The CEO of the American Soybean Association says the farm program provisions included in the U.S. Senate Ag Committee’s recently released budget reconciliation bill are similar to the U.S. House. Stephen Censky tells Brownfield there are substantial increases in reference prices and also “crop insurance, conservation funding by bringing some of the Inflation Reduction Act…… Continue Reading
Illinois FFA expands officer team
History was made at the 97th annual Illinois FFA Convention. The Illinois FFA state officer team has expanded. Page Sierens, of the Annawan FFA Chapter, is the first Illinois FFA state sentinel. “It’s completely amazing.” She says, “It’s a surreal feeling to know that our membership is growing and this need has been met for…… Continue Reading
Corn acres will adjust, soybean acres unclear
An extension ag economist says a wetter than usual spring has affected planted corn and soybean acres in the United States. Ben Brown with the University of Missouri says the Northern Plains likely has more corn. “North and South Dakota, western Minnesota and pockets of western Iowa where it’s been dry where I think we’ll…… Continue Reading
Mixed month for red meat, poultry projections
The USDA lowered its 2025 red meat and poultry production outlook. Beef is now seen at 26.358 billion pounds, 65 million lower than in May on second quarter slaughter data and third and fourth quarter cow slaughter projections, with an average steer price of $221.51 per hundredweight, up $7, and higher imports, exports, and consumption.…… Continue Reading
USDA winter wheat crop guess slightly higher
The USDA has modestly increased its expectation for 2025 winter wheat production. The crop is now seen at 1.382 billion bushels, 25,000 more than in May and 2% above 2024, mostly due to an improved yield. The projected yield for this year held at 53.7 bushels per acre, which would be 2 bushels more than…… Continue Reading
Cash dairy prices steady to lower except butter Thursday
Cash dairy prices were steady to lower except butter again Thursday on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Dry whey was down $0.0125 to $0.5525. Two sales were recorded at $0.5525 and $0.5550. Forty-pound cheese blocks were down $0.02 at $1.84. One sale was recorded at that price. Cheese barrels were down $0.0050 at $1.85. No sales…… Continue Reading
Unusual but good spring for northern Minnesota farmer
A farmer in northwest Minnesota is pleased with crop development. Shayne Isane of Badger says it was an unusual spring. “Got in early, got some rain. Had about a ten-day delay, got back in. Had about a 10-day window to get in and we did manage to do that before we got like an inch…… Continue Reading
Reconciliation, Prop 12, MAHA report among topics of AFBF fly-in
American Farm Bureau members discussed ag policy with members of Congress this week. Minnesota Farm Bureau president Dan Glessing took part in the annual AFBF summer fly-in and tells Brownfield the Senate reconciliation bill somewhat resembles the House version. “From what we’ve seen it’s not a lot different, and we’re still trying to digest what’s…… Continue Reading
USDA raises old crop corn, new crop wheat export estimates
The USDA made modest adjustments to domestic ending stocks projections for grains and oilseeds. Old crop corn ending stocks were down 50 million bushels from May at 1.415 billion bushels due to an increased export guess, which also pulled new crop stocks 50 million bushels lower to 1.75 billion. The average 2024/25 farm price is…… Continue Reading
Kansas farmer says timely rains have helped crops
A farmer in north central Kansas says his corn and soybean crops are off to one of the best starts he’s ever seen. Shale Porter tells Brownfield emergence is excellent and ponding water hasn’t been an issue. “Our rains we wouldn’t get very large amounts at a time. Maybe an inch or inch and a…… Continue Reading
