Soybeans were modestly higher on short covering and technical buying, still seeing a significant weekly drop. Beans were oversold and encouraged by talk of a trade deal with China, even if details, and especially ag details, have been slow to surface. The general tenor about trade negotiations out of the Trump administration continues to be…… Continue Reading
Cattle futures sharply higher to finish the week
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were higher, supported by stronger boxed beef during the session, shrugging off the week’s lower cash business. August live cattle closed $4.10 higher at $213.30 and October live cattle closed $3.47 higher at $209.82. August feeder cattle closed $4.60 higher at $307.90 and September feeder cattle…… Continue Reading
Argentina finishing big soybean harvest
The soybean harvest is winding down in Argentina. Michael Cordonnier with Soybean and Corn Advisor says with more than 90 percent of the crop out, he’s raising his production estimate to nearly 50 million tons. “Because the late-planted soybeans just did much better than anticipated.” He tells Brownfield there was significant flooding in northern Buenos…… Continue Reading
South Dakota plans to be part of NWS solution
The governor of South Dakota says his state will be part of the solution as the U.S. cattle industry continues to monitor the spread of New world screwworm in Mexico. Larry Rhoden says having the right technology and people in place to protect cattle producers makes a big difference. “We stood up the Animal Diagnostics…… Continue Reading
Hot and dry conditions still expected in Corn Belt
An atmospheric scientist with Nutrien Ag Solutions says hot and dry conditions are still coming for much of the Corn Belt. “There’s something happening in the weather pattern that suggests this summer has more volatility in it.” Eric Snodgrass says currently, the Mississippi River divides the outlook for July. “If you’re west of the river,…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: June 27, 2025
Jul. corn closed at $4.17 and 1/2, up 8 centsJul. soybeans closed at $10.27 and 3/4, up 5 centsJul. soybean meal closed at $271.10, up 20 centsJul. soybean oil closed at 52.45, down 7 pointsJul. wheat closed at $5.24 and 3/4, up 3 and 3/4 centsAug. live cattle closed at $213.30, up $4.10Aug. feeder cattle…… Continue Reading
Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association encouraged by proposed tax provisions
The Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association is encouraged by tax provisions included in the One Big Beautiful Bill. Executive director Kaitlyn Root says both the House and Senate reconciliation packages address the estate tax. “With the death tax, like in the House-passed text, the estate and gift tax exemption amount is increased to $15 million per…… Continue Reading
Farm income, costs up in May
Farmers made and paid more in May than in April. The USDA’s index of prices received for May rose 1.7% on gains in cattle, hogs, milk, and oranges against losses in broilers, market eggs, lettuce, and strawberries. The dairy index for May 2025 was 1.4% more than April, but 3.2% less than May 2024, with…… Continue Reading
Food banks struggling to fill gaps
The executive director of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry says federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could worsen food insecurity across the Midwest. Emily Bryant says food banks nationwide, like the state of Indiana, are struggling to meet demand. “There’s more than 1,000,000 Hoosiers who are at risk of hunger and we’ve seen an increasing…… Continue Reading
Grape colaspis impacting some crops
An extension field crop entomologist with the University of Illinois says some farmers are dealing with grape colaspis. During a recent Illinois Soybean Association webinar, Nick Seiter told growers it’s an intermittent pest that’s most often observed in corn. “A lot of times it looks like a nutrient deficiency.” He says, “We see a lot…… Continue Reading
