Some of the biggest disease threats to U.S. livestock can infect multiple species. Swine Health Information Center executive director Dr. Megan Niederwerder says Foot and Mouth Disease, New World Screwworm, and the H5N1 virus are all cross-species pathogens. “And so we in the pork industry are always focused on how can we be proactive for…… Continue Reading
Turkey producer speaks to recovering industry
A southeast Iowa turkey producer says the industry is recovering from a volatile 2024. “We’re definitely in a better position than we were 12 months ago,” said Tim Meyer. Meyer tells Brownfield producers have been on edge due to the outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza over the last few years. “It’s been a struggle…… Continue Reading
Cattle futures lower waiting on widespread direct business
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were lower, waiting on direct business to develop. August live cattle closed $.17 lower at $218.02 and October live cattle closed $.62 lower at $215.02. August feeder cattle closed $2.07 lower at $311.07 and September feeder cattle closed $1.95 lower at $310.80. There was another light…… Continue Reading
FFA helps prepare students for workforce
Wisconsin’s FFA Executive Director says young people are more prepared for the workforce after being involved in ag education. Cheryl Zimmerman tells Brownfield not every FFA member comes from a farm, and FFA gives many students their first exposure to ag careers. “There’s so many careers involved in agriculture that that’s what our teachers are…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: June 11, 2025
Jul. corn closed at $4.38, down 1 and 3/4 centsJul. soybeans closed at $10.50 and 1/2, down 7 and 1/4 centsJul. soybean meal closed at $294.20, down $1.70Jul. soybean oil closed at 48.02, up 23 pointsJul. wheat closed at $5.34 and 1/4, down 1/4 centAug. live cattle closed at $218.02, down 17 centsAug. feeder cattle…… Continue Reading
Wheat mixed, soybeans and corn down ahead of WASDE
Soybeans were lower on fund and technical selling. Beans were waiting for more details on the trade deal between the U.S. and China, along with clarity on biofuels policy. What is known about that trade deal hasn’t really pertained to ag, the headlines have largely been about rare earth metals, and a 55% import U.S.…… Continue Reading
U.S. Treasury Secretary talks trade with House Ways and Means Committee
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent didn’t share the details about the U.S. and China’s trade framework as he met with the House Ways and Means Committee Wednesday. In his testimony, Bessent said China has a singular opportunity to stabilize its economy by shifting away from excess production towards greater consumption, but China needs to be…… Continue Reading
Expectations for beef production
An ag economist says Thursday’s supply and demand report from the USDA will help set beef production expectations. University of Tennessee’s Charley Martinez says he anticipates further clarity on how the department will navigate live cattle imports from Mexico. “If there’s a statement in there of like, hey, we’re expecting imports to resume in the…… Continue Reading
Historically strong week for ethanol production
U.S. ethanol production and stocks both notched notable milestones last week. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production averaged a record 1.120 million barrels per day, rising 15,000 on the week and 97,000 on the year. Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development says estimated operating margins for the average Iowa plant improved,…… Continue Reading
Schreiber continues FFA journey, advocating for agriculture
A past Wisconsin FFA State President has expanded her ag education experience as a National FFA officer. Mary Schreiber from East Troy served as FFA state president in 2023 and 2024. Last October, she was selected from more than 30 candidates to be a national officer, and serves as the Central Region Vice President. “I’ve…… Continue Reading
