Jim Hertzog, a livestock auction owner and Missouri cattleman, says improving beef prices at the grocery store could be as simple as a beef coupon. “It’s only good for beef that is labeled born and raised and a product of the USA.” He has proposed a program that would provide a $1-per-pound coupon or digital…… Continue Reading
Congress urged to act as SNAP benefits could stop November 1, impacting families and local economies
Nearly 42 million recipients could lose access to their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits on November 1st because of the ongoing government shutdown. Maya Sandelow, an associate director with the Bipartisan Policy Center, says the group is urging Congress to find a solution. “We’re calling for Congress and the administration to keep benefits flowing in…… Continue Reading
Cover crop adoption still driven by payments, but agronomic benefits growing
Farmers are looking for cover crop benefits beyond soil health and water management. Midwestern BioAg CEO Gaji Balakaneshan says in many cases, growers only use cover crops because they’re paid to. “Because they’re not seeing a benefit on a year-to-year basis, and that’s part of the problem.” He tells Brownfield cover crops can help improve…… Continue Reading
Soybean prices climb on U.S.-China deal hopes
The chief commodities economist with Stone X Group says the details of any trade framework between the U.S. and China remain unclear ahead of this week’s meeting. But Arlan Suderman tells Brownfield “If we make it to Thursday, I would anticipate we’ll probably have a deal. Usually world leaders don’t want to meet unless they…… Continue Reading
Soybeans hit one-year highs on China trade hopes
Soybeans were higher on commercial and technical buying, with the most active months hitting more than one-year highs. Beans have another round of support tied to the trade deal framework with China, but some contracts did run into resistance, pulling them down from the day’s highs. Technically, soybeans might be a little overbought, especially without…… Continue Reading
Charcoal rot among key challenges for Upper Midwest soybean growers in 2025
Growers in the Upper Midwest dealt with several soybean diseases this year. Stine Seed agronomist Susan Hart covers Minnesota and the Dakotas and says harsh spring conditions made crops vulnerable. “They got beat up so hard right when those beans were coming out of the ground that really just set up a great situation for…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: October 28, 2025
Dec. corn $4.32, up 3 and 1/4 centsNov. soybeans $10.78 and 1/4, up 11 centsDec. soybean meal $306.50, up $8.30Dec. soybean oil 50.26, down 51 pointsDec. Chicago wheat $5.29, up 3 centsDec. live cattle $226.57, down 60 centsNov. feeder cattle $333.40, down $5.05Dec. lean hogs $80.82, down 67 centsNov. Class III milk closed at $17.84,…… Continue Reading
FFA members flood Indianapolis for 98th annual National FFA Convention
The 98th annual National FFA Convention is officially underway. National FFA President Thaddeus Bergschneider of Illinois tells Brownfield this week is an opportunity for members to make an impact. “Lean into the once in a lifetime to meet people you may never meet again and cherish the opportunity you have to make connections that are far beyond…… Continue Reading
Cash dairy prices mostly higher Tuesday
Cash dairy prices were higher except for butter Tuesday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Dry whey was up $0.01 at $0.70. One sale was recorded at that price. Forty-pound cheese blocks were up $0.0225 for a second straight day at $1.8225. Nine sales were recorded, ranging from $1.8125 to $1.83. Cheese barrels were up $0.0250, also…… Continue Reading
Growing international markets expected to drive U.S. ethanol exports
The chairman of the U.S. Grains & Bioproducts Council says the ethanol export outlook is positive. “We see that as having the fastest, biggest potential of moving corn.” Mark Wilson, who farms in northern Illinois, says several Asian countries are expanding use of the renewable fuel, and the U.S. is poised to be a main…… Continue Reading
