Crop farmers are anxiously awaiting more details on federal assistance to help offset economic losses caused by tariffs and other factors. Iowa State University Extension economist Chad Hart says most growers are looking at a cash flow pinch while preparing for next year. “So I think a lot of folks are balancing just how much…… Continue Reading
Near-seasonal temps ahead for much of the Heartland; a drier trend in moisture, as well
The post Near-seasonal temps ahead for much of the Heartland; a drier trend in moisture, as well appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. … Continue Reading
Rural economy falls to five-year low
The latest Rural Mainstreet Index shows the ag economy has slumped to a five-year low. On this Managing for Profit, ag economist Ernie Goss with Creighton University says weak agriculture commodity prices continue to dampen economic activity in the Midwest. The post Rural economy falls to five-year low appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. … Continue Reading
Soybeans gain as trade talks with China boost market optimism
Soybeans were higher on commercial and technical buying. There’s ongoing cautious optimism ahead of tariff talks with China, and domestic demand is solid. While there are some questions about the face-to-face meeting between President Trump and President Xi in South Korea next week, U.S. and Chinese trade representatives are expected to meet this week in…… Continue Reading
Feeder cattle, hog futures lower heading into Friday
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live cattle were mixed, feeders were down as the trade continued to digest the USDA news, and was waiting on wide-spread direct business. December live cattle closed $1.35 higher at $241.17 and February live cattle closed $.30 higher at $240.67. November feeder cattle closed $2.77 lower at $361.45 and January…… Continue Reading
Market volatility driving more cattle producers to use risk management programs
The executive vice president of the Illinois Beef Association says more producers are utilizing risk protection in the cattle markets. Josh St. Peters tells Brownfield, “Programs like Livestock Risk Protection, or LRP, and I think especially our smaller beef operations, folks with smaller herds, have adopted those tools as an opportunity to help them put…… Continue Reading
Illinois farmers see long-term benefits from regenerative ag practices
A pair of Illinois farmers say a sustained commitment to regenerative agriculture has helped their bottom line. Derek Martin and his brother, Doug, operate Martin Family Farms near Mount Pulaski. “We’ve been at this about 10 years.” He says, “We started with cover crops and biologicals and focused less on synthetic fertilizers and things like…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: October 23, 2025
Dec. corn $4.28, up 5 centsNov. soybeans $10.44 and 3/4, up 10 centsDec. soybean meal $292.30, up $2.30Dec. soybean oil 50.87, up 80 pointsDec. Chicago wheat $5.13, up 9 and 1/4 centsDec. live cattle $241.17, up $1.35Nov. feeder cattle $361.45, down $2.77Dec. lean hogs $81.77, down 62 centsNov. Class III milk closed at $17.43, up…… Continue Reading
Grassley to Trump: importing beef from Argentina isn’t ‘America first’
U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley disagrees with President Trump’s plan to import beef from Argentina to help lower prices domestically. The Iowa Republican says the move would disincentivize U.S. producers from raising more cattle. “And in the words of the President, repeating what you hear him say so often, the message to the President is pretty…… Continue Reading
Farm Bureau calls for milk order voting reforms ahead of next USDA hearing
An American Farm Bureau economist says he’s hopeful more changes can be made to USDA’s federal milk marketing order rules before another hearing is held. Danny Munch tells Brownfield USDA will have to begin collecting processor cost of production data to help determine if make allowances are justified, but making changes after that data is…… Continue Reading
