At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle futures closed mixed, consolidating ahead of the week’s widespread direct business and Friday’s USDA Cattle on Feed report. December live was down $1.25 at $220.02 and February was $.92 lower at $220.85. January feeders were $.22 lower at $326.05 and March was down $.15 at $318.40.…… Continue Reading
Soybean futures slide on profit taking despite new U.S. sales to China
Soybeans were lower on profit taking and technical selling. Tuesday was a “buy the rumor, sell the fact” session after the USDA announced the sale of 792,000 tons of U.S. soybeans to China ahead of the regular open. That brings the announced total for outright U.S. soybean sales to China for delivery this marketing year…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: November 18, 2025
Dec. corn $4.36 and 3/4, up 2 centsJan. soybeans $11.53 and 1/2, down 3 and 3/4 centsDec. soybean meal $327.00, down $3.80Dec. soybean oil 52.17, up 103 pointsDec. Chicago wheat $5.46 and 1/2, up 2 and 1/4 centsDec. live cattle $220.02, down $1.25Jan. feeder cattle $326.05, down 22 centsDec. lean hogs $77.90, down 67 centsDec.…… Continue Reading
CME cash dairy prices mixed
Cash dairy prices were mixed on Tuesday on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange while global prices moved lower. Dry whey unchanged at $0.7850. Blocks down $0.0050 at $1.5625. Two sales were made at $1.56 and $1.5625. Barrels unchanged at $1.6125. Butter down $0.0250 at $1.5250. Five sales were made at $1.5175 to $1.53. Nonfat dry milk…… Continue Reading
Major ag commitments shift outlook for farmer assistance, USDA says
The Deputy Secretary of Agriculture says trade deal negotiations during the shutdown could impact the possibility of farmer assistance this year. During a call with reporters on Monday, Stephen Vaden said dynamics have changed since the end of September. “Most notably, the President successfully negotiated trade deals almost everywhere the man went,” he stressed. “Whether…… Continue Reading
U.S.–China trade policies push global soybean prices lower, causing ripples worldwide
The World Bank expects soybean prices globally to decline by more than 12 percent this year following the impact of the U.S.-China trade tensions. American Soybean Association chief economist Scott Gerlt says recent trade announcements haven’t eliminated market uncertainty facing farmers. “We still have that additional tariff which makes it more expensive for U.S. soy…… Continue Reading
Farmers say rising fertilizer costs top concerns for 2026
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
