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White House says trade assistance payments are being considered
From Brownfield Ag News
The White House says President Trump is weighing potential aid for U.S. ag producers impacted by trade conflicts with China.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Tuesday that the President supports farmers and ranchers. “Relief is being considered. The Secretary of Agriculture has spoken with the President about that and again, it’s being considered.”
Full story.
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What happens to farm bill in budget reconciliation?
From Brownfield Ag News
Ag policy specialists are watching how Congress uses the budget reconciliation process to fund parts of a new farm bill.
Randy Russell tells Brownfield “there’s going to be, at least an effort made, to take some of the key parts of the farm bill, which would be reference prices, funding for market access and foreign market development programs, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and put them in reconciliation.”
Full story.
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NFU supports Congressional oversight of tariff regulation
From Brownfield Ag News
The president of the National Farmers Union says Congressional oversight of tariffs could help bring some stability to the ag economy.
Rob Larew tells Brownfield NFU supports fair trade and policies that level the playing field, but, “Being so aggressive with these tariffs, we know that farmers and ranchers are always on the front lines of any kind of trade war. We’re seeing that impact once again with China. Ultimately what this means for farmers and ranchers as we know, is that our input costs are going to go up and our market prices typically go lower.”
Full story.
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Nine Minnesota farmer organizations file to intervene in activist litigation against two state agencies
From Minnesota Corn
A broad-based coalition of respected Minnesota farmer organizations filed a request to intervene in Ramsey County District Court litigation filed in late January by the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA), Minnesota Trout Unlimited (MNTU) and the Minnesota Well Owners Organization (MNWOO). The MCEA/MNTU/MNWOO litigation alleges that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) have not adopted sufficient rules to protect ground and surface water in the SE MN Karst and Central Sands region from nitrates and seeks to force the state agencies to rewrite existing regulations on farming practices. The coalition of Minnesota farmer organizations strongly disputes these allegations against the state agencies charged with protecting ground and surface water.
Full story.
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Minnesota farmer on ag uncertainties: “Don’t live in fear”
From Brownfield Ag News
Farmers are dealing with a lot of uncertainty.
Southern Minnesota farmer Rochelle Krusemark says as questions swirl on ag policy, trade, and the weather, her approach is to not live in fear.
“If I’ve learned anything in the 45 years I’ve farmed is that it’s a rollercoaster for markets, and don’t live in fear. Just have faith.”
Full story.
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As more farmers see initial ECAP payments hit, when should they expect the remaining 15%?
From The SCOOP
Back in December 2024, Congress passed the American Relief Act, part of which included $10 billion in Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) payments. Farmers are now reporting they’re starting to see those payments hit their bank accounts this week.
“Remember, they’re only getting 85% now because there was only $10 billion allocated. So the remaining 15%, plus or minus, will be issued later. I think farmers should collect the full 15%. If not, it will be really, really close,” says Farm CPA Paul Neiffer.
Full story.
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Four trends driving innovation in ag technology
From Farm Progress
The 2025 edition of World FIRA brought together the ag tech community to showcase the latest advancements in agricultural robotics and automation. From autonomous tractors to precision weeding robots, the global event provided a window into how artificial intelligence, robotics and advanced sensing technologies are reshaping modern farming.
Several important themes emerged with growers, equipment makers and technology providers.
Full story.
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Sustainable aviation fuel: Another driver for future crop use
From CropLife
A few weeks ago, we presented a look at the future of renewable diesel and what this might mean for soybean demand. In addition, another alternative fuel that also promises to grow U.S.-grown crop demand as a feedstock source is sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
By its basic definition, SAF is a biofuel used to power aircraft. It is made from non-petroleum feedstocks (derived from such crops as corn and soybeans) and is a “drop-in” fuel. This means SAF can be blended with regular jet fuel without requiring modifications to aircraft or infrastructure.
Full story.
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Making sense of planting populations to optimize yield potential
From CropLife
It’s not necessarily how much you plant but what you harvest that matters. Logic says that as you increase populations, you increase yield. But that’s only true to a certain point.
“You will hit a certain threshold whereby increasing plant populations, you decrease yield potential because you’ve outpopulated your inputs,” says Matt Teply, LG Seeds agronomist. “It’s quality over quantity.”
Full story.
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Fertilizer transportation volumes reach multi-year highs as corn planting expands
From Feed & Grain
U.S. fertilizer transportation volumes have risen above average in early 2025, continuing a trend from 2024 as farmers prepare for increased corn planting, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
During the first quarter of 2025, U.S. Class I railroads originated 58,901 fertilizer carloads, up 2 percent from the five-year average. BNSF Railway led the increase with volumes 12 percent above its average, while Union Pacific recorded a 10 percent increase.
Full story.
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Roundup at a crossroads: Bayer lays out short-term window for finding a way forward with glyphosate
From The SCOOP
Seven years ago, two events set forth a domino effect culminating in Bayer leaders having a potential “tough decision” of whether or not the company will continue to manufacture its legacy herbicide glyphosate product, Roundup.
How Did We Get Here?
In August of 2018, a California jury awarded a man $289 million in damages after he claimed using Roundup caused his cancer. Just a month earlier in July 2018, Bayer acquired Monsanto for $63 billion.
Full story.
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Insect and disease report: pest pressures continue to create challenges for growers, retailers
From CropLife
History, knowledge and maybe a little bit of luck.
Planning how to treat insect and disease pressures is an ongoing and difficult task for retailers and their grower-customers. The myriad variables that influence pest infestations are hard, if not impossible, to predict. The 2025 season will be no different.
Full story.
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U of MN Extension - Minnesota Crop News
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