Cash dairy prices were mostly higher to end the week on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Dry whey was up $0.0050 at $0.55. One sale was recorded at that price. Forty-pound cheese blocks were up $0.0325 at $1.93, gaining fifteen cents in three days. Sixteen sales were recorded, ranging from $1.8975 to $1.93. Cheese barrels were up…… Continue Reading
Timeline for widespread expansion in the cattle herd remains uncertain
The chief economist for the USDA says the cattle industry is still waiting for widespread herd expansion. Seth Meyer says record-high cattle prices are putting many producers in a tough spot. “Talk to some of the cow-calf folks, and yes, those feeders are worth a lot of money,” he says. “But the decision is, do…… Continue Reading
Hong Kong a surprise tariff target
Some soybean importers from Hong Kong were not expecting to be targets when the Trump administration issued tariffs on dozens of countries. Minnesota Soybean Growers Association executive director Joe Smentek is there as part of a USDA trade mission and says Hong Kong considers itself independent from China. “Soybeans coming into Hong Kong had enjoyed…… Continue Reading
Investigation continues into multi-state cattle theft fraud
The Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement’s investigation into a multi-state cattle theft fraud scam continues. According to Tyler Harper, Georgia’s Agriculture Commissioner, Garrett Hill, aka Jared Smith, allegedly advertised cattle for sale, required victims to pay a deposit via an app or online transfer, and then never delivered the cattle. Hill was arrested…… Continue Reading
Iowa farmer hopeful Summit carbon pipeline project continues
An Iowa farmer says the recent passage of a bill to restrict eminent domain by the state legislature creates uncertainty about the future of carbon pipelines. Kelly Nieuwenhuis says he was an early supporter of the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline. “I was very disappointed that the Iowa Senate would pass a bill like this this…… Continue Reading
Most Illinois pastures in good shape
A central Illinois cattle producer says his pastures are off to a good start. David Mool, who raises cattle and row crops in McLean County, tells Brownfield… “Pasture conditions have improved substantially.” He says, “They’re just getting going good. The grass is seeding out maybe a little shorter than I like it to seed. Not…… Continue Reading
Nebraska farmer says it’s the driest its been in 45 years
A farmer in northeast Nebraska says 2025 has been the driest planting season in his carrer. Greg Anderson raises corn and soybeans near Newman Grove and says drought conditions have rapidly intensified. “Over the last 45 days, we’ve gotten 1.5 inches of moisture. That’s very, very unusual. That’s the driest I could ever remember.” He…… Continue Reading
Spring weather extremes continue to hit the Midwest
An atmospheric scientist with Nutrien Ag Solutions says weather continues to create challenges for farmers across much of the Corn Belt. Eric Snodgrass says a cold front is expected to hit the northern part of the US early next week. “There’s another system that comes out the 18th, 19th and 20th that’s got some cold…… Continue Reading
Veterinary researcher concerned about APHIS cuts
A research veterinarian is concerned about the loss of federal animal health experts due to downsizing. Dr. Keith Poulsen with the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory tells Brownfield federal efforts to decrease spending have noticeable side effects. “USDA lost upwards of 23-25 percent of their total workforce, and when you think about that in a federal…… Continue Reading
A shifting cattle herd
A cow-calf producer in central Missouri says he’s expecting a shift in cattle herds across the state later this year. David Dick from Pettis County says herds will likely get younger heading into fall and winter. “The market is right and you’ll be able to market some of these older cows. In turn, I think…… Continue Reading
