Bipartisan legislation that’s recently been introduced into the U.S. House would address concerns about foreign farmland ownership. Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon says it amends the Agriculture Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) to allow the federal government to track land transactions with another country. “We really don’t know the scope of the problem right now. We…… Continue Reading
Wide-ranging temps across the Heartland; the vanguard to an increasingly active pattern
Across the Corn Belt, mostly adequate soil moisture reserves and near- or below-normal temperatures remain nearly ideal for reproductive to filling summer crops. Friday’s Midwestern high temperatures will range from near 70°F in the Red River Valley of the North to 90°F across the southern tier of the Corn Belt. Showers and thunderstorms are occurring…… Continue Reading
Heat & high humidity ahead for much of the Heartland; more rain & severe storms ahead
Looking ahead, the 6- to 10-day outlook calls for the likelihood of hotter-than-normal conditions across most of the nation, with near- or below-normal temperatures limited to northern Maine and the Far West, including the Great Basin and Pacific Coast States. Meanwhile, wetter-than-normal weather in the central Gulf Coast region and much of the northern U.S.…… Continue Reading
Superior terminal closure disappointing for soybean group
The executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition says although disappointing, he understands why CHS announced it will close its Port of Superior, Wisconsin grain terminal. Mike Steenhoek tells Brownfield with fewer farm commodities grown in close proximity to the Twin Ports and a strong year-round rail service, it’s hard for some companies to make…… Continue Reading
Pre-side dress nitrate test study
A new study aims to help Minnesota farmers improve nitrogen efficiency. University of Minnesota researcher Emerson Souza says they are updating the pre-side dress nitrate test to account for growers in the state. “We saw that we are going to need a lot of collaboration because we need data to conduct a study like that.”…… Continue Reading
Rural bankers pessimistic about economic growth
The latest Rural Mainstreet Index found that lower farm commodity prices have pushed bank loans to a record high. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says the July survey of rural bank CEOs revealed some concerns about farmer profitability. “We asked the bankers what the number one issue facing their local economy is. By far it…… Continue Reading
Favorable corn crop across Iowa, agronomist says
An agronomist with Brevant Seeds says weather conditions have been mostly favorable for Iowa corn farmers. John Long tells Brownfield the state has received adequate amounts of moisture for pollination. “Cool nights with plentiful moisture,” he said. “It’s a tremendous looking crop right now. As of right now, I would tell you in my 33…… Continue Reading
Dairy herd, milk production growing
A dairy economist says herd size and milk production are growing. Corey Geiger with CoBank tells Brownfield, “It’s growing because dairy farmers are culling less dairy cows.” Geiger says that means milk margins are favorable for most producers. He says if you look at the past 96 weeks, dairy farmers have collectively culled 700-thousand fewer…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: July 17, 2025
Sep. corn closed at $4.02, down 3 and 1/4 centsAug. soybeans closed at $10.21 and 1/2, up 8 centsAug. soybean meal closed at $268.70, up 30 centsAug. soybean oil closed at 56.22, up 140 pointsSep. wheat closed at $5.33 and 1/2, down 7 and 3/4 centsAug. live cattle closed at $223.67, down 22 centsAug. feeder…… Continue Reading
Cattle futures mixed, lean hogs were higher
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle futures were mixed, watching direct business start to develop. August live cattle $223.67 down $.22 and October was $.42 lower at $220.32. August feeders were $.57 lower at $325 and September was down $.42 at $325.42. Direct cash cattle trade started to pick up steam Thursday…… Continue Reading
