Soybeans were mixed, with deferred contracts unable to follow through on their early gains. The USDA’s national crop condition rating was up on the week, planting is nearly over, and development weather generally looks good. The USDA will release its June supply, demand, and production numbers Thursday. CONAB’s updated outlook for Brazil is also out…… Continue Reading
Timely rains benefitting southwest Iowa crops
A southwest Iowa farmer says the 2025 growing season has gotten off to a strong start. “On the corn side, the stands are awesome,” said Lee Brooke. “Probably some of the best we’ve had in a long time.” Lee Brooke tells Brownfield his area keeps receiving timely rains. “We had a half inch over the…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: June 10, 2025
Jul. corn closed at $4.38 and 3/4, up 5 and 1/4 centsJul. soybeans closed at $10.57 and 3/4, up 1 and 3/4 centsJul. soybean meal closed at $295.90, up 40 centsJul. soybean oil closed at 47.79, up 41 pointsJul. wheat closed at $5.34 and 1/2, down 7 and 1/2 centsAug. live cattle closed at $218.20,…… Continue Reading
The cull cattle market is providing producers with opportunities
The market news manager for the Missouri Department of Agriculture says the current strength in the cull cow market provides opportunities for producers. Tony Hancock says, “You got some of those cows that you’ve kept around. The value of those is incredible. Yes, you’re going to pay a fair amount for some replacement younger heifers,…… Continue Reading
Conservation funding concerns in Illinois
The executive director of the Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts says farmers are going to have less access to conservation expertise due to insufficient state funding. Eliot Clay says for the second straight year, the state’s 97 local SWCD’s will receive only $4.5 million. “We’re basically where we were at back in…… Continue Reading
Naig optimistic about future of U.S. ag trade
(Photo by Brent Barnett/Brownfield) Iowa’s ag secretary says he’s optimistic trade tensions could be easing. Mike Naig says some farmers and ranchers have been concerned about the use of tariffs as a negotiation tool. “I’m willing to give the (Trump) administration an opportunity to get to a better place,” he said. “I think there’s very…… Continue Reading
Overcoming ag trade barriers
The president of the American Farm Bureau Federation says as the U.S. and United Kingdom build on their trade framework, barriers to ag trade need to be addressed. Zippy Duvall says the UK is influenced by the European Union’s rules and regulations. “The EU is their biggest trading partner and they have to pretty much…… Continue Reading
Clock ticking for idled biodiesel plants
A number of biodiesel plants remain idled across Iowa. Eastern Iowa farmer Dave Walton serves on the board of directors for the Iowa Soybean Association and American Soybean Association. He tells Brownfield the industry is seeking tax policy that provides incentive for production. “They lost the blenders tax credit January 1st,” Walton said. “We’re still…… Continue Reading
ADM expands its STL grain facility
ADM is doubling rail and barge capacity at its St. Louis grain facility. “Being able to provide another outlet for grain gives us a competitive advantage and will only help the producers in the area.” Travis Sayers, a regional manager for ADM, says the barge expansion was completed earlier this year. “We have two docks…… Continue Reading
Ethanol groups still waiting for RFS rule to become public
Critical biofuels policies remain under review by the Trump administration, and some ethanol groups are concerned time is running out. Geoff Cooper, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, says the EPA Administrator has expressed the final rule for the Renewable Fuels Standard will be in place by November 1 to allow time for…… Continue Reading
