A pair of producers say that fertilizer prices are their biggest concern heading into 2026. South-central Nebraska farmer Randy Uhrmacher tells Brownfield costs are out of control. “We’re putting on some dry fertilizer right now, and that hasn’t gotten any cheaper. From what I understand, nitrogen just keeps going up and that’s the big user…… Continue Reading
The Last American Penny: Nostalgia, History, and Why Every Penny Counts
A penny for your thoughts. The news that the last American penny has been minted feels a bit like watching an old barn finally sag to the ground. Sure, it makes sense, because after all, a penny costs about four cents to make. But there’s something comforting about a coin that jingled through two centuries…… Continue Reading
Protecting Missouri water: export permits begin
The director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources says work is underway to implement a new water export law in Missouri. Kurt Schaefer says any water exported out of the state now requires a permit. “We’re at the early stages and we’ll have lots of public notice and public input as we develop that…… Continue Reading
Midday cash livestock markets
All is quiet in cash cattle country this morning with bids and asking prices not established. Significant trade volume will likely be delayed until Wednesday or later. Boxed beef is mixed with Choice $2.87 higher at $373.28, and Select is $.55 lower at $355.75. The Choice/Select spread is $17.53. At the Joplin Regional Stockyards in…… Continue Reading
Southern Indiana farmer says 2025 was challenging, but manageable
A southern Indiana farmer says it’s been a difficult growing season. Brian Rexing raises corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa in Gibson County. “We had some challenges getting the crop out,” he says. “There were some stretches where we had a little extra heat and went through some dry spells. Overall, we did okay. It’s not…… Continue Reading
USDA could cut corn yields again in January, says StoneX economist
The chief commodities economist at StoneX Group says he’s expecting the USDA to reduce corn yields again in the January report. “History would argue that we do get more yield reductions in January.” Arlan Suderman says big crops tend to get smaller, but it’s unclear how much smaller. “We do have very strong corn export…… Continue Reading
Missouri vet credits strong biosecurity for no fall HPAI detections
The state veterinarian in Missouri says the lack of detections for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in poultry across the state this fall could be due to increased biosecurity. “I’m not saying we’re going to, you know, not see another detection. We’re holding our breath on that, but so far so good.” Steve Strubberg says after…… Continue Reading
Nebraska’s Hansen-Mueller files Chapter 11, owes more than $20 million
A Nebraska-based grain dealer that had its license temporarily suspended after it failed to pay farmers last month has filed for bankruptcy. In news release on Monday, Hansen-Mueller Co. said it is pursuing a financial restructuring and has applied for Chapter 11 protection. According to its filing, the company owes more than $20 million to…… Continue Reading
Feeder cattle prices swing as market fundamentals take a back seat
The owner of one of the largest sale barns in the country says there continues to be chaos in the cattle markets. Jackie Moore with Joplin Regional Stockyards in Missouri says the market isn’t moving on fundamentals, and that’s frustrating. “They’ve left us in limbo out here hanging,” he says. “If you’re going to open the border, just…… Continue Reading
North central Ohio farmer reporting stronger than expected yields to close out harvest 2025
A north central Ohio farmer says he expects to wrap up the 2025 harvest season this week. Owen Niese raises corn, soybeans, and wheat in Crawford County. “While August was dry, we were in a spot where we had adequate soil moisture,” he says. “It seemed like the earlier the beans were planted, the better yielding they…… Continue Reading
