Soybeans were mixed, with nearby months ending the week higher. The trade was monitoring the early U.S. planting pace, expecting some delays, and Argentina’s harvest, which is behind due to rain. The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange says 14.5% of the crop has been harvested. Beans continue to wait for any real thaw in the tariff…… Continue Reading
Hog futures supported by cash and wholesale business
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live cattle were mixed, feeders were higher, waiting for the week’s direct trade to develop. June live cattle closed $.25 higher at $208.25 and August live cattle were unchanged at $204.10. May feeder cattle closed $1.45 higher at $290.52 and August feeder cattle closed $1.60 higher at $294.30. It took…… Continue Reading
Routine federal food safety inspections need resources to move to states
States could soon be responsible for routine federal food safety inspections if budget proposals being considered by the Trump administration move forward. Joe Reardon with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture is a former Senior Advisor for Federal-State Relations with the Food and Drug Administration. He tells Brownfield work to integrate the food safety systems has…… Continue Reading
Rice farmer says fields still flooded
A farmer in northeast Arkansas says he’s still waiting to replant after several thousand acres of his cropland flooded earlier this month. Jeff Rutledge says flood recovery is a long process and there’s more rain in the forecast. “For now, we’re just trying to make due and salvage what crop we can, salvage the field…… Continue Reading
Trade mission highlights value of U.S. corn in Southeast Asia
A recent trade mission to southeast Asia was an opportunity for farmers to highlight the value of U.S. corn. Wyandot County farmer Nate Bair says the quality of U.S. corn is what sets it apart in the global market. “It was a corn quality rollout and kind of giving a recap of what the corn…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: April 25, 2025
May corn closed at $4.78 and 3/4, up 1 and 1/2 centsMay soybeans closed at $10.49 and 3/4, down 3 and 1/4 centsMay soybean meal closed at $290.00, up $1.30May soybean oil closed at 49.28, down 37 pointsMay wheat closed at $5.30, up 3/4 centJun. live cattle closed at $208.25, up 25 centsMay feeder cattle…… Continue Reading
March poultry production up 3% on year
4.223 billion pounds of poultry were certified wholesome in March 2025, up 3% from March 2024. The USDA says that included 3.831 billion pounds of chicken, 4% higher than last year, with turkey at 381.283 million pounds, 7% lower. The chicken slaughter rose 3% to 774.623 million head and the average live weight was 1%…… Continue Reading
Hoeven: the U.S. should hold China accountable
The chairman of the U.S. Senate Ag Appropriations Subcommittee says he’s been talking with the U.S. Trade Representative as the U.S. and China meet to discuss tariffs. John Hoeven from North Dakota says China should be held accountable for unfair trade practices. “China is the worst offender of all,” says Hoeven. “There’s a strong feeling…… Continue Reading
Staff reductions at USDA will have lasting impacts
A former administrator at the USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service says reductions in USDA staff puts U.S. agriculture at an increased risk for pests and disease. Kevin Shea says about 1,350 full time employees at APHIS have decided to take the latest buyout from the Trump administration and many of those are in Plant…… Continue Reading
Michigan lawmakers consider biodiesel incentives
The Michigan Soybean Association is asking state lawmakers to support a biodiesel tax credit for producers. Chief Executive Officer Ben Seyfer says the legislation would create a complete local supply chain while lifting farmers out of market uncertainty. “Demand creation would help stabilize local soybean prices and promote the growth of energy security by utilizing…… Continue Reading
