Cattle futures mostly lower to finish the week

At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live cattle were mostly lower, feeders were down waiting on the USDA’s Cattle Inventory numbers and watching the week’s direct business develop. February live cattle closed $.35 higher at $235.85 and April live cattle closed $.47 lower at $236.80.  March feeder cattle closed $4.85 lower at $360.27 and April feeder…Continue Reading

Michigan Master Farmers lead beyond their fields

Three Michigan farmers are being recognized at the Great Lakes Crop Summit for their commitment to stewardship and service in their communities. John Peck has spent the past five decades growing corn, soybeans, and wheat in Carson City. He tells Brownfield he loves everything about it. “From planting my crops, trying to market them to…Continue Reading

Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: January 30, 2026

Mar. corn $4.28 and 1/4, down 2 and 1/2 centsMar. soybeans $10.64 and 1/4, down 8 centsMar. soybean meal $293.60, down $2.40Mar. soybean oil 53.51, down 52 pointsMar. Chicago wheat $5.38, down 3 and 1/2 centsFeb. live cattle $235.85, up 35 centsMar. feeder cattle $360.27, down $4.85Feb. lean hogs $87.25, down 45 centsFeb. Class III…Continue Reading

Sheep herd shrinks as goat numbers rise

The U.S. sheep herd contracted in 2025, while the goat herd grew slightly. Those year-to-year changes are at least partially in response to differences in producer profitability and consumer demand for meat and wool. The USDA says the sheep and lamb inventory at the start of 2026 was 1% smaller than a year ago, with…Continue Reading

Soybean exports changing, domestic use growing

With whole soybean exports down, an economist says an important soybean product is getting more overseas sales.  Economist Scot Gerlt with the American Soybean Association says the rise of renewable diesel in the U.S. means more soybean meal exports and fewer whole bean exports. “It’s been an increase in overall demand that has been driving…Continue Reading

Most farmers, lenders getting by in tough economy

A lender says farmers are spending cash and borrowing a little more as they prepare for spring planting.  Glenn Wachtler from Compeer Financial tells Brownfield they’re working with a good group of farmers who have seen up and down cycles before. “This year, it’s a little tougher than normal but there’s a number of ways.…Continue Reading

Playlist