Author: staff

By the mid-1950s, the writing was on the wall. Farmers, particularly those living in the West and Midwest, wanted more horsepower from their tractors. Looking to expand its market share, Oliver responded to the call with a new generation of machines that set horsepower standards the industry would follow for the next decade. Oliver already had a respectable line of mid-sized gas tractors. Company leaders wanted to build on that success growing into an entirely new high-horsepower segment. The company’s march toward building industry-leading powerhouses began in 1940 when it pioneered the first use of a diesel engine. That year,…

By Nick Paulson, Gary Schnitkey, and Jonathan Coppess Tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China have the potential to increase the prices paid by consumers and products for goods, services, and inputs from those major U.S. trading partners. Fertilizers are such an input for U.S. farmers. Price increases would likely be greatest for potassium (K) given the U.S. reliance on imports, in particular imports from Canada. Impacts would likely be smaller for nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), fertilizers given a lower reliance on imports relative to total consumption in the U.S. Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China On Feb. 1, 2025, the…

John Deere has launched weave automation for select round balers to speed up the baling process. Deere previously introduced gate and speed automation, bringing the tractor to a stop when the bale is completed. With weave automation, operators place the windrow between the front tires of the tractor and let the baler take over.  “Gone are the days where operators must weave a tractor during the baling process to ensure quality bale shape while not driving over windrows,” said Kaylene Ballesteros, John Deere go-to-market manager for hay and forage equipment. “Weave automation allows the baler to align with the tractor’s…

By Henry Redman Gov. Tony Evers announced Wednesday that he’s proposing to spend $80 million through the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) in his 2025-2027 state budget to support farmers and Wisconsin’s agricultural industry.  The proposal includes increases in current funding as well as new programs to increase farm efficiency, connect producers with markets and support conservation efforts.  “Our farmers, farm families, and producers have been the backbone of our state for generations,” Evers said in a statement. “Whether it’s been supporting the future research and workforce this industry needs to keep up with the demands of the…

By Cami Koons An Iowa House of Representatives subcommittee advanced a bill that would prohibit the Iowa Utilities Commission from considering climate change when issuing a permit for a hazardous liquid pipeline.  House Study Bill 67 was introduced by Rep. Charley Thomson, R-Charles City, who has been an outspoken opponent, and intervenor, of the proposed Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline that would transport sequestered carbon dioxide from biofuels facilities to underground storage in North Dakota.  The Iowa Utilities Commission approved a permit for the project in June 2024.  Thomson said “climate change is a hypothesis” that is “not strong enough” to support a justification of…

1. Soybean Futures Lower in Overnight Trading Soybean futures declined overnight amid a disappointing export sales report and favorable weather in parts of South America.  Sales of U.S. beans in the week through Jan. 30 totaled 387,700 metric tons, down 12% from the previous week and 40% from the prior four-week average, the Department of Agriculture said in a report late yesterday.  China was the big buyer at 208,700 tons, followed by the Netherlands at 125,200 tons, and Egypt at 107,900 tons. Mexico purchased 63,700 tons and South Korea bought 60,900 tons of U.S. supplies, the agency said.  The total…

This Sunday, a little football game called the Super Bowl will be played for the 59th time. If it weren’t for farmers and ranchers, millions of people would have to find another way to spend their Sunday evening. How does agriculture impact Super Bowl LIX, which will crown either the Kansas City Chiefs or the Philadelphia Eagles? Money changes hands, whether in the purchase of game tickets (average price $9,720), food, or the loss of a bet. Did you know 75% of that dollar bill you just used to tip the pizza delivery guy is made of cotton? According to…

On Feb. 9, the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles will play in the 59th edition of the National Football League’s (NFL) Super Bowl in New Orleans. Across the country and beyond, people will have watch parties filled with food and friends.  Normally one of the biggest food consumption days of the year, it’s no surprise that food prices and food expenditure are part of the story every Super Bowl weekend. In 2024, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American consumers spent around $17.3 billion on Super Bowl weekend — and 80% of that expenditure went toward food and…

These hacks and tips will help control grease and oil in your shop and when you’re working on your equipment. These ideas are shared from farmers in Successful Farming’s All Around the Farm. 1. Less-Mess Oil Changes When I drain the oil from my tractors, I put a 5-gallon bucket in a small plastic kiddie pool and place it under the oil pan. If any oil spills or splatters, the pool prevents the mess from getting onto the shop floor. -Mark Schnell, New Lothrop, Michigan 2. Oil Caddy To build a useful oil caddy for the shop, I removed the…

Slow cookers are the heroes of busy days. Pop the ingredients for these hot sandwiches in, and go about your day. If your family is eating at home, the sandwiches will be ready to assemble when you are. Take them to the field by putting the hot meat mixtures in an insulated container and pack the bread and cheese separately. Don’t forget to use a slow-cooker liner to make clean-up super easy and fast. Slow-Cooker French Dip 4 pounds boneless beef round rump roast or boneless beef chuck pot roast1 12 ounce can or bottle beer1 10.5 ounce can condensed…