The USDA is expediting Congressionally mandated disaster assistance for farmers. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says producers who suffered eligible crop losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024 can now apply for assistance through the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP). Secretary Rollins says the department is taking swift action to ensure farmers have the…… Continue Reading
Thompson: food security is national security
The chairman of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee says USDA’s National Farm Security Action Plan will protect U.S. farmers and ranchers. “Not just our farmland, but our production, science, technology and innovation.” G.T. Thompson says through executive action, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins will be added to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States,…… Continue Reading
Cattle group outlines concerns with port reopening amid NWS spread in Mexico
The CEO of R-CALF USA says the phased reopening of ports along the southern border to live cattle imports from Mexico could jeopardize the U.S. cattle industry. Bill Bullard says the northward spread of New World screwworm in Mexico is still very much a threat and is disappointed with USDA’s decision. “We have the ability…… Continue Reading
Cattle futures supported by higher boxed beef
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were sharply higher, with boxed beef up at midday, ahead of the week’s direct business. August live cattle closed $4.07 higher at $219.97 and October closed $3.87 higher at $216.82. August feeder cattle closed $5.40 higher at $319.12 and September feeder cattle closed $5.65 higher at…… Continue Reading
Excessively wet conditions affect central MO crops
A farmer in central Missouri says the crops are hit-and-miss due to the excessively wet conditions. Jay Fischer raises corn and soybeans in Callaway County. “I don’t think I’ve ever had a year where we started planting at the end of March and are still trying to plant the wet spots the first week of…… Continue Reading
Fundamentals for cattle market support even higher prices
A livestock economist says the cattle market is positioned to move higher. Josh Maples with Mississippi State University Extension says, “Tight supplies is really what’s driving what we’re seeing right now.” The average live steer price for the five-market area is already running $32 per hundredweight above last year’s levels. “Prices for feeder cattle…… Continue Reading
Study underscores economic contributions of corn refining
A new study underscores the economic contributions of corn refining. Corn Refiners Association president John Bode says the independent analysis commissioned by the association focused on the financial implications of displacing high fructose corn syrup in the U.S. food supply. “I thought it was stunning (that) they found that the average corn price would drop…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: July 8, 2025
Sep. corn closed at $3.98, down 5 and 1/2 centsAug. soybeans closed at $10.21 and 1/4, down 10 and 1/4 centsAug. soybean meal closed at $270.70, down $1.50Aug. soybean oil closed at 54.11, up 17 pointsSep. wheat closed at $5.47 and 3/4, down 3/4 centAug. live cattle closed at $219.97, up $4.07Aug. feeder cattle closed…… Continue Reading
Soybeans, corn down on weather, crop expectations
Soybeans were lower on fund and technical selling. The USDA’s national crop rating held at 66% good to excellent for the third week in a row and development weather is favorable in much of the region. Commodities in general are waiting for any new news on tariffs and trade deals. For now, the market seems…… Continue Reading
Illinois dairy herds still clean of HPAI; CDC ends emergency response
The director of commodities and food systems at the Illinois Farm Bureau says the state’s dairy herds have thus far remained free of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Tasha Bunting tells Brownfield, “We did not have a single dairy that has tested positive for HPAI.” She says, “The Illinois Department of Public Health is still…… Continue Reading
