Michigan State University’s entomologist says this season’s pest pressure has been surprisingly limited. Chis Difonzo tells Brownfield, “No calls about aphids, I know they’re out there.” “Japanese beetle—right on time coming out, doing its mating, defoliation on field edges,” she shares. “I’ve seen some corn rootworm out there. It’s just been pretty darn quiet.” She…… Continue Reading
Corn, wheat end last session of July mixed
Soybeans were lower on fund and technical selling. There was another round of pressure from favorable development conditions and big crop expectations. Key development phases are rapidly approaching and will continue to be watched very closely for any potential impact on yield. The USDA’s updated supply, demand, and production numbers are out August 12th. Old…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: July 31, 2025
Sep. corn closed at $3.94, up 2 and 1/4 centsAug. soybeans closed at $9.61 and 3/4, down 6 centsAug. soybean meal closed at $261.80, up $1.10Aug. soybean oil closed at 55.58, down 92 pointsSep. wheat closed at $5.23 and 1/4, down 1/2 centAug. live cattle closed at $227.77, down $5.30Aug. feeder cattle closed at $331.37,…… Continue Reading
June ag price indices indicate losses for some farmers
The USDA’s ag price indices for June were mixed. The index of prices received dipped just 1.2% from May on decreases for corn, market eggs, strawberries, and cantaloupes against increases in cattle, hogs, oranges, and lettuce. The index of prices paid was 0.3% higher as rising costs for feeder pigs, feeder cattle, potash, phosphate, and…… Continue Reading
Farmers, agronomists outline crop concerns
Some farmers and agronomists say the wet summer has created conditions that are conducive to disease and pest pressure. Nathan Popiel with UPL says tar spot has been an issue in many Corn Belt states. “Every year, it seems like it moves further and further and becomes a bigger problem in more and more areas,”…… Continue Reading
CME cash dairy prices slightly higher
Cash dairy prices were very quiet on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Thursday, with a slight move to the upside. Dry whey unchanged at $0.5325. Blocks up $0.01 at $1.6825. Barrels unchanged at $1.68. Butter unchanged at $2.4725. Nonfat dry milk unchanged at $1.29. Two sales were made at that price. The post CME cash dairy…… Continue Reading
Indiana governor says farmers are part of MAHA solution
Indiana’s governor says farmers are part of the solution of the Make America Healthy Again initiative. Mike Braun says the state is working on increasing access to healthier food options. “I think it’s clear that the more we can go from farm to market, the less processed stuff we have in there, and the more opportunities it creates in…… Continue Reading
Northeast Iowa alfalfa crop conditions improve
A northeast Iowa farmer says timely rains have improved alfalfa conditions this year. Matt Hoeft tells Brownfield his second cutting was slightly behind schedule. “That got a little bit farther along into full bloom, but for the feed lot for grinding it’s still good for us. “We’re happy with what we’ve gotten so far tonnage…… Continue Reading
DAIRY PRIDE Act targets mislabeling
The National Milk Producers Federation says a bipartisan bill recently introduced into the U.S. Senate could end deceptive labeling for non-dairy products. Paul Bleiberg, executive vice president for government relations, says the DAIRY PRIDE Act could clear up years of misunderstanding. “It’s about truth in labeling. It’s public health, and quite frankly, it’s making sure…… Continue Reading
Investment in the Illinois State Fair continues
Several facility improvements will greet visitors to the 2025 Illinois State Fair. Kristi Jones, deputy director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, says millions of dollars have been invested in recent years updating the state’s 336-acre fairgrounds. “$85.5 million has been invested into the fairgrounds for improvements,” she says. She says the projects have ranged…… Continue Reading
