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Articles by Joelle Orem
First-Gen Farmers Unlock New Perspectives With Regenerative Grazing
When Mike and Amanda Butterfield purchased their Pennsylvania farmland, they saw more than just a beautiful patchwork of rolling fields. They saw a new beginning — and a way to raise cattle differently. The Butterfields wanted to trade the dairy life for a new mission: raising beef cattle while restoring the soil and serving their community. “We purchased a farm in 2017 and honestly, the property was beautiful,” says Amanda Butterfield.
USDA: Weekly Cotton Review
Notice: The next issue of the Weekly Cotton Market Review will be published on January 5, 2024 Spot quotations averaged 195 points lower than the previous week, according to the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Serviceís 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 75.32 cents per pound for the week ending Thursday, December 21, 2023.
Thompson On Cotton: Markets Can Be Very Fickle
Markets can be very fickle. After lingering aimlessly around eighty cents for most of last week, current crop futures traded limit up Thursday for no apparent reason. Certainly, a head-scratcher for it followed mediocre export sales and little fundamental or economic news. Nevertheless, cotton prices had their biggest one week jump since late August closing Friday at 81.44 for a gain of 202 points.
USDA Now Accepting Applications For Farm Loans Online
WASHINGTON, – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched an online application for Direct Loan customers. More than 26,000 customers who submit a Direct Loan application each year can now use an online, interactive, guided application that is paperless and provides helpful features including an electronic signature option, the ability to attach supporting documents such as tax returns, complete a balance sheet and build a farm operating plan.
USDA Releases Map Showing Areas Approved For Its Broadband Connection Program
The ReConnect Program is USDA’s largest effort aimed at filling gaps in high-speed internet in unserved and underserved rural areas. The program was created on a pilot basis in 2018 and appropriated more than $5 billion between fiscal years 2018 and 2023. Its grants and loans provide funds that help the private sector provide broadband service to rural areas, which otherwise may not be profitable to reach.
John Deere Delivers Enhanced Customer Solution For Self-Repair
MOLINE, Illinois – John Deere (NYSE: DE) announced today an enhanced self-repair solution, available initially in the U.S. through its Equipment Mobile app, enabling customers to remotely download secure software updates directly to embedded controllers on compatible 4G-connected John Deere equipment. This update follows the March 2022 announcement that expanded the availability to purchase Customer Service ADVISOR directly from John Deere.
USDA: Weekly Cotton Market Review
Spot quotations averaged 87 points lower than the previous week, according to the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Serviceís 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 75.04 cents per pound for the week ending Thursday, November 30, 2023.
5 Balance Sheet Busters to Watch in 2024
Following a handful of turbulent years that included a trade war, pandemic, rapid inflation, rising interest rates, a supply chain meltdown and high input costs, U.S. agriculture is hoping to find softer soil as it prepares a march through mid-decade. Here are the biggest factors to watch as 2023 comes to a close. 1. 2023 Farm Income The ag economy is lukewarm, and the industry is watching to see what could trigger the financial trends of 2024.
John Deere Foundation Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary, To Donate $19 Million
The John Deere Foundation hit a major milestone, celebrating 75 years of giving. In its first meeting in Moline, Illinois on December 9, 1948, the foundation made its first pledge: $18,208.33 for the Moline Community Chest. Those funds, which were pooled for charitable giving, became United Way chapters. Seventy-five years after making this investment, the foundation announced new grants in October this year totaling $19 million — the largest in its history.
USDA Reports Growth Rate Of Global Agricultural Output Has Slowed
n the last decade, world agricultural output grew at an average annual rate of 1.94 percent per year, far slower than the 2.74-percent output growth rate over the previous decade and below the average annual rate of 2.3 percent over the last six decades (1961-2021).
Hispanic Farmers and Producers Help Keep Food on America’s Tables
Those of us who work in agriculture talk a lot about our roots. That’s because our land, our families, our heritage and our livelihoods are often tied up together. Across America, farming tends to be a multigenerational business, with families working together to make a living from the land, often against the powerful forces of weather, markets and time.
The One Factor That Could Make Or Break the Farm Economy Over the Next 12 Months
Ag economists’ view on the ag economy is starting to erode. The September Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor shows lower commodity prices, concerns about demand and a negative outlook for China’s economy are all contributing to the changing views, even as the cattle herd and U.S. corn and soybean crops continue to shrink. But the most influential piece of the farm economy might be the price of corn.
USDA Introduces New Tropical Storm Option In Its Crop Insurance Portfolio Of Products
WASHINGTON, – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) recent expansion of its hurricane crop insurance policy to cover tropical storms this year has already provided farmers with $85.4 million to help them recover from Hurricane Idalia. USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) rolled out the new Tropical Storm Option for its Hurricane Insurance Protection-Wind Index (HIP-WI) Endorsement earlier this year after working directly with farmers to improve coverage.
USDA Releases Oil Crops Outlook Report
(USDA) The September 2023 Oil Crops Outlook report contains the latest supply, use, and price forecasts for U.S. and global oil crops. To read entire report, Click Here
How to Work Together: Prioritize the Business of Family Business
Working with family can be both challenging and rewarding. However, tensions can build if clearly defined roles and responsibilities are not established for each person. The good news is there are ways to navigate the tricky waters. The Center for Dairy Excellence offers a library of family business resources to help producers successfully manage their operations.
Bring Back the Milkman: The Power of Nostalgia Marketing
The connection to simpler times resonates with most everyone. This is why Dan & Debbie’s Creamery in Ely, Iowa, is bringing back the milkman. As director of operations for the creamery, daughter Josie Rozum believes connecting with people on a personal level has been a key driver to the success of their marketing strategy.
John Deere 1 Series Round Baler Boosts Capacity and Offers New Tech
John Deere introduces the 1 Series Round Baler featuring three models and eight balers. "Customers said reliability, serviceability and productivity were three important factors for them when considering the purchase of a new round baler," says Chase Milem, marketing manager for John Deere.
John Deere 1 Series Round Baler Boosts Capacity and Offers New Tech
USDA Updates Livestock Disaster Payment Rate The Farm Service Agency is updating the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) payment rate to support livestock producers in the Midwest who have lost cattle to the extreme heat and humidity experienced this summer. 20 hours ago
Weather Outlook: Warmer-Than-Normal Start to Fall
The forecast for September is shaping up to be warmer than normal, according to Bret Walts of BAM Weather. “After the 15th or 18th of the month, there is a transition [the last three to five days of August] and we will start to see a warmer-than-normal start to fall for most of the Corn Belt,” Walts says.
Weather Outlook: Warmer-Than-Normal Start to Fall
The forecast for September is shaping up to be warmer than normal, according to Bret Walts of BAM Weather. “After the 15th or 18th of the month, there is a transition [the last three to five days of August] and we will start to see a warmer-than-normal start to fall for most of the Corn Belt,” Walts says.
Weather Outlook: Warmer-Than-Normal Start to Fall
The forecast for September is shaping up to be warmer than normal, according to Bret Walts of BAM Weather. “After the 15th or 18th of the month, there is a transition [the last three to five days of August] and we will start to see a warmer-than-normal start to fall for most of the Corn Belt,” Walts says.
The Secret to Balancing Kids and Farm: Change Your Perspective
Every day, farm families face the looming challenge of safeguarding children while navigating a physically and mentally demanding operation. To effectively balance farm business and family safety, producers must consider the potential dangers in every aspect of their operation. The Farm is a Workplace The Dilemma Dairy operations are unique in that most of them are family-operated and intertwined with the family’s lifestyle, according to USDA.
USDA Launches Pilot Programs to Increase Affordable Homeownership Opportunities for People on Tribal Lands
Funding is Part of Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda WASHINGTON, July 26, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Acting Under Secretary Roger Glendenning today announced that USDA is launching two pilot programs to increase affordable homeownership opportunities for people on Tribal lands. “Well-built, energy-efficient, affordable housing is essential to the vitality of communities in rural and Tribal America,” Glendenning said.
USDA Invests $33 Million In Research At 1890 Land-Grant Universities
WASHINGTON, – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today an investment of more than $33 million to support capacity-building efforts at 1890 Land-grant Universities. This investment, administered through USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), will support 82 research, Extension, and education projects across the nation’s 19 Historically Black Colleges and Universities designated as 1890 Land-grant Universities.
USDA Reports Consumers’ Food Spending Hit Record High In 2022
(USDA) Real, or inflation-adjusted, annual food spending in the United States increased steadily from 1997 to 2022, except in 2008 and 2009 during the Great Recession and in 2020 during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Food spending includes food at home (FAH), described as food intended for off-premises consumption from retailers such as grocery stores, and food away from home (FAFH), described as food purchased at outlets such as restaurants or cafeterias.
USDA: Weekly Cotton Market Review
Spot quotations averaged 248 points higher than the previous week, according to the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Serviceís 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 79.00 cents per pound for the week ending Thursday, July 20, 2023.
U.S. Cotton Growers Can Now Apply for the Climate Smart Cotton Program
MEMPHIS, TENN – U.S. cotton growers can apply now through September 1, 2023 for the Climate Smart Cotton Program, a five-year initiative led by the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. The program aims to measure and improve the carbon footprint of the U.S. cotton industry while building on the four pillars of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices.
Post-Pandemic Meat Processing Plants: Survival of the Fittest
Bolduc Presented BIF Pioneer Award The Beef Improvement Federation presented David Bolduc, Stavely, Alberta, Canada, the BIF Pioneer Award during the group’s annual research symposium in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. 23 hours ago Creep Grazing Creep grazing has potential to be a cost-effective way to produce additional calf gains using forage rather than the traditional grain-based creep diets. 1 day ago
Post-Pandemic Meat Processing Plants: Survival of the Fittest
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Purdue Study: Grain Entrapments Rise to Highest Level in a Decade
ERP Phase 2 Dispersal Hits $2 Million The Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase 2 has dispersed $2.015 million, eclipsing the $2 million threshold. However, these disbursements are much lower than what USDA had projected for this program. 3 hours ago
Beyond the Bonus: How to Put Intention Behind Your Incentives
How can you incentivize your employees in a way that fosters relationships? Going beyond the standard bonus check is a key to increasing morale and retention. “Incentive plans can be a great way to motivate farm employees when designed correctly,” says Jim Versweyveld, University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension farm management outreach specialist.
New Anheuser-Busch Campaign Showcases U.S. Rice
Rice farmer Eric Vaught (wearing ballcap) enjoys his favorite beverage at a recent event at the Anheuser-Busch rice mill in Jonesboro, Arkansas (USA Rice) ST.
Beyond a Bonus: How to Put Intention Behind Your Incentives
How can you incentivize your employees in a way that fosters relationships? Going beyond the standard bonus check is a key to increasing morale and retention. “Incentive plans can be a great way to motivate farm employees when designed correctly,” says Jim Versweyveld, University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension farm management outreach specialist.
USDA: Weekly Cotton Review
Spot quotations averaged 56 points higher than the previous week, according to the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Serviceís 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 80.31 cents per pound for the week ending Thursday, June 1, 2023.
Mister Mangum’s Monkey Hoax: Farming’s First Viral Prank Still Echoes
A lie repeated 1,000 times becomes truth—at least in the eyes of the gullible. Agriculture history is filled with red herrings and snake oil, but the oft-told, outrageous claim of trained monkeys working on American farms is a hoax for the ages. Arguably, no recurring agriculture deception has been as successful as the farm monkey prank. Swallowed by the mainstream media and disseminated as fake news, it is a tale with the barest toehold of truth. Welcome, literally, to monkeys in the middles.
Climate-Smart Collaboration: Researchers Put Soil “FRST” With USDA Grant
Soil testing is advancing through the collaborative efforts of three lead universities and funding from USDA’s Conservative Innovation Grants (CIG) program. The Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool, or “FRST,” combines soil data from across the country to better serve farmers and consultants in their decision-making. The project aims to create transparency by removing ambiguity from soil testing interpretations often created by political or institutional biases that occur across state lines.
Commodity Title Choices and Payment Expectations
Program crops have dramatically different enrollments in the two major commodity title choices: Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agricultural Risk Coverage at the county level (ARC-CO). Soybeans has a high enrollment in ARC-CO, while peanuts, rice, and seed cotton have almost all their acres enrolled in PLC. Corn and wheat have switched back and forth between the programs over the lives of the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills.
Agriculture Project Wins $1M NSF Development Award
(L-R) Agriculture specialist Austin Malcom rides with Assistant Professor and Extension Precision Ag Specialist Simer Virk as they plant corn with a tractor equipped with a precision agriculture system at the Iron Horse Farm.
Farmers Make Sensational Woolly Mammoth Discovery Beneath Soybean Field
Of all the tiny spots in a sea of soybeans, Jim Bristle and Trent Satterthwaite hit the honey hole. Bull’s-eye. Motherlode. When the pair of Midwest farmers dropped a backhoe bucket 8’ below mature beans and felt the machinery groan and shift, they struck a massive, prehistoric beast hidden in blue clay and released the creature from an 15,000-year sleep.
Ag Teachers: 4 Free Class Lessons Available Through Farm Bureau
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Ag Teachers: 4 Free Class Lessons Available Through Farm Bureau
Four free Applied Digital Skills lessons were launched by the 2023 Farm Bureau Foundation Fellows on Wednesday to help students learn about food, fuel and fiber. According to American Farm Bureau Foundation’s press release, the 40- to 90-minute courses focus on four themes: 1. Careers 2. Celebrating local food events 3. Pollinators 4. Regenerative ag Powered by Google, the lessons were designed with a focus on rural classrooms and will be offered free of charge, along with a stipend and Chromebooks.
USDA: Number of U.S. Farms Decline; Farm Size Grows Slightly
(USDA) After peaking at 6.8 million farms in 1935, the number of U.S. farms and ranches fell sharply through the early 1970s. Rapidly falling farm numbers in the mid-20th century reflect the growing productivity of agriculture, increased mechanization, and increased nonfarm employment opportunities. Since 1982, the number of U.S. farms has continued to decline, but much more slowly. In 2022, there were 2.0 million U.S. farms, down from 2.2 million in 2007.
Rural Heroes: John Deere Supports Volunteer Firefighters With Documentary Film
Farming looks different when you are saving your neighbor’s farm. Rural America is tightly woven by the threads of community. While the population is increasing, the number of volunteer firefighters is dwindling rapidly.
Brutal Blast of Cold Set to Bring Widespread Freeze to the Western Corn Belt and Plains
Meteorologists say much of the country should brace for freezing temperatures this weekend and into early next week. The late April blast of cold weather doesn’t pose a big risk for the corn already planted in fields, but there are growing concerns about the potential damage to winter wheat. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey thinks the freezing temperatures could drop as far south as Texas.
Cotton Growers Gather To Celebrate High Yields, Induction Into BASF’s FiberMax One Ton Club
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, April 19, 2023 – Several cotton farmers and their families gathered in Lubbock, Texas, on March 30 to celebrate high-yield achievements as part of BASF’s FiberMax® One Ton Club™, a long-standing tradition now in its 18th year. The club recognizes cotton farmers who produce FiberMax yields of one ton or more. In total, 104 members representing 51 farms made this year’s club following the 2022 growing season.
Q&A With Jackie Applegate, Bayer President of North America Crop Science
Education: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Wright State University; Master’s degree from Rockhurst College; Doctorate in organic chemistry from Iowa State University Career Journey: Applegate began her journey in 1992 as the only female chemist at a Bayer manufacturing facility in Kansas City, Mo. Since then, she’s held a variety of global roles. Currently she’s responsible for the largest business unit in the region. Valuable book: “21 Laws of Irrefutable Leadership” by John C.
Q&A With Jackie Applegate, Bayer President of North America Crop Science
Education: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Wright State University; Master’s degree from Rockhurst College; Doctorate in organic chemistry from Iowa State University Career Journey: Applegate began her journey in 1992 as the only female chemist at a Bayer manufacturing facility in Kansas City, Mo. Since then, she’s held a variety of global roles. Currently she’s responsible for the largest business unit in the region. Valuable book: “21 Laws of Irrefutable Leadership” by John C.
USDA: Weekly Cotton Review
Spot quotations averaged 201 points lower than the previous week, according to the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Serviceís 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 75.43 cents per pound for the week ending Thursday, March 23, 2023.
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