Author: staff

A relatively recent (labeled as an emerging threat) red blood cell parasite has now been diagnosed in calves in Kansas. The parasite, Theileria orientalis ikeda, was originally detected in 2017 in Virginia but has been making a steady march across the United States and is now identified in at least 16 U.S. states.  In one Kansas case, the calves were purchased on the East Coast and imported into Kansas for feeding. The disease is spread through multi-use needles and insect vectors. The primary vector is the Asian long-horned tick, a relatively new tick in the U.S. The tick has not yet…

The grain markets in 2024 were like the weather … unusual. The weather for the Corn Belt started out normal, then turned very wet in May and June. This caused planting delays and low USDA crop ratings. The pattern returned to normal in July, but then the rain shut off. For much of the central and western Corn Belt, it was the driest August and September on record. Once harvest wrapped up, timely rains hit most of the Corn Belt before the ground froze in November.  The corn market put in a high for the year in early May and…

Along with President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serve as the next Secretary of Health and Human Services, the vocal buzz and concern surrounding food dyes and “ultra-processed foods” have increased. In a September “Make America Healthy Again” campaign video, RFK Jr. posed in front of a table full of mass-market American ultra-processed snacks and cereals, alleging the risks of food dyes allowed in American but not European or Canadian food. California, always a little ahead of the curve (or perhaps just a tad sensitive to the latest health trend), is at it again — this…

AGDAILY Reporters · January 6, 2025 A new movie that showcases the lives of Northeast Wisconsin dairy farmers and the Green Bay Packers will hit theaters nationwide on January 31. Green and Gold tells the story of a struggling family farm in Wisconsin, where Buck, played by Craig T. Nelson, faces the threat of foreclosure. As his family’s multi-generational farm teeters on the brink, Buck’s granddaughter, played by Madison Lawlor, dreams of a musical career. In a bid to save the farm, Buck makes a high-stakes wager on his beloved Green Bay Packers during the Super Bowl. The gamble could…

John Deere has unveiled the next stage in its autonomous machinery development, including functions for tillage, orchard spraying, landscaping, and construction.  Jahmy Hindman, senior vice president and chief technology officer at John Deere, said the next-generation autonomous perception is a “significant leap” forward. The system unites Deere’s autonomous technology development — in agriculture, construction, and landscaping — to address labor availability challenges.  “It’s difficult for customers in these industries to find, attract, and retain the talent they need to do the work required of them in their individual businesses,” Hindman said. “We’re taking our guidance solutions, our G5 displays, or…

March corn is up 8½¢ this morning. March soybeans are up 15¢. March wheat contracts are also higher this morning. CBOT wheat is up 14¼¢. KC wheat is up 16¼¢. Minneapolis wheat is up 14¢. “Friday’s grain market sell-off did feel a bit harsh and prices are rebounding this morning in turn; there’s too much at stake in terms of potential fundamental surprises on Friday to make a major pre-USDA move either way,” said Arlan Suderman, chief commodities economist at StoneX, prior to the 8:30 a.m. CT open of day trade. On Friday, Jan. 10, USDA is expected to release…

The Greenhand FFA Degree is a significant milestone for new members entering the FFA organization. Designed for students in their first year of agricultural education, the degree sets the stage for a lifelong journey of leadership, learning, and achievement. This initial degree has been a part of the FFA since its founding in 1928. The name “Greenhand” refers to a novice or beginner in agriculture. This foundational degree is often the first step toward attaining higher honors within FFA. To qualify for this initial degree, members must meet a series of requirements that demonstrate their understanding of FFA’s core principles.…

Listen to the Podcast Meet Elaine Froese Elaine Froese is a professional speaker, certified coach, author, and farmer from southwest Manitoba, Canada. She’s an expert on family farm succession and conflict resolution, and has worked with farm families for more than 30 years. Froese joined me on the 15 Minutes With a Farmer podcast, where we talked about keeping family and business relationships separate, discussing difficult topics, living an intentional life, and communicating so every voice at the table is heard. Elaine Froese I wish everyone true peace and joy as they unpack what needs to be dealt with, and…

Top Third Ag Marketing helps farmers become better agricultural marketers with the goal of marketing crops and livestock in the top third of prices. Mark Gold and his team provide AGDAILY.com with the latest information and a look ahead in their audio commentary. Listen here! https://www.agdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/top-third-AgDaily-2025-01-06.mp3 The post Markets in Minutes: Top Third looks ahead for week of Jan. 6, 2025 appeared first on AGDAILY.

Farmers take ideas and inspiration from fellow farmers all the time. These farmer submitted solutions include ideas for cattle comfort, watering, and transportation. These ideas around livestock and ranching were featured in All Around the Farm® in Successful Farming magazine. 1. Cattle Side and Back Scratcher To make a cattle scratcher, I welded together two old coil springs from the front-end suspension of a truck. To gain some adjustability, I welded them to an old sprocket at a slight angle, and I mounted the sprocket to the side of an old silo. Because of the sprocket spacing, I can rotate…