A University of Wisconsin researcher says farmers should consider controlling how much water their drainage systems let out of the fields. Steven Hall tells Brownfield many farmers use drain tile systems to remove excess water from fields, but many could be gaining additional benefits by having a control gate at the outlet. “You can put…… read more
Category Archives: Ag News
Firm farmland values going into 2025
Farmland values in the Upper Midwest are generally firm going into 2025. Kasey Maypark, an appraiser for Compeer Financial, covers northwestern Wisconsin. “Cropland has stayed on the stronger side in my area, there have not been a ton of sales. I’m sure that’s pretty common in a lot of the areas that we cover. There’s…… read more
Ear flex key to reducing plant populations
An agronomist with LG Seeds says some farmers may be looking to reduce plant populations in 2025 to save on the bottom line. Samantha Agnotti, who’s based in Wisconsin, says it’s a solid strategy when selecting the correct corn hybrid. “There’s gonna be hybrids that are gonna flex better than others.” She says, “Let’s look…… read more
Former USDA leader, Wisconsin lawmaker Nelsen remembered
A former USDA official and six-term Wisconsin Assembly member has died. Betty Jo Nelsen served in the administration of President George H. W. Bush as administrator of the Food and Nutrition Service within the United States Department of Agriculture, and in 1992, was nominated to serve as assistant secretary of agriculture for food and consumer…… read more
University of Wisconsin merges agronomy update meetings
Wisconsin farmers and crop consultants can now get more agronomy information while attending fewer meetings. University of Wisconsin weed scientist Rodrigo Werle tells Brownfield instead of having separate meetings at different times of the year, all of the research information will be available during the Badger Crops and Soils Update Meetings. “We used to have…… read more
Trade missions important for Wisconsin ag
Wisconsin leaders are working to increase trade opportunities around the world. State Ag Secretary Randy Romanski tells Brownfield he took part in a trade mission to Kenya last year, and another Wisconsin delegation just returned from Kenya, and Tanzania. “Like many countries in Africa and Southeast Asia, they are really focused on trying to increase…… read more
New research investigates additional cover crop benefits
A new multi-state and multi-year research project is digging deeper into the benefits of cover crops. Marta Moura Kohmann with the University of Wisconsin tells Brownfield rye cover crops were seeded this fall, and they will plant corn and alfalfa into those fields this spring. “The twist here is that a couple of the cover…… read more
Weather slowed Wisconsin fieldwork
Wisconsin farmers are ahead of average for harvesting, but last week’s weather slowed them down. USDA reporters say Wisconsin’s corn for grain harvest is 97% finished. Ninety-seven percent of the winter wheat crop has emerged, with 74% of that crop in good to excellent condition. That’s a percentage point better than a week ago, thanks…… read more
Phone app teaches best practices for moving cattle
Teaching people how to safely move cattle is a little easier thanks to a free training tool. Jennifer Van Os is an assistant professor and animal care extension specialist with the University of Wisconsin. She tells Brownfield a free game application for smart phones helps teach people the safe way to move cattle. It’s called…… read more
Hybrid selection key for 2025
An agronomist with LG Seeds says success in 2025 starts with corn hybrid selection. Samantha Agnotti, who’s based in Wisconsin, says farmers should begin with an honest evaluation of 2024. “Now is the time.” She says, “Harvest season is fresh in your mind. It’s the time to start looking into next year. We know what…… read more