The Deputy Secretary of Agriculture says Friday’s release of the supply and demand report from the USDA comes at a crucial time. In an interview with Brownfield, Stephen Vaden said the markets need the data. “They need our export flash sale data, which has also been stalled during the shutdown,” he says. “All of that…… Continue Reading
Cattle, hog futures higher to finish the week
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were supported by an oversold bounce. December live cattle closed $.15 higher at $219.15 and February live cattle closed $.57 higher at $219.52. January feeder cattle closed $2.10 higher at $320.55 and March feeder cattle closed $1.57 higher at $313.35. There was a light round of…… Continue Reading
Soybeans, corn, and wheat down Friday as USDA adjusts yields, stocks, and global outlooks
Soybeans were sharply lower on fund and technical selling, while still closing higher for the week. The USDA did lower U.S. yield and production slightly, while cutting ending stocks to 290 million bushels, but CONAB expects Brazil’s crop to be larger than last year, which was an all-time high. Unsurprisingly, there were no major adjustments…… Continue Reading
Reaching out matters: warning signs of farmer stress highlighted by extension specialist
An extension mental health specialist says farmers can exhibit signs of stress in many ways. Emily Krekelberg with the University of Minnesota tells Brownfield it’s important to remember stress looks different depending on the person. “There are people who might have a lot of emotional symptoms of stress, right? Feeling like they’re on an emotional…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: November 14, 2025
Dec. corn $4.30 and 1/4, down 11 and 1/4 centsJan. soybeans $11.24 and 1/2, down 22 and 1/2 centsDec. soybean meal $322.50, down $5.90Dec. soybean oil 50.15, down 10 pointsDec. Chicago wheat $5.27 and 1/4, down 8 and 1/2 centsDec. live cattle $219.15, up 15 centsJan. feeder cattle $320.55, up $2.10Dec. lean hogs $78.50, up…… Continue Reading
Solar research to explore land use and farming integration
A new research project will study how solar arrays affect surrounding ecosystems and identify how they can coexist in agriculture. Research lead Anthony Kendall at Michigan State University tells Brownfield it’s surprising how little is known about the impact of solar on the environment. “What is that doing to our land?” he questions. “How does…… Continue Reading
Biogas systems growing nationwide as methane capture rises
A former EPA advisor under the Biden administration says methane capture projects on U.S. farms have been increasing. Rod Snyder, who’s currently principal and founder of Junction Strategies – a consulting firm specializing in agriculture, climate, and environmental policy – says these projects can help farmers generate new revenue streams. “The number of digestors on…… Continue Reading
Dairy producer wants accountability for milk check deductions
A Wisconsin dairy producer critical of the increased processor make allowances wants to know where the money is going. Mike Yager milks 275 Holsteins and grows feed crops near Mineral Point. He says the prices paid to farmers dropped but consumer prices for dairy products didn’t. “I want to see the difference, you know, in…… Continue Reading
USDA sending out 2024 farm program payments
The USDA says farm program payments for the 2024 crop year are being distributed and an ag economist says it’s not a huge payment. “It’s at least something in contrast to the previous three years, with almost no payments made.” Pat Westhoff with MU’s Food and Ag Policy Research Institute says Ag Risk Coverage payments…… Continue Reading
Drought conditions creep up in eastern Iowa
A farmer in eastern Iowa says his area needs some rain. Matthew Willimack raises corn and soybeans in DeWitt near the Mississippi River. He tells Brownfield his farm has received a small amount of moisture this fall. “We had just a few days of downtime (during harvest) from weather,” he said. “It made for pretty…… Continue Reading
