understanding of the economic realities facing farmers and ranchers.
Shutdown impacts farmers and their advisors
News Shutdown impacts farmers and their advisors November 5, 2025 By Larry Lee Filed Under: Ag Policy, Ag Policy, Ag Research, News An American Farm Bureau economist says the government shutdown has an impact on his job. Danny Munch tells Brownfield government produced data is an important part of what he needs to give farmers vital information they use to make farm business decisions. “That trade data that hasn’t been updated.
UW expert: Lack of reliable data limits farm safety education efforts
News UW expert: Lack of reliable data limits farm safety education efforts September 25, 2025 By Larry Lee Filed Under: Ag Education, Ag Research, News, Wisconsin A University of Wisconsin farm safety specialist says educating farmers and the general public about rural safety requires good data that’s not always easy to get.
Nozzles, pressure, tank mix, speed matter when spraying
News Nozzles, pressure, tank mix, speed matter when spraying September 12, 2025 By Larry Lee Filed Under: 2025 Events, Ag Research, Crops, News, Weed management A Purdue University weed scientist says spraying herbicides effectively requires getting all of the little things right. Dr. Tommy Butts tells Brownfield using the right nozzles, pressures, tank mixes, and application speed matters.
Plugfest helps ensure farm equipment compatibility
News Plugfest helps ensure farm equipment compatibility March 21, 2025 By Larry Lee Filed Under: Ag Equipment, Ag Research, Equipment, Farm Machinery, News Engineers from many farm equipment manufacturers will be making sure modern implements work with different brands of tractors. Ryan Milligan is with the Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation.
Proper planter set-up can make a big yield difference
News Proper planter set-up can make a big yield difference March 19, 2025 By Filed Under: Ag Equipment, Ag Research, Crops, Crops, crops, News A field agronomist says research shows there can be a big difference in yields just by making a few changes on the planter. Joey Heneghan with Beck’s Hybrids tells Brownfield changing the smooth rubber closing wheels to spiked wheels helps in some soil types and increased yields more than five bushels per acre.
Ultraviolet light helps seeds express desirable traits
News Ultraviolet light helps seeds express desirable traits March 7, 2025 By Larry Lee Filed Under: Ag Innovations, Ag Research, Crops, Crops, crops, News A company has developed new technology that can treat seeds with light to unlock desirable traits. BioLumic founder and Chief Science Officer Jason Wargent tells Brownfield they found it was possible to have plants express desirable traits without genetically modifying them, with very positive results.
AFBF reports farm bankruptcies up
News AFBF reports farm bankruptcies up February 26, 2025 By Larry Lee Filed Under: Ag economy, Ag Research, Farm Bureau, News An American Farm Bureau Federation economist says farm bankruptcy numbers continue to grow. Economist Samantha Ayoub says many of the Chapter 12 farm bankruptcies were filed in the Midwest.
Making precision livestock tech more feasible - Brownfield Ag News
News Making precision livestock tech more feasible February 19, 2025 By Nicole Heslip Filed Under: 2025 Events, Ag Research, Michigan, News, Pork Michigan State University researchers are trying to identify where precision livestock technology can best suit the needs and budgets of pork producers.
Researchers work to make cheese curds squeaky longer
News Researchers work to make cheese curds squeaky longer November 20, 2024 By Larry Lee Filed Under: 2024 Events, Ag Research, Dairy, Dairy, News, Wisconsin Researchers are looking for ways to extend the freshness of cheese curds, and that means making the squeak last longer. Consumers of cheese curds know the more squeak you hear while eating them, the fresher they are. Rani Govindasamy-Lucey’s research team is working to understand what makes the squeak and how to make it last longer.
USDA study finds financial position of farms improving
News USDA study finds financial position of farms improving July 10, 2024 By Nicole Heslip Filed Under: Ag economy, Ag Research, Economy, News, USDA A new report from USDA shows farms are taking on more debt but financial conditions have improved overtime. Brad Zwilling with Illinois Farm Business Farm Management tells Brownfield it’s a trend he’s been closely following. “In Illinois, we’ve gone from a little over $250,000 in 2004 up to over $1,000,000 in 2023,” he says.
Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board approves check-off projects
News Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board approves check-off projects June 28, 2024 By Larry Lee Filed Under: Ag Marketing, Ag Research, News, Soybeans, Wisconsin The Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board decided which proposals will get funding during the next year.
Nitrogen credits in groundwater hard to calculate
News Nitrogen credits in groundwater hard to calculate May 10, 2024 By Larry Lee Filed Under: Ag Inputs, Ag Research, Crops, Fertilizer, News An ag educator says farmers could use a way to measure nitrogen credits from groundwater. Retired Mid-State Technical College instructor Mike Sabel tells Brownfield the Wisconsin Nutrient Management Planning System called SNAP+ has no way to accurately account for any possible nitrogen available in irrigation water.
Checkoff hosts dairy nutrition conference - Brownfield Ag News
News Checkoff hosts dairy nutrition conference March 15, 2024 By Larry Lee Filed Under: Ag Education, Ag Research, Dairy, Dairy, News Health and wellness experts showcased the nutritional benefits of dairy products to a worldwide audience. Scott Walin with Dairy Management, Inc.
University’s new dairy plant is operational
News University’s new dairy plant is operational March 14, 2024 By Larry Lee Filed Under: Ag Education, Ag Research, Dairy, Dairy, News, Wisconsin After more than ten years of planning and fundraising, the new University of Wisconsin-River Falls dairy pilot processing plant is a reality. Professor Steve Kelm says the new Wuethrich Family-Grassland Dairy Center of Excellence was a long time coming, and the nine-million dollar facility opened in October.
USB educates consumers about soy-based home products
News USB educates consumers about soy-based home products February 21, 2024 By Larry Lee Filed Under: Ag Education, Ag Research, News, Soybeans The United Soybean Board is reaching out to consumers to show how sustainable soybean-based products are used in homes. Lisa Humphreys at the United Soybean Board tells Brownfield they did foundational research around consumer perception of soy products.
Research shows who is likely to consider milking robots
News Research shows who is likely to consider milking robots February 21, 2024 By Larry Lee Filed Under: Ag Equipment, Ag Research, Dairy, Dairy, News A researcher with Wisconsin’s Dairy Innovation Hub is digging into why some dairy producers use robotic milkers while others avoid them. Jalyssa Beaudry is a University of Wisconsin-River Falls graduate now working on her master’s degree at UW Madison.
USDA says more women, young farmers on the job
News USDA says more women, young farmers on the job February 15, 2024 By Larry Lee Filed Under: 2024 Events, Ag Research, News, USDA, Women in Ag USDA’s newly-released Census of Agriculture shows women and young farmers play important roles on the farm. Statistician Virginia Harris told USDA’s Agriculture Outlook Forum Thursday they started collecting more information in 2017 about men and women, and their roles on the farm. “Most women are involved in farms with other people.
Researcher studies corn roots
News Researcher studies corn roots February 9, 2024 By Larry Lee Filed Under: 2024 Events, Ag Research, Corn, Crops, News, Wisconsin A researcher says there is a lot to learn about the roots of corn plants. Jim Schwartz with Beck’s Hybrids tells Brownfield some varieties have deep penetrating roots, while others spread out in a wider pattern, and that affects the nutrient uptake of the corn plant.
Variety selection provides some white mold protection
News Variety selection provides some white mold protection January 26, 2024 By Nicole Heslip Filed Under: 2024 Events, Ag Research, Michigan, News, Soybeans A plant pathologist is encouraging growers to select varieties with white mold resistance. Michigan State University’s Marty Chilvers tells Brownfield continuous rainfall this summer after soybean canopy closure caused significant white mold pressure for many farmers.
Checkoff group utilizes artificial intelligence
News Checkoff group utilizes artificial intelligence December 28, 2023 By Larry Lee Filed Under: Ag Innovations, Ag Research, Dairy, News, Wisconsin The leader of a checkoff group says artificial intelligence is already helping them get more bang for the farmer’s dollar. Chad Vincent with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin tells Brownfield they are using artificial intelligence like Chat GPT for mining data and making faster decisions.
Remodeled college dairy plant opens
News Remodeled college dairy plant opens October 20, 2023 By Larry Lee Filed Under: Ag Education, Ag Research, Dairy, Dairy, News, Wisconsin The newly-remodeled dairy plant at the University of Wisconsin River Falls officially opened Friday. The college operates Mann Valley Farm, which includes dairy cattle and hosts several research projects, but the campus dairy processing plant was closed five years ago because of outdated machinery.
Government shutdown would delay USDA data
News Government shutdown would delay USDA data September 27, 2023 By Larry Lee Filed Under: Ag Policy, Ag Research, Data, News, USDA, Wisconsin An analyst with USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service says if the government shuts down this weekend, a lot of reports and survey work will be put on hold. Greg Bussler compiles data for USDA in Madison, Wisconsin.
USDA investing $33 million to improve education and research at Land-grant Universities
News USDA investing $33 million to improve education and research at Land-grant Universities July 24, 2023 By Rhiannon Branch Filed Under: Ag Education, Ag Research, News, USDA The USDA is investing $33 million toward 82 research, extension and education projects at the nation’s historically black 1890 Land-grant Universities.
Wheat variety trials showcasing drought tolerance - Brownfield Ag News
News Wheat variety trials showcasing drought tolerance June 22, 2023 By Nicole Heslip Filed Under: 2023 Events, Ag Research, Michigan, News, Wheat A wheat breeder says disease pressure is limited in on-farm trials this year because of dry weather in Michigan. Michigan State University’s Eric Olson regularly studies genetic resistance to fusarium head scab. “We have not seen a significant level of disease across the state this year,” he shares.
Compeer donates 1M for new UW Platteville pilot dairy plant
News Compeer donates 1M for new UW Platteville pilot dairy plant June 13, 2023 By Larry Lee Filed Under: Ag Education, Ag Research, Dairy, Dairy, News, Wisconsin 6/12/23 Compeer donates to UW Platteville dairy pilot plant – Photo by Paul-Erickson/UW Platteville The University of Wisconsin Platteville received a major contribution for its planned dairy pilot plant and training center. The one-million-dollar gift is the largest grant ever given by the Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America.
RaboResearch explores slowing inflation impacts in ag
News RaboResearch explores slowing inflation impacts in ag April 27, 2023 By Nicole Heslip Filed Under: Ag economy, Ag Research, News Rabobank analysts are projecting the last interest rate hike of the year to come next month.
Wisconsin announces first Nitrogen Optimization grant recipients
News Wisconsin announces first Nitrogen Optimization grant recipients April 21, 2023 By Larry Lee Filed Under: Ag Education, Ag Policy, Ag Research, News, Wisconsin The first round of grants for Wisconsin’s Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program has been announced. Twenty of the thirty-one applications were funded, totaling 1.6 million dollars. Projects vary and involve several different crops, cover crops, technologies, and fertilizer products.
Do you need to replant?
News Do you need to replant? March 24, 2023 By Filed Under: 2023 Planting Season, Ag Research, News, Soybeans Extension educators say there are several factors to consider before replanting damaged soybean fields. Shawn Conley with the University of Wisconsin says research suggests early planting of soybeans should take place between April 10th and April 24th in the North Central Region, which includes all Brownfield states.
2022 cover crop research limited by dry weather
News 2022 cover crop research limited by dry weather March 17, 2023 By Filed Under: 2023 Events, Ag Research, Cover crops, News, Ohio Cover crop research at Ohio State University had varying results last year which researchers say highlights the need for perseverance. Rachel Cochran is a Water Quality Extension Associate in northwest Ohio.
Research partnership hones in on soybean best management practices
News Research partnership hones in on soybean best management practices February 2, 2023 By Filed Under: Ag Inputs, Ag Research, News, Soybeans A collaborative research project is highlighting where farmers can cut input costs without sacrificing crop quality. Illinois native Rachel Vann is a soybean extension specialist with North Carolina State University and the lead project investigator for the Science for Success partnership through the United Soybean Board.
Coalition opposes proposed changes to government-funded research rules
News Coalition opposes proposed changes to government-funded research rules September 12, 2022 By Filed Under: Ag economy, Ag Research, News A coalition leader says Washington’s efforts to lower prescription drug prices might endanger agricultural and other research and new product development.
Farm safety education group going strong after 25 years
News Farm safety education group going strong after 25 years May 17, 2022 By Filed Under: Ag Education, Ag Research, Health, News, Wisconsin A farm safety expert says fewer children have been injured on farms in the last 25 years, but more prevention and education are still needed.
Biofuels: ‘Tequila’ Power More Efficient Than Corn, Sugar
The agave plant used to make tequila could be established in semi-arid Australia as an environmentally friendly solution to Australia’s transport fuel shortage, a team of researchers at the University of Sydney, University of Exeter and University of Adelaide has found. The efficient, low-water process could also help produce ethanol for hand sanitiser, which is in high demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.
DTN Cotton Open: Trades Below Fifty Cents
Photo: Texas AgriLife Extension Overnight, the cotton market plunged below the fifty-cent level as actions to combat the coronavirus are taking a toll on the global economy. Over the weekend, President Trump extended his policy of social distancing to May 1, while the nation of India is in full national lock-down. These actions are beginning to have a crippling effect on India’s textile industry.
California Almonds: Pests Will Enjoy The Warming Weather Trend - AgFax Tree Crops
Here is this week’s issue of AgFax Tree Crops. Our thanks to BASF and its California team for sponsoring this coverage. Got questions or comments? Let us know. Jenny Holtermann, Contributing Editor OVERVIEW Wet weather over the last few weeks has mostly been a positive development, considering the dry winter across much of the state. Wet and cooler conditions stalled pest activity to an extent. Moths were less likely to fly, and a combination of rain and predators held spider mites in check in places.
California Walnuts: 10 Orchard Management Tips For April
#1. Evaluate orchard for blight spray. Timing of your first walnut blight spray should depend on the orchard’s disease history and forecast weather. If rain is forecast and the orchard has high blight history, consider spraying as early as bud break/or catkin emergence and then following up with a second spray 7-10 days later. If pressure in the block is moderate/low (low disease history or no rain forecasted), consider the timing of 20% prayer stage.
Arkansas Rice: Use the DD50 Management Program to Stay Ahead in 2020
Rice field pre-flood. ©Debra L Ferguson Each year I’m surprised at the number of producers not currently using the DD50 Rice Management Program on their farms. This program is designed to take much of the guesswork out of in-season management for producers and consultants. In general, projected dates of key timings are accurate within a couple of days throughout the season.
DTN Livestock Close: Contracts Head Into Weekend Disappointed
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Adam Russell The board came into the week strong, but interest dwindled and all three livestock contracts closed the week fully lower. GENERAL COMMENTS: Heading into the weekend doesn’t leave livestock enthusiasts many warm and fuzzy feelings as the board closed sharply lower and the havoc of the coronavirus doesn’t seem to be lessening. Hog prices are lower on the National Direct Afternoon Hog Report, down $0.77 with a weighted average of $58.07.
Moving Grain: Funding Opportunity for Port Infrastructure
Barge and ship traffic transport export cargo on the Mississippi River in the Port of New Orleans. Photo: Bob Nichols, USDA DOT Announces Funding Opportunity for Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is inviting competitive grant applications for projects that improve facilities related to operating coastal seaports, inland river ports, and Great Lakes ports.
Iowa: Dry Fertilizer - Getting the Most from Your Applications
Dry fertilizer spreader. ©Debra L Ferguson Stock Photography Claims of poor fertilizer application and visual striping in fields have increased in recent years. This issue impacts all sectors of the supply chain including growers, custom applicators, cooperatives and agribusiness insurance companies. An increase in documented application problems is primarily driven by a broader use of aerial imagery that can easily detect problems and an increase in use of dry nitrogen fertilizers.
Iowa Corn, Soybeans: Sulfur Fertilizer Management Considerations
Sulfur deficiency in young corn. Photo: University of Minnesota Significant sulfur (S) deficiency in Iowa crops was first documented about 15 years ago. First identified in alfalfa and then corn and soybean. Since then about 150 trials with corn (along with trials with alfalfa and soybean) have been conducted across the state, with approximately 50% of trials having a statistically significant yield increase.
Iowa Hemp: Opportunities and Challenges
Industrial hemp grown for CBD. Photo: Kansas State University Over the past several years as row crop prices declined, farmers and landowners across the nation have searched for alternative crops that might improve the financial bottom line. With the passage of the 2014 and 2018 farm bills, industrial hemp became one of those possible alternative crops.
Weekly Cotton Market Review - USDA
Average spot quotations were 477 points lower than the previous week, according to the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service’s Cotton and Tobacco Program. Quotations for the base quality of cotton (color 41, leaf 4, staple 34, mike 35-36 and 43-49, strength 27.0-28.9, and uniformity 81.0-81.9) in the seven designated markets averaged 47.81 cents per pound for the week ending Thursday, March 26, 2020. This is the lowest weekly average since week ending April 23, 2009 when the average was 46.19.
Arkansas Rice: Management Tips to Reduce Seedling Diseases
Seedling emerged rice. Photo: LSU AgCenter Despite the Covid-19 crisis, our mission remains unchanged and that is to serve Arkansas and its community. As rain continues to delay planting and cool temperatures persist, seedling diseases could be a concern in spring planted rice. Cool and wet weather retards seed germination and reduces seedlings vigor.
Louisiana: Crawfish Farmers Urged Not to Drain Ponds Yet Despite Drop in Sales
Crawfish ponds. Photo: LSU AgCenter Crawfish producer Allen McLain’s business has dropped dramatically because of the coronavirus’ impact on the restaurant business. “We’re struggling. It’s not looking good,” said McLain, of Abbeville. A big portion of his business is selling his product to area restaurants, but he said that has been sharply reduced. Crawfish are plentiful and have grown to a large size, but there’s a limited market. He said sales during the week are a fraction of his normal volume.
Food Security: Ample Global Supplies vs. “Food Nationalism,” Supply Chain Restrictions
Corn stocks at an elevator location during harvest. ©Debra L Ferguson Stock Images Earlier this week, Bloomberg writers Isis Almeida and Agnieszka de Sousa reported that, “It’s not just grocery shoppers who are hoarding pantry staples. Some governments are moving to secure domestic food supplies during the conoravirus pandemic.” The Bloomberg article noted that, “To be perfectly clear, there have been just a handful of moves and no sure signs that much more is on the horizon.
DTN Cotton Close: In-Sync With Ailing Dow
©Debra L Ferguson Stock Images The cotton market ended Friday with triple-digit losses as it re-aligned itself to the falling Dow. Thursday, saw the Dow up on bearish news, but cotton lower on friendly news. It appeared a real market disconnect was occurring, but Friday’s action somewhat today killed that notion. Next week USDA will issue its planting intentions for 2020. The average industry estimate stands at 12.50 million acres.
Drought Monitor Weekly: Mostly Wet Except for Gulf Coast
Rain gauge near field. ©Debra L Ferguson Stock Photography Summary Storms delivered much-needed precipitation to California’s key watershed areas before soaking an area from the southeastern Plains into the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys with as much as 2 to 4 inches of rain. Some of the rain overlapped existing drought areas in southern Texas, providing substantial relief. Widespread precipitation also fell across the remainder of the West, except in the northern Rockies.
DTN Grain Close: Mostly Firm Against Lower Outside Markets
The Port of Rosedale - Rosedale, Mississippi - Mississippi River ©Debra L Ferguson Stock Photography May contracts in the soybean complex and two of three wheats ended with small gains Friday, while Dow Jones Industrials and May crude oil were moderately lower. May corn ended down 2 3/4 cents, pressured by ongoing concerns about production cuts in the ethanol industry. Midday: Corn is 1 to 3 cents lower, soybeans are 3 to 5 cents lower, and wheat is 3 to 9 cents higher.
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