Recent rains have boosted the outlook for crops in west-central Minnesota. Wheaton area farmer Jamie Beyer says the spring has gone well. “This year we got off to a nice early start, we had early heat. Maybe just a tad bit too much wind, and then now we’ve had four or five days of kind…… Continue Reading
CropLife America sees “troubling statements” in MAHA report
An organization that represents the crop protection industry has concerns about the Make America Healthy Again Commission report. CropLife America CEO Alexandra Dunn says the nearly 70-page report contains troubling statements about pesticides. “We are concerned that the statements reflect tacet reference to the fact that pesticide exposures may be associated with some sorts of…… Continue Reading
Boozman talks next phase for reconciliation
The chairman of the U.S. Senate Ag Committee says he likes the ag-provisions included in the House-passed reconciliation package. John Boozman says important tax policy is included, along with much-needed improvements to the farm safety net. “Crop insurance, the Ag Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs, those kinds of things. Those kinds of things…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: May 23, 2025
Jul. corn closed at $4.59 and 1/2, down 3 and 1/2 centsJul. soybeans closed at $10.60 and 1/4, down 7 and 1/4 centsJul. soybean meal closed at $296.20, down $2.30Jul. soybean oil closed at 49.35, up 24 pointsJul. wheat closed at $5.42 and 1/2, down 2 centsJun. live cattle closed at $215.80, up 17 centsAug.…… Continue Reading
Slow ag equipment market reflects tighter ag economy
An ag economist says the continued slowdown in ag equipment purchases could be part of a larger trend in the ag economy. David Widmar, with Agricultural Economic Insights, says 2021 to 2023 were some of the strongest years in ag equipment purchasing, but that’s changed. “We have this expansion of capital production,” he says. “When…… Continue Reading
Indiana wheat growers monitoring disease risk
A plant pathologist says wet weather across Indiana have created challenges for wheat growers trying to manage foliar disease pressure. Darcy Telenko is with Purdue University Extension. “We worry a lot about fusarium head blight or scab, and so that application needs to go out in a timely manner when we’re just beginning flowering ,” she…… Continue Reading
Ag credit deterioration concerning
A policy advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago says there are concerns over the amount of credit deterioration occurring in the ag sector. David Oppedahl says low commodity prices and high input costs continued to plague agriculture in the first quarter of 2025. “There is an increase in demand for non-real estate loans.” …… Continue Reading
H-2A wage pressure for farmers far from over
A specialty crop grower says this is the first year H-2A guest worker wages have declined on his farm in more than a decade. Fourth-generation farmer Derek Oomen tells Brownfield the constant wage increases have become a major financial strain. “It’s just really, really hard when you’re in a system like that and you’re competing…… Continue Reading
Judge rules to lift federal funding freeze, some USDA grants in limbo
A lead attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center says the federal government has been ordered to release frozen grant funds. “Those grants should start flowing again immediately.” Kym Meyer tells Brownfield President Trump’s executive order to freeze and terminate 32 Inflation Reduction Act and Inflation Investment and Jobs Act grants violated the Administrative Procedures…… Continue Reading
Cheese prices down, butter up entering holiday weekend
Cash dairy prices were mixed going into the holiday weekend Friday on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Dry whey was unchanged at $0.5425. No sales were recorded. Forty-pound cheese blocks were down $0.0775 at $1.87. Three sales were recorded, ranging from $1.87 to $1.88. Cheese barrels were down $0.0175 at $1.8525. Two sales were recorded, at…… Continue Reading
