
Sonja Begemann
Recent Stories by Sonja Begemann
Thanksgiving Meal Price Tag Rises Slightly
Nov 25, 2019 by Sonja Begemann
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.
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost?
Nov 11, 2019 by Sonja Begemann
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.
Catastrophe Avoided: Health Insurance Protects Farm After Accident
Nov 06, 2019 by Sonja Begemann
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.
Proposal Could Stop All New Livestock Operations In Nebraska
Sep 10, 2019 by Sonja Begemann
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.
Suicide Prevention Week: Manage Stress On The Farm
Sep 10, 2019 by Sonja Begemann
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.
Cattle and Dairy: Lock in Feed Inventory, Prices Now
Jun 07, 2019 by Sonja Begemann
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.
Protein Consumption to Soar, Pork Prices Could Soon Increase
May 24, 2019 by Sonja Begemann
Grilling season is here and Memorial Day marks one of the biggest meat consumption weekends of the year. Chicken has been the champion protein in recent weeks, with restaurants driving much of the demand.
Tyson Foods Partners with Environmental Defense Fund
Jan 15, 2019 by Sonja Begemann
Tyson Foods is teaming up with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) to develop and employ strategies that encourage sustainability while meeting consumer demands for more sustainably grown foods.
Editor’s Picks: 15 Of Our Favorite Stories From 2018
Dec 04, 2018 by Sonja Begemann
Each year, Farm Journal staff write hundreds of stories that appear online, in print, on radio or on TV. Certain stories stand out for each of us, they might warm our hearts or were something we’re proud we wrote.
NOAA Predicts Greater Than 70% Chance Of El Nino Winter
Oct 23, 2018 by Sonja Begemann
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.
I-80 Harvest Tour Stops In The Hoosier State
Sep 26, 2018 by Sonja Begemann
Farmers in Indiana are hard at it with 18% of corn and 13% of the state’s soybeans harvested as of Sept. 24. They’re eight percentage points ahead of the 5-year average on corn harvest.
Excess Rain Delays Harvest In Some States
Sep 24, 2018 by Sonja Begemann
Severe weather and flooding from tropical storm Florence made it impossible to get in fields. Some of the more severe areas received between 6” and 10” of rain.
#Harvest18 Update: Farmers Share Their Perspectives
Sep 20, 2018 by Sonja Begemann
Farmers from Illinois, Iowa and Nebraska came together to discuss what’s holding up harvest and potentially stunting yield in their areas. The verdict: excess rainfall, disease and variability.
Cold Front To Bring Frost, Drier Conditions In The Next Two Weeks
Sep 20, 2018 by Sonja Begemann
Wild weather across the Corn Belt could slow down as temperatures dive. According to meteorologists, frost could hit parts of the Corn Belt Oct. 1 or sooner.
Snow Plagues Canadian Farmers In The Heat Of Harvest
Sep 13, 2018 by Sonja Begemann
While farmers in the U.S. boast their near-completion of 2018 wheat harvest, farmers in Canada look in envy. Earlier this week, Mother Nature dumped 6” of snow in northwest Alberta.