Legislation has been reintroduced in the US Senate that could help boost ag exports by revitalizing the nation’s shipbuilding industry. Senator Todd Young of Indiana, co-author of the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act, says recent trade tensions with China have highlighted how much the US relies on foreign vessels.…… Continue Reading
Iowa Representative welcomes pharmacy benefit management reform
An Iowa lawmaker is pleased legislation that addresses rural healthcare concerns passed this session. Representative Shannon Latham tells Brownfield pharmacy benefit management reform was one of her priorities. “We have seen the number of independent pharmacies just drop drastically, especially in rural Iowa. And one of the reasons why is because these pharmacy benefit managers…… Continue Reading
Soybeans, bean oil consolidate
Soybeans were mixed, also ending the week mixed. Contracts consolidated in light trade volume after Thursday’s drop, after initial support from the solid NOPA member crush numbers from April and oversold signals. Beans essentially continued to follow the lead of bean oil, which also consolidated after Thursday’s limit down move linked to RVO concerns. An…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: May 16, 2025
Jul. corn closed at $4.43 and 1/2, down 5 centsJul. soybeans closed at $10.50, down 1 and 1/4 centsJul. soybean meal closed at $291.90, down $4.50Jul. soybean oil closed at 48.93, down 39 pointsJul. wheat closed at $5.25, down 7 and 3/4 centsJun. live cattle closed at $212.22, up $1.05Aug. feeder cattle closed at $297.60,…… Continue Reading
New IL wheat checkoff “very, very positive”
The director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture says the overwhelming passage of a new checkoff fund makes it an exciting time for the state’s wheat industry. Jerry Costello says Illinois wheat production is up. “Unfortunately, there are parts of the country that have experienced drought in the last couple of years, whether you’re talking…… Continue Reading
Iowa House Speaker praises carbon pipeline legislation
Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley says he’s optimistic Governor Kim Reynolds will sign a bill into law that puts new restrictions on carbon pipelines. “I have not had an opportunity to have a conversation with the governor at this point in time,” Grassley said. “…I’ve already signed it, sent it over to the senate and…… Continue Reading
Lack of rain affecting weed programs
A University of Wisconsin weed specialist says the lack of rain has given some weeds an advantage over crops. Rodrigo Werle tells Brownfield it was dry for more than ten days before Thursday’s storm system, which was good for planting but not good for weed control. “We’ve planted a lot of crops. We’ve sprayed our…… Continue Reading
Strong winds lead to dusty fields in northwest Iowa
Photo courtesy of Kelly Nieuwenhuis/X A northwest Iowa farmer says high temperatures and strong winds led to some challenging conditions Friday. Kelly Nieuwenhuis tells Brownfield, “I’m glad we do very minimal tillage. We do a one-pass vertical tillage on our bean stubble and we don’t have dirt flying today, but fall tillage on bean stubble…… Continue Reading
Healthy Dog Importation Act reintroduced in U.S. Senate
Legislation to combat the spread of foreign animal diseases entering the U.S. has been reintroduced in the U.S. Senate. Iowa Republican Chuck Grassley says the Healthy Dog Importation Act would help maintain domestic animal health, which is critical to the nation’s public health goals. “The Center for Disease Control estimates over 1 million dogs are…… Continue Reading
Farmer says ag service isn’t always there when needed
A Wisconsin farmer says parts and service need to be more available during key times like planting and harvest. Raymond Dietrich raises crops for his dairy near Green Bay. He tells Brownfield when it’s time to roll, a weekend breakdown can be a serious problem. “Down time for us is huge, and yet it seems…… Continue Reading
