Latest News From Sonja Begemann

Farmers impacted by economic fallout from COVID-19 will be eligible to receive funds from the up to $14 billion allocated for assistance.

“My father always told me that the most difficult thing for him to do was to allow me to make mistakes,” says Glenn Newcomer, Ohio farmer.

It’s a twofer—a win-win—a no-lose scenario! No matter what, you gain free access to great speakers and expert information. And you have a chance to win a full-size, side-by-side utility vehicle (UTV).

Without in-person meetings, or with far fewer of them, you might be concerned about getting the CEUs you need this year to keep your certifications up to date.

The novel COVID-19 virus has changed the world in just six months: masks are a norm, large field days are unheard of and nearly everyone has dealt with changes to their routines in some way.

No one wants to face another tough season like 2019, but the truth is it’s good to be prepared for weather challenges before planting gets underway—just in case.

As news about coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to dominate headlines, organizations and events are taking precautions due to the illness.

President Trump hopes to sign a trade deal to open more agricultural and industrial opportunities with India shortly after the conclusion of the Senate impeachment trial, according to Pro Farmer’s Jim Wiesemeyer.

With the phase one trade deal with China official, farmers are expecting more positive momentum in the markets. However, they shouldn’t expect an extension of the MFP, according to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue.

Our favorite stories from this past year.

Christmas is a time for joy. Check out a few stories that bring smiles to our faces and joy in our hearts.

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and Santa’s veterinarian approved him and his team for flight around the world Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2019.

The U.S. Census of Agriculture showed that farm sizes are growing, while the overall number of farms diminished by 3.2%. In total, there are 2,042,220 farms in the U.S. This accounts for 900,217,576 acres of land.

In its annual survey, the Biomin PROcheck Mycotoxin Report found contamination levels in 2019 harvested corn to be of medium to high risk for all livestock and poultry species.

Whether it’s an employee or trespasser, accidental injury or death could mean months and years of legal hurdles for the farm. Use winter down time to prepare your farm, just in case the worst happens.

More corn, fewer soybeans. More soybeans, fewer corn acres … or no change at all. The annual crop mix decision isn’t getting any easier.

In its 34th study, the American Farm Bureau Federation found 2019’s price tag for a traditional Thanksgiving meal rose just one penny to $48.91 for 10 people. This amounts to less than $5 per person.

When shopping the open market consider your family’s current and upcoming needs, such as major surgeries or the birth of a child. In addition, see what subsidies you might be able to use.

Health insurance open enrollment started earlier this week—do you know what to look for when it comes to coverage?

As a polar vortex tore through the Midwest and Northern Plains January 30, 2018, frigid temperatures were among the least of 25-year-old Tanner Overby’s mind.

If you’re considering selling some of your wet grain to livestock owners, it’s important you determine who will test for mycotoxins. The season’s weather and conditions could mean mycotoxins spring up.

With so much late-planted corn, it’s likely many farmers are struggling with wet grain.

This week is National Suicide Prevention Week and it’s important to be aware of the moods and actions of friends and family. In a bleak year like 2019, some farmers might believe there is no way out.

Earlier this week a coalition of Nebraska citizens joined together to push against large livestock operations in the state. If the petition is followed, it would put a temporary stop to CAFOs in the state.

Farming is stressful—this year proves challenging for even experienced farmers. However, it’s important for you, friends and family to remember that stress on the farm should be just that—stress on the farm.

Monday kicked off the Pro Farmer Crop Tour in South Dakota, Nebraska and Ohio. As scouts make their way from stop to stop, they’re tweeting their findings from farm country.

Corn and soybean producers aren’t the only ones feeling the squeeze of wet weather. Cattle and dairy producers are left wondering what this means for their access to feed, and how soon they should lock in inventory.

Corn and soybean producers aren’t the only ones feeling the squeeze of wet weather. Cattle and dairy producers are left wondering what this means for their access to feed, and how soon they should lock in inventory.

Citizens of Toledo value Lake Erie, and in a recent special election more than 60% of them voted to provide extra protections. Now any citizen can sue anyone who “causes harm” to the lake’s ecosystem.

In just a couple of years, Nathan Garner will face a one-of-a-kind job interview. His father, along with three other senior farm partners, will ask him questions and decide if he will to help run Heglar Creek Farms.

Microsoft recently announced it is increasing its commitment to closing the rural broadband gap with a significant infrastructure boost from the company.

Certain parts of the Corn Belt experienced extreme weather and temperature conditions, leading to damaging levels of ear rot. If you’re one of those farmers be sure to test corn for Mycotoxins.

Despite a wild fall, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expects a warmer-than-normal winter for the western two-thirds of the U.S. They don’t expect any areas with cooler-than-normal conditions.

There will be opportunity to lock in low prices, but the fuel market could experience volatility depending on discussions between the current administration and countries such as Saudi Arabia.

Hot and dry cornfield conditions are breeding grounds for dangerous aspergillus ear and kernel mold that produces aflatoxins. This toxin is a carcinogen, can harm livestock and can lead to rejection at the elevator.

Hot and dry cornfield conditions are breeding grounds for dangerous aspergillus ear and kernel mold that produces aflatoxins. This toxin is a carcinogen, can harm livestock and can lead to rejection at the elevator.

Tuesday, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced counties in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma will be available for FSA emergency loans due to losses from drought

At a towering 16’ tall, corn native to Oaxaca, Mexico grows up to 10 aerial roots [compared to two in a typical plant] that secrete gel to help nitrogen-fixing bacteria survive.

At a towering 16’ tall, corn native to Oaxaca, Mexico grows up to 10 aerial roots [compared to two in a typical plant] that secrete gel to help nitrogen-fixing bacteria survive.

Harvest timing is critical—especially when it comes to cutting silage. A new tool by Rock River Laboratory, Inc., is said to help farmers determine the best time to cut silage.

As portions of the U.S. endure scorching drought, livestock owners struggle to locate feed supplies. Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and several more western states range from D0 to D4.

The dog days of summer seem to be in the rearview mirror. As lower-than-recent temperatures fall across the Corn Belt and south, farmers are likely wondering just how long this will last.

Farmers in Texas and other areas experiencing drought are in dire need of hay supplies and dryland crops are burning up. Because of this, grain farmers are abandoning their grain crops and baling them for cattle feed.

Culver’s “Scoops of Thanks Day” helps raise money for local or state FFA chapters or other agricultural organizations. Those who want to participate need to donate a minimum of $1 to receive the free custard.