A new court filing alleges that Riley donated eggs used by John Travolta and Kelly Preston. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Whole milk return to schools may boost dairy demand and tighten butter supplies
A school milk supplier says USDA guidelines can cause dramatic ripple effects when changes are made. Dairy Farmers of America Southwest Group Vice President Tim Hawk tells Brownfield when whole milk was removed from school menus in 2010, students reacted. “The decline was steep, and the decline was quick,” he shares. “Kids aren’t used to…… Continue Reading
Corn futures bounce with help from record week for ethanol production
Soybeans were lower on fund and technical selling. It was an up and down session, with beans monitoring weather in South America and domestic product prices. Soybean meal futures were lower on technical weakness, while soybean oil closed firm, partially on the bounce in crude oil. The new export demand from China continues to fall…… Continue Reading
Mixed livestock markets as cattle fall and hogs face pressure
Chicago Mercantile Exchange live and feeder cattle futures ended the session lower, with boxed beef down at midday, waiting for direct business and Friday’s USDA Cattle on Feed report. February live cattle were down $1.15 at $229.55 and April was $1.15 lower at $229.12. January feeders were $1.80 lower at $341.52 and March was down…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: December 17, 2025
Mar. corn $4.40 and 1/2, up 4 centsJan. soybeans $10.58 and 1/4, down 4 and 1/2 centsJan. soybean meal $298.20, down $4.20Jan soybean oil 48.52, up 16 pointsMar. Chicago wheat $5.06 and 1/4, down 3 and 1/4 centsFeb. live cattle $229.55, down $1.15Jan. feeder cattle $341.52, down $1.80Feb. lean hogs $83.00, down $1.77Jan. Class III…… Continue Reading
From tongue to tripe: overseas markets fuel value for U.S. variety meats
The U.S. Meat Export Federation is celebrating another year of strong demand for variety meats. USMEF senior vice president of industry relations John Hinners says products that aren’t necessarily popular domestically are bringing great value overseas. “Beef tongue, the beef liver, stomach (and) tripe. These are all items that are really good protein and really…… Continue Reading
Farm labor shortages drive higher food prices, Michigan State research finds
New research from Michigan State University connects farm worker wages to rising food costs and the loss of agricultural production. Farm labor economist Zack Rutledge says a 10 percent decline in farm employment leads to a nearly three percent uptick in food prices. “And we have a specialty crop sector that’s worth about $115 billion…… Continue Reading
USDA reports big week-to-week surges in broiler sets, placements
Broiler sets and placements remain aggressive as 2025 draws to a close. The USDA says 251.382 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubation, rising 3.419 million on the week and 1% on the year, with average hatchability of 79.8%. Placements of broiler-type chicks into meat production were 196.616 million head, up 1.009 million from the…… Continue Reading
Illinois livestock economist urges price protection despite strong cattle markets
An assistant professor at the University of Illinois says increased volatility in the cattle markets is leading more producers to explore risk management strategies. Brittney Goodrich, who specializes in livestock for the FarmDoc team, tells Brownfield, “Even in these times where we have really high prices for cattle, we still need to be cognizant that…… Continue Reading
Growing Up with Livestock: How Farm Life Shaped My Beliefs About Animal Welfare and Human Compassion
I am a proponent of animal welfare. That value was engrained in me as a child as my family, just like the generations before them had, cared for the hogs and cattle that supported our livelihood. We also had dogs and cats and occasionally poultry, meat rabbits or pet rabbits. Mom had a horse. My…… Continue Reading
