As a result, hundreds of dairy farmers decided to switch last spring so they could complete the yearlong conversion before the more stringent Harvey rule takes effect in June. Dairy farmers are rushing to convert to organic milk production, and it is largely because of a blueberry farmer who lives in Maine with a solar-powered computer and an outhouse outfitted with a stained-glass window. At the yogurt maker Stonyfield Farm, a subsidiary of Danone, the extra supply will allow the...

She was on the phone with her husband, Keith Kantola, halfway through the morning of April 26, 2006, making lunch to take out to him in the fields where he was planting the first soybeans of the season. In the devastating days after the fire that was estimated at $425,000 property loss, a figure that doesn't cover the carnage or the market value of the hogs, the Kantolas didn't know if they could rise above the ruin. By nightfall, two of their three barns were destroyed by fire, and more...

The farm group wants Congress to pass legislation requiring a motor fuel blend of 80 percent gasoline and 20 percent alcohol made from grain, she said. The plan has changed over the years, and it might take a change in federal policy before a Maryland plant becomes a reality, but officials say rising energy prices only can help the initiative. Grain farmers launched the effort to build an ethanol plant with the idea of creating a new market for their grain, as well as higher prices....

Like the new purchase, Green Forest Foods produces, processes and markets eggs from approximately one million laying hens, along with pullet growing for replacements. Corn prices rose 85 percent year over year while soybean meal costs have jumped 13 percent in the same period, according to Stephens analyst, Farha Aslam. The broiler and table egg businesses are two different markets, much like the dairy cattle and beef cattle industries, Lobb said. Cal-Maine is the largest producer and...

At one point in time yesterday soybeans were a dime higher but could not hold their gains breaking down in the last hour of the trading session to close lower on the day. Traders say corn has resumed its leadership role in the grain complex and with a new wave of rain forecast for the western corn belt concerns turn once again to planting progress. Early in yesterdays session corn rallied 16 cents after gapping higher taking soybeans with it. Traders say weather should continue to dominate...