Brownfield News

Digital Harvest Tools with Josh Merryman


 
With the right analysis tools, harvest data isn’t just a record of the season’s performance—it’s an opportunity to make decisions for next year. Climate Business Manager Josh Merryman explains how yield analysis and field region reports in Climate FieldView can help farmers select inputs and maximize their return on investment. With an easy-to-use interface and expanded compatibility, Climate FieldView can help more farmers make the most of their harvest.
To learn more, contact your local FieldView dealer or visit Climate.com.
Continue reading Digital Harvest Tools with Josh Merryman at Brownfield Ag News.

     
The challenge of SCN buildup on resistant soybeans

The buildup of soybean cyst nematode (SCN) on SCN-resistant soybean varieties is a growing concern across the Midwest. It’s because the most common source of SCN-resistance, PI 88788, is losing its effectiveness due to overuse.
“I liken it to the cliché ‘a train wreck in slow motion’,” says Iowa State University nematologist Dr. Greg Tylka, director of the Iowa Soybean Research Center.
Hear more comments from Tylka on today’s Managing for Profit.
Continue reading The challenge of SCN buildup on resistant soybeans at Brownfield Ag News.
     
Farm Bill Summit includes discussion of upcoming policy

2018 farm bill priorities were talked about at the University of Missouri as the legislation gets closer to ag committee debate.  Producers want to be sure lawmakers retain a strong safety net in U.S. farm policy, said Scott Brown, one of the organizers of the University of Missouri 2018 Farm Bill Summit.  Specifically, Brown says farmers want crop insurance, along with Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage.
“ARC and PLC, I think folks are getting used to those new programs,” Brown told Brownfield Ag News. 
Continue reading Farm Bill Summit includes discussion of upcoming policy at Brownfield Ag News.
     
Iowa farmer ‘amazed’ by his soybean yields

A central Iowa farmer says he is “amazed” by his soybean yields this fall.
“When I reflect back on the dryness that we had through the growing season, I am just totally amazed at what our soybeans—and our corn, what little bit I’ve done—are producing,” says Rolland Schnell, who farms near Newton, Iowa. “I’ve been in soybean fields that are producing averages between 70 and 80 bushel. Two months ago, I would have given my crop away for 45 bushel.”
Schnell says his corn yields have also been very good.
Continue reading Iowa farmer ‘amazed’ by his soybean yields at Brownfield Ag News.
     
JBS closes seven packing plants in Brazil


Meatpacker JBS reportedly has closed seven of its packing plants in Brazil.  Various media reports say the closures, all in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, are the result of a court-ordered $230 million asset freeze.
The freeze is tied to an investigation into alleged irregularities related to tax benefits granted to JBS by the state of Mato Grosso do Sul.
Brothers Wesley and Joesley Batista, who own JBS, were arrested last month on corruption and insider trading charges. 
Continue reading JBS closes seven packing plants in Brazil at Brownfield Ag News.
     
Cattle futures position ahead of on feed numbers

At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live cattle closed mostly lower on profit taking and position squaring ahead of tomorrow’s Cattle on Feed report and widespread direct cash trade.  Feeder cattle closed higher on short covering ahead of tomorrow’s report.  October live cattle closed $.27 lower at $111.20 and December live cattle closed $.50 lower at $116.15.  October feeder cattle closed $.62 higher at $153.15 and November feeder cattle closed $.70 higher at $152.77.
Direct cash cattle trade is at a standstill this afternoon. 
Continue reading Cattle futures position ahead of on feed numbers at Brownfield Ag News.
     
Minnesota youth compete in Beef Knowledge Bowl


Minnesota youth competed in livestock trivia Thursday during the annual Beef Expo at the State Fairgrounds.
The Knowledge Bowl is designed after the popular 4-H contest except that all questions during the Expo competition are related to the beef industry.
Branstyn Peterson of Gibbon says he loves learning about agriculture.
“There’s some questions that are really obvious like ‘what is another name for a cow’s nose?’  Then sometimes they try to trick you (with questions like) ‘how many quarters are there on beef cattle?’  Obviously four. 
Continue reading Minnesota youth compete in Beef Knowledge Bowl at Brownfield Ag News.
     
Pace of ag productivity needs to increase, says report

A new report says global agricultural productivity is making progress, but is still falling short of the level needed to sustainably feed the world in 2050.
In its annual report, the Global Harvest Initiative says while the rate of ag productivity growth in increasing, it is not accelerating fast enough to keep up with the growing and more affluent global population.
That may sound strange given the current huge surplus of commodities, but Doyle Karr with DuPont Pioneer and chair of the GHI board, says it’s a longer-term challenge.
Continue reading Pace of ag productivity needs to increase, says report at Brownfield Ag News.