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News
Article · Brownfield Ag News · Aug 3, 2026

Are Insects Threatening South Dakota's Soybean and Alfalfa Yields?

Could rising insect populations be a hidden threat to South Dakota's crops? An agronomist has reported a noticeable increase in pest pressure, particularly spider mites in soybeans and alfalfa weevils in alfalfa. These pests...

Key points pulled from the episode

  • ▸Spider mites are increasingly prevalent in South Dakota soybeans.
  • ▸Alfalfa weevils pose a significant threat to alfalfa crops.
  • ▸Failure to manage these pests could lead to substantial yield losses.
  • ▸Farmers are advised to monitor pest populations closely.

Why it matters for agriculture → For landowners and operators in the Delta, the rise in pest populations could signal the need for enhanced pest management practices. Understanding pest dynamics is crucial for maintaining crop health and maximizing yields. As pest pressures increase, proactive measures may help mitigate potential losses and ensure profitability.

News
Article · Brownfield Ag News · Aug 3, 2026

What’s Driving Increased Corn Grind and Soybean Crush This Year?

What factors are fueling the rise in corn grind and soybean crush? Recent data shows that 466.708 million bushels of corn were used for ethanol production in June 2026, marking a 4% increase from...

Key points pulled from the episode

  • ▸Corn grind for ethanol production increased by 4% year-over-year.
  • ▸Soybean crush numbers reflect strong demand for soybean products.
  • ▸Ethanol production saw a slight decline from May due to narrower margins.
  • ▸Domestic and export demand are key drivers of these increases.

Why it matters for agriculture → For landowners and operators in the Delta, the increase in corn grind and soybean crush signals a potentially lucrative market for these crops. Understanding the demand dynamics can help in making informed planting decisions. Lenders and investors should consider these trends when evaluating the profitability of farmland investments in the region.

News
Article · Brownfield Ag News · Aug 3, 2026

How Will Tipback Issues Affect This Year’s Corn Yields?

Could this year's corn yields be at risk due to widespread tipback issues? Adverse weather conditions, particularly a July heat wave, have significantly impacted corn crops in eastern Illinois and Indiana, especially during the...

Key points pulled from the episode

  • ▸Widespread tipback issues are affecting corn grain fill.
  • ▸July heat wave coincided with critical pollination period.
  • ▸Impacts observed in eastern Illinois and Indiana.
  • ▸Lower yields may result if grain fill is compromised.

Why it matters for agriculture → For Delta farmland stakeholders, understanding the implications of tipback issues is vital as it could signal lower corn yields this season. This may affect market prices and demand for corn, influencing planting decisions for the next cycle. Farmers and investors should keep a close eye on weather patterns and crop health to mitigate risks associated with these adverse conditions.

News
Article · Brownfield Ag News · Aug 3, 2026

Could USMCA Changes Devastate U.S. Pork Exports?

What happens if the USMCA agreement faces disruptions? The Nebraska Pork Producers Association warns that any changes could devastate the U.S. pork industry, emphasizing the importance of maintaining market access without new tariff barriers....

Key points pulled from the episode

  • ▸Disruptions to USMCA could harm U.S. pork exports.
  • ▸Maintaining zero tariff entry is crucial for market access.
  • ▸The Nebraska Pork Producers Association emphasizes the need for no new tariffs.
  • ▸Seth Mitchell warns of potential devastation to the industry.

Why it matters for agriculture → For Delta landowners and operators, the stability of trade agreements like USMCA is vital for the pork market, which can influence local prices and demand. Understanding these dynamics helps producers prepare for potential shifts in export opportunities. Additionally, any changes could affect the broader agricultural landscape, impacting crop choices and land use strategies in the region.

News
Article · Brownfield Ag News · Aug 3, 2026

Why Are Corn and Sorghum Export Inspections Surging?

What’s driving the surge in corn and sorghum export inspections? Recent data shows that inspections for the week ending July 30th surpassed the necessary levels to meet USDA projections for the current marketing year....

Key points pulled from the episode

  • ▸Corn inspections exceeded projections for the current marketing year.
  • ▸Sorghum export inspections also showed an increase compared to last week and last year.
  • ▸Mexico and South Korea remain key destinations for U.S. corn exports.
  • ▸The strong demand may influence pricing and availability in the near future.

Why it matters for agriculture → For Delta landowners and operators, the increase in corn and sorghum export inspections signals a strong market demand that could lead to better pricing for their crops. Understanding these trends can help farmers make informed decisions about planting and selling. Additionally, as key markets like Mexico and South Korea continue to import, it highlights the importance of maintaining strong export relationships. This could also affect land values and investment opportunities in the region as demand fluctuates.

News
Article · Brownfield Ag News · Aug 3, 2026

Why Are Dairy Prices Dropping at the CME This Week?

Dairy prices are facing downward pressure at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, raising questions about market stability. Butter prices fell by $0.03 to $1.4850, while nonfat dry milk dropped $0.0350 to $1.5250. This decline follows...

Key points pulled from the episode

  • ▸Butter prices decreased by $0.03 to $1.4850.
  • ▸Nonfat dry milk prices fell by $0.0350 to $1.5250.
  • ▸Dry whey prices remained unchanged at $0.6925.
  • ▸Limited sales reported for cheese and butter indicate market caution.

Why it matters for agriculture → For Delta landowners and operators, the decline in dairy prices could signal tighter margins for dairy producers, potentially leading to reduced demand for feed crops. This shift may affect local agricultural markets and pricing strategies. Monitoring these trends is crucial for making informed decisions about crop production and resource allocation in the dairy sector.

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Podcast · AgriTalk · Aug 3, 2026✓ transcribed

How Will Colorado River Cuts Impact Agriculture in the West?

What happens when a vital water source for agriculture faces unprecedented cuts? The Colorado River, which has seen a 33% decline in flow since 2020, is at the center of a contentious new federal...

Key points pulled from the episode

  • ▸The Colorado River's flow has declined by 33% since 2020.
  • ▸A new federal plan proposes significant water cuts for agriculture.
  • ▸Mandatory cuts could vary between 1.5 million to 3 million acre-feet per year.
  • ▸The Arizona Farm Bureau criticizes the plan for lacking state support.

Why it matters for agriculture → For Delta farmland stakeholders, the situation with the Colorado River highlights the critical importance of water management in agriculture. As water availability becomes increasingly uncertain, landowners and operators must prepare for potential shifts in water allocation that could affect crop yields and profitability. Understanding these dynamics is essential for making informed decisions about planting and resource management in the coming years. Additionally, the ongoing negotiations may set precedents that could influence water rights and usage across the region, impacting future agricultural practices.

News
Article · Brownfield Ag News · Aug 3, 2026

Could July Heat Limit This Year’s Corn Yields?

Could this summer's heat be a game changer for corn yields? The director of agronomy at Stine Seed, Tom Larson, warns that elevated overnight temperatures and high dewpoints during July could have stressed corn...

Key points pulled from the episode

  • ▸Extreme July heat may have capped corn yield potential.
  • ▸High overnight temperatures stress corn plants during critical pollination.
  • ▸Reduced yields could impact market supply and pricing.
  • ▸Farmers need to monitor weather impacts on crop health.

Why it matters for agriculture → For Delta landowners and operators, understanding the impact of July's extreme heat on corn yields is essential for planning and decision-making. If yields are reduced, it could affect market prices and profitability. Farmers may need to adjust their strategies for crop management and marketing in response to these changes. Staying informed about weather impacts can help mitigate risks in future growing seasons.

News
Article · Brownfield Ag News · Aug 3, 2026

What Global Conflicts Mean for Wheat Prices Right Now

What if global conflicts are the key to understanding rising wheat prices? The wheat market is experiencing a positive price outlook, primarily driven by geopolitical tensions. Scott Custard from Moving Parts, LLC highlights that...

Key points pulled from the episode

  • ▸Global conflicts are driving up wheat prices due to supply concerns.
  • ▸The 'war premium' reflects fears over Black Sea wheat availability.
  • ▸Market outlook remains positive amid geopolitical tensions.
  • ▸Farmers in the Delta may face pricing pressures as a result.

Why it matters for agriculture → For Delta landowners and operators, the rising wheat prices could present both opportunities and challenges. Understanding the impact of global conflicts on local markets is crucial for making informed planting and selling decisions. As wheat prices fluctuate, it may influence crop rotation strategies and overall profitability for farmers in the region.

News
Article · Brownfield Ag News · Aug 3, 2026

What Dry Conditions Mean for Crop Health This August

As August unfolds, farmers are grappling with unexpected stress on their crops due to dry conditions. After a promising start with adequate moisture during planting, many crops are now beginning to show signs of...

Key points pulled from the episode

  • ▸Farmers are experiencing crop stress due to dry conditions in August.
  • ▸Initial adequate moisture has given way to drier weather, impacting crop health.
  • ▸Monitoring soil moisture is critical for managing crop stress effectively.
  • ▸The situation is particularly concerning for farmers in Iowa.

Why it matters for agriculture → For Delta farmland stakeholders, understanding the impact of weather on crop health is vital. As conditions change, farmers may need to adjust their management strategies to protect yields. This situation could influence local market dynamics, affecting everything from pricing to supply chains. Staying informed about these developments can help landowners and operators make better decisions during the growing season.

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Podcast · Arkansas Row Crops · Aug 3, 2026✓ transcribed

Are Rice Stink Bugs and Armyworms Threatening Your Crops?

What if the pests you thought were under control are actually on the rise? Recent reports indicate that rice stink bugs are creeping up to threshold levels in Arkansas, prompting farmers to consider treatment...

Key points pulled from the episode

  • ▸Rice stink bug numbers are rising, nearing treatment thresholds.
  • ▸Fall armyworms are present in pastures, requiring careful monitoring.
  • ▸Cotton plant bug control is difficult due to late-season population surges.
  • ▸Effective pest management requires good coverage, especially in larger canopies.

Why it matters for agriculture → For Delta farmland operators, the rising threat of rice stink bugs and fall armyworms could impact crop yields and profitability. Understanding pest dynamics and timely interventions can help mitigate losses. As conditions remain hot and dry, monitoring pest populations closely is crucial for effective management. This information is vital for making informed decisions about pest control strategies and protecting crop health.

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Podcast · U.S. Farm Report · Aug 1, 2026✓ transcribed

What Does the Reopening of Cattle Imports Mean for Markets?

What happens when the USDA reopens the southern border to cattle imports? As the USDA prepares to allow cattle imports from Mexico starting August 24, the market is reacting with both anticipation and skepticism....

Key points pulled from the episode

  • ▸USDA plans to reopen cattle imports from Mexico on August 24, 2026.
  • ▸Market experts predict limited immediate cattle influx due to expanded Mexican feedlots.
  • ▸Crop conditions have seen a significant decline, the worst drop since the 1990s.
  • ▸Cattle producers are facing increased death losses from extreme heat conditions.

Why it matters for agriculture → The reopening of cattle imports could influence local cattle markets, providing opportunities for ranchers but also raising concerns about market saturation. The significant drop in crop conditions may affect overall agricultural profitability, impacting land values and investment decisions in the Delta region. Additionally, the ongoing battle against solar development on farmland highlights the need for landowners to stay informed and engaged in land use discussions, as these decisions can directly affect their operations and land value.

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