Sep. corn closed at $3.91 and 3/4, up 2 and 1/2 centsAug. soybeans closed at $9.67 and 3/4, down 14 centsAug. soybean meal closed at $260.70, down $1.00Aug. soybean oil closed at 56.50, down 104 pointsSep. wheat closed at $5.23 and 3/4, down 6 centsAug. live cattle closed at $233.07, up $3.35Aug. feeder cattle closed…… Continue Reading
Where Have All the Thank-Yous Gone?
Commentary. Summer’s end is in sight and across rural America, county fairgrounds are quieting. The livestock trailers have rolled out, the ribbons have been packed away, and families are returning home with tired feet and full hearts. For many, the county fair is a highlight of the summer. It is a celebration of community, hard…… Continue Reading
Corn manages steady to firm finish
Soybeans were lower on fund and technical selling. The trade is watching development conditions, which generally look favorable in much of the region, boosting ideas of a big crop. There was no major public progress out of this round of tariff talks with China and there’s been no announcement of another 90-day tariff pause, yet.…… Continue Reading
Kansas farmer says tassel wrap issue not widespread on his farm
A farmer in central Kansas says he’s identified some pollination issues in his corn crop. Paul Penner says tassel wrap appeared earlier this month – a condition where leaves fail to unfurl that can impact pollination. “This is the first time I’ve seen it to this extent. I don’t think it’s more than 1 to…… Continue Reading
Ricketts says trade tactics could get China to an agreement
A U.S. Senator says he remains optimistic that the President’s trade negotiating tactics will allow more exports of American ag goods. Republican Pete Rickets of Nebraska says current negotiations with China could lead to a balanced and fair agreement. “What I expect is that we will have better access to Chinese markets for our agricultural products.”…… Continue Reading
NCFC: Congress has renewed interest in ag labor
The new president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives says there’s a renewed interest on Capitol Hill to address ag labor challenges. Duane Simpson says politics previously made it difficult for Congress to pass legislation, but some things have changed. “The politics of solving the ag labor problem in the middle of…… Continue Reading
Most Illinois crops look good despite varied conditions
A representative of Gowan USA says he’s seeing a variety of growing conditions as he travels across the state of Illinois. Jon Sherwin says some areas have been dry. “In northeastern Illinois, they’ve been in some pretty dry periods of time versus a lot of the crop on the west side of the state and…… Continue Reading
Increased costs for managing herbicide resistant weeds
A weed scientist at the University of Missouri says herbicide resistance has made managing weeds more expensive. “In just a 20-year period, we’re spending like $20/acre more on weed management in soybeans.” Kevin Bradley says controlling resistant waterhemp has been a big challenge this year and the problem is only getting worse. “Consultants, retailers, farmers,…… Continue Reading
Southern Rust a widespread problem this summer
A corn disease is spreading across the Midwest at an alarming rate. Iowa State University Extension plant pathologist Daren Mueller says Southern Rust has been reported from the deep south all the way up to Minnesota. “Honestly, in my twenty-some years here in Iowa, I’ve never seen it this early. Usually it comes in in…… Continue Reading
U.S. beef exports to China still on hiatus
The U.S. is still waiting for China to renew certificates for nearly 400 facilities, and it continues to impact beef exports. Kent Bacus, the executive director for government affairs with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, says China has failed to follow through on the terms of the Phase One trade agreement negotiated during President Trump’s…… Continue Reading
