An ag economist says changes at USDA should help farmers make a better crop insurance decision this year. Paul Mitchell with the University of Wisconsin tells Brownfield the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has several changes that require USDA staff preparation, including sign-ups for ARC and PLC. “We’ve been used to signing up for ARC…… Continue Reading
AFBF warns Congress of deepening economic crisis in rural America
The American Farm Bureau Federation is among a list of ag groups concerned about the future of farming. Brian Glenn, AFBF’s director of government affairs, says they recently helped lead a letter to Congress, which included 56 organizations, sounding the alarm about an economic crisis in rural America. “The state of the farm economy is…… Continue Reading
Cattle futures mostly lower ahead of Cattle Inventory report
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were mostly lower ahead of widespread direct business and Friday’s Inventory report from the USDA. February live cattle closed $.42 lower at $235.60 and April live cattle closed $.60 lower at $237.40. March feeder cattle closed $.60 lower at $362 and April feeder cattle closed $.55…… Continue Reading
Soybeans up, watching weather in Argentina, harvest in Brazil
Soybeans were higher on short covering and technical buying. There’s rain in the forecast for parts of Argentina, but there are questions about coverage and totals. Private production estimates for Brazil are rising with about 5% of the crop harvested, nationally, with the key state of Mato Grosso reportedly more than 8% harvested. The USDA’s…… Continue Reading
Werner: year-round E15 could bring clarity to SRE impacts and RIN markets
The director of the Minnesota Biofuels Association suggests certainty on year-round nationwide E15 could expedite renewable volume obligations for 2026 and 2027. Brian Werner tells Brownfield E15 legislation could include changes to EPA’s small refinery exemption process. “Which I think would also help us to kind of better forecast what the potential RIN impacts will…… Continue Reading
Barn cameras a ‘game changer’ for winter calving on Iowa farm
An eastern Iowa farmer says technology is improving winter calving management. Lance Lillibridge tells Brownfield barn cameras have been a game changer. “You can keep an eye on them on your phone or computer and it’s real easy,” he said. “These days we’re all looking at our phones, and I just prefer to look at…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: January 27, 2026
Mar. corn $4.26 and 1/2, down 1 and 3/4 centsMar. soybeans $10.67 and 1/4, up 5 and 1/2 centsMar. soybean meal $294.30, down 30 centsMar. soybean oil 54.41, up 52 pointsMar. Chicago wheat $5.23 and 1/4, up 3/4 centFeb. live cattle $235.60, down 42 centsMar. feeder cattle $362.00, down 60 centsFeb. lean hogs $89.05, up…… Continue Reading
Milk futures higher, cash dairy mixed
February Class III milk futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange closed 75 cents higher at $16.03. March up 75 at $16.35. April also 75 cents higher settling at $16.65. May through July contracts 50 to 75 higher. Dry whey unchanged at $0.74 Blocks down $0.04 at $1.4050. Barrels steady at $1.4650 Butter down $0.0050 at…… Continue Reading
Low water levels slowing grain flow down Mississippi River
Low water levels on the Mississippi River are hampering farmers. South central Illinois farmer Heath Houck, who routinely hauls his corn and soybeans to the St. Louis area, says another winter of low water levels is restricting the flow of grain down the river. “It’s really starting to be a challenge again this year, especially…… Continue Reading
SCOTUS hearing could delay state failure to warn legislation
The CEO of the Missouri Soybean Association says the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to review a glyphosate lawsuit could put failure to warn legislation on hold. Casey Wasser tells Brownfield, “we’re going to be navigating, what do we do next? Do we wait to see what SCOTUS says because lawmakers don’t want to pass a…… Continue Reading
