Mark Dorenkamp

Geopolitics are expected to influence fertilizer prices in 2026. Veronica Nigh is chief economist with The Fertilizer Institute. “We can’t do much to anticipate what’s going to be happening geopolitically with regards to Russia, what’s going to be happening in the Middle East (or) with China. So unfortunately, that international volatility (is) hard to predict.” […]

The turkey industry is gearing up for another Thanksgiving. Minnesota Turkey Growers Association executive director Ashley Kohls says this is a special time of year. “We like to think of Thanksgiving obviously as the Super Bowl of holidays for the turkey industry, and it’s something that our growers prepare for year-round.” She tells Brownfield there’s […]

Iowa’s ag secretary is applauding corn and soybean farmers in the state for a successful harvest. Mike Naig says Iowa farmers once again delivered significant crops in 2025 despite challenges with weather, diseases, and a slumping ag economy. USDA crop reporters peg corn harvest at 99 percent complete, with field activities consisting of fertilizer and […]

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley suggests partisanship in farm bill negotiations is unavoidable. The Iowa Republican tells Brownfield Democrats want to undo changes made in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. “All the savings in food stamp fraud that we did in the tax bill this summer. That means that […]

A Minnesota dairy is considering a major upgrade in the next year. Rita Vander Kooi and her family milk 2,500 cows near Worthington. “We are actively pricing out a new parlor, and perhaps with that a new barn.” She says the current parlor is nearly 25 years old. “It is a 24 hour a day […]

The Renewable Fuels Association is alarmed by the growing number of small refinery exemptions being processed by the EPA. CEO Geoff Cooper tells Brownfield the agency has granted a massive amount of waivers the past two months. “So we’re now around 160 exemptions dating all the way back to 2016, and this is cause for […]

Tar spot remains a problem for corn growers in southern Minnesota. Rose Karau farms near St. James. “We had tar spot come into the area in the last few years and become very prevalent.” She tells Brownfield fungicide plans changed during the growing season after issues with the sprayer. “We actually incurred extra costs to […]

There are stalk integrity concerns for corn yet to be harvested in Minnesota. Stine Seed agronomist Susan Hart says farmers dealt with disease pressure throughout the growing season. “Seeing some anthracnose really come in on that crown rot and stem on the anthracnose side, (the corn) is just kind of giving up. And especially with […]

An extension corn agronomist says it’s been a good harvest in Minnesota. Jeff Coulter with the University of Minnesota tells Brownfield the weather has been cooperative for farmers. “We haven’t had too many rainout days, so we’ve been able to be in the field for most of the fall. So things have progressed very nicely, […]

The president of Iowa Farm Bureau is pointing blame at the Trump administration for the recent collapse in cattle markets. Brent Johnson says President Trump’s proposal to import beef from Argentina and remarks on Truth Social prodding cattle producers to “get their prices down” while taking credit for improving the U.S. cattle market have had […]