Youth dies in farm accident in Barron County
NEW AUBURN, Wisconsin – A 10-year-old child is dead following a skid steer accident on May 16 in Barron County, Wisconsin.
According to the Barron County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to a property in the 2600 block of First Avenue near New Auburn around 9:55 a.m. for a report that a skid steer had struck a juvenile. Deputies from the Barron County Sheriff’s Department, along with the New Auburn Fire Department, Chetek Ambulance, and New Auburn First Responders, were immediately dispatched to the scene. Despite life-saving efforts, the child died at the scene.
The identity of the juvenile has not been released. Officials also said no additional details are being provided at this time.
Dry weather helps fieldwork move ahead
MADISON, Wisconsin ‒ A mostly dry week allowed farmers to make significant progress on planting and spring tillage for the week ending May 17, 2026, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Corn planting was 62 percent complete compared to the 5-year average of 59 percent, with 13 percent of the crop reported as emerged. Soybean planting was 54 percent complete compared to the average of 50 percent. Soybeans were 9 percent emerged. Oat planting was 68 percent complete, behind the average of 75 percent at this time. Winter wheat fields were 4 percent headed, with the condition reported as 62 percent good to excellent, up 3 percentage points from last week.
The first cutting of alfalfa hay was just beginning. All hay condition was 72 percent good to excellent, up 1 percentagepoint from last week. Spring tillage was 83 percent complete compared to the average of 77 percent.
Asian copperleaf on the move in the Midwest
AMES, Iowa ‒ Asian copperleaf, a non-native weed, is emerging as a growing concern in parts of the Midwest, with confirmed populations in 10 Iowa counties. Farmers are beginning to adjust management strategies, though some may not yet recognize the weed due to its relatively recent arrival, according to Iowa State Extension. While yield impacts in Midwest crops remain uncertain, research from South Korea suggests heavy infestations could reduce soybean yields by up to 29%. Agronomists are encouraging growers to focus on preventing seed spread and are seeing early success with certain post-emergence herbicides for control
Corn diseases cost farmers $13.8 billion from 2020 to 2023
WASHINGTON ‒ Corn diseases caused an estimated $13.8 billion in losses across the U.S. and Ontario from 2020 to 2023, according to a recent multi-state study. Researchers found diseases reduced yields by about 2.5 billion bushels over that period, averaging a 3% loss annually. The greatest impacts came from tar spot, Fusarium stalk rot and plant-parasitic nematodes, with losses varying widely by region and year. Experts say the findings underscore the need for continued monitoring and improved disease management strategies to protect corn production, USDA reported.
Farmers voice frustration with Washington ahead of midterms
WASHINGTON ‒ A new survey of nearly 1,000 U.S. farmers and ranchers highlights growing frustration over rising costs, economic uncertainty and a perceived disconnect with Washington. Nearly three-quarters of respondents said elected officials do not understand the realities of modern agriculture, Farm Journal reported. Producers also expressed concern about global conflicts, with most expecting impacts on fuel and fertilizer prices. The findings come as farmers head into the growing season and the run-up to midterm elections.
Deere holds forecast steady as farmers delay equipment purchases
MOLINE, Illinois ‒ Deere & Co. beat second‑quarter profit expectations but held its full‑year outlook steady as demand for large farm equipment remains weak. Lower crop prices and higher input costs are prompting farmers to delay new purchases and extend the life of their existing machinery, Reuters reported. While the company’s construction and small equipment segments showed strength, its core agriculture business continues to lag. Deere expects full‑year net income between $4.5 billion and $5 billion as the farm economy remains under pressure.
Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom names essay contest state finalists
MADISON, Wisconsin ‒ Twenty young writers were named state finalists in the Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom Essay Contest. Wisconsin fourth and fifth-graders were asked to author an essay with the theme “Dig Into Wisconsin Soil Where Good Things Grow” as part of the annual essay contest that focuses on food and agriculture. More than 1,000 students from 33 counties submitted essays for the contest.
These county winners in both fourth and fifth grade are now vying for the title of state winner: 4th grade – Gavin Kaltenberg, Buffalo County; Kalvin Schneider, Calumet County; Jillian Rentmeester, Columbia County; Clio Johnson, Dane County; Maddison Doran, Green County; Shelby Kelley, Juneau County; Lauren Haun, Monroe County; Mark Newborn, Rock County; Kensi Hruby, Sauk County and Everly Peissig, Taylor County.
5th grade – Adrianne Killion, Brown County; Robynn Lindner, Calumet County; Isla Steffes, Columbia County; Natalya Catterson, Dane County; Mazie Beyrer, Dunn County; Nellie Erickson, Juneau County; Jose Garcia Jr, Milwaukee County; Claire Waldner, Price County; Brody Smith, Trempealeau County and Claire Selle, Waupaca County.
Russia, China pledge to expand meat trade amid disease concerns
BEIJING, China ‒ Russia and China pledged to expand meat trade while ensuring safety following a recent livestock disease outbreak of pasteurellosis in Siberia. Russian meat exports to China rose 19% last year, though shipments slowed this spring amid health concerns. Officials emphasized that future exports will come from disease‑free regions and be guided by strict risk analysis. The agreement highlights China’s importance as Russia seeks to grow agricultural exports despite ongoing disease and trade challenges, according to Reuters.
This article originally appeared on Wisconsin State Farmer: Ag Briefs: Youth dies in farm accident in Barron County
Reporting by Colleen Kottke, Wisconsin State Farmer / Wisconsin State Farmer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
