Mark Dorenkamp

The president of a crop insurance company is concerned as farmers face mounting uncertainty. Dalynn Hoch with RCIS says interest rates highlight the risk of farming. “Most of us get our paycheck, we pay our expenses and we continue through life. As a farmer, we have to pay for all of our expenses upfront, before […]

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley is concerned about the sudden closure of a beef processing facility in the Midwest. Tyson shuttered its Joslin, Illinois plant last week. “Well it’s going to be tough on the cattle producers of eastern Iowa, very tough.” He tells Brownfield there are outstanding contracts with the processor that Tyson will need […]

An American Farm Bureau economist is eyeing a small window for Congress to provide certainty for agriculture. John Newton tells Brownfield the clock is ticking once the August Recess concludes. “And I think folks in farm country need to talk to their members of Congress while they’re back home this August. When they come back […]

The president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association is cautiously optimistic China will continue buying U.S. soybeans. Ryan Mackenthun farms near Brownton and says China has been an active buyer despite ongoing trade disruptions. “With the Section 301 tariffs, I just heard they bought (more) cargo loads. So they’re still buying so that makes me […]

The CEO of the American Coalition for Ethanol says the biofuels industry is in a good place. “Overall, the health of the industry I think is very strong right now.” Brian Jennings says that’s despite low ethanol prices. “It makes ethanol blending so attractive, ethanol is trading wholesale about $1 under gasoline.” Speaking to Brownfield […]

A U.S. Representative says farmers need stable policies and expanded domestic demand. Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach says biofuels are critical to the success of agriculture. “It’s the strongest domestic demand driver our corn growers have, and when biofuels succeed growers have a stable floor under their prices. Rural processing plants thrive, and rural main streets […]

An ethanol plant in north-central Iowa is gearing up for harvest.

Early harvest activities are underway for a sugarbeet grower in west-central Minnesota. Harmon Wilts farms in eastern Swift County. “We just started this week with the pre-lift at Southern Minnesota Sugarbeet Cooperative.” He tells Brownfield weeds have been a problem this year. “We don’t have the newest and latest technology of things like Liberty and […]

An extension plant pathologist says while corn disease risk is lessening growers should keep their guard up.

A specialist sees several challenges facing rural communities.