I have said it before and will continue to shout it from the rooftops: There’s a difference between an advocate and a reporter whether you’re talking about agriculture, politics, or college football. One roots for a side; the other tells you what actually happened. A news reporter is not supposed to be your cheerleader. Lately,…… Continue Reading
Uncertainty dominates for grain farmers starting to plan for the next season
An agricultural policy specialist says farmers are likely to delay their planting decisions as long as possible with the current market uncertainty. Michigan State University’s Alan Ker tells Brownfield it’s a very difficult time to advise grain farmers. “Switching that acreage is not trivial and not costless,” he explains. “It leaves the farmer wondering, ‘Are we in a…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: October 22, 2025
Dec. corn $4.23, up 3 and 1/4 centsNov. soybeans $10.34 and 3/4, up 4 centsDec. soybean meal $290.00, up $3.10Dec. soybean oil 50.07, down 58 pointsDec. Chicago wheat $5.03 and 3/4, up 3 and 1/2 centsDec. live cattle $239.82, down $5.60Nov. feeder cattle $364.22, down $9.25Dec. lean hogs $82.40, down 87 centsNov. Class III milk…… Continue Reading
Market analysts say US, China trade negotiations could bring fresh momentum to soybean markets
A senior market advisor at Total Farm Marketing says the ag industry remains optimistic that upcoming trade negotiations between the U.S. and China could result in a boost in soybean prices. “I think we’ll have our answer in three weeks,” she says. “It’s either going to happen or it’s not.” Naomi Blohm says higher priced grain…… Continue Reading
Reliable Rail bill continues to gain support
Legislation designed to improve railroad service remains held up in committee as lawmakers focus on funding the government. Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin tells Brownfield reliable railroad service has been absent, as businesses continue to struggle with shipping and receiving goods, especially in areas off the main Class I rail lines. “We need to hold these…… Continue Reading
Corn futures edge higher on strong ethanol demand amid U.S. harvest progress
Soybeans were mixed, with nearby contracts up and deferred months down. Beans continue to wait for meetings between the U.S. and China this week in Malaysia and next week in South Korea. That’s even with some questions as to whether or not President Trump and President Xi will have face-to-face tariff negotiations at that APEC…… Continue Reading
Despite ag economy concerns, Illinois farmer keeping 2026 cropping plans unchanged
A central Illinois farmer says he’s not making major changes to his operation in 2026, despite the uneasiness hanging over the ag economy. John Klemm, who raises corn, soybeans, and cattle in DeWitt County, says he’s sticking to his plans even though commodity prices are low and inputs are high. “Some seed is booked; we’ve…… Continue Reading
U.S. soybean farmer stresses need for dialogue with China as trade tensions linger
An Iowa soybean farmer says an upcoming trade mission to China could provide opportunities for the U.S. soybean industry. “We’ll try to get a take from them where we’re at,” said Brent Renner. Renner says the lack of soybean purchases from China has been concerning, but he tells Brownfield current trade tensions are out farmers’…… Continue Reading
Cattle market continues to face unprecedented volatility
A commodity broker says there continues to be a lot of risk in the cattle markets. Brad Kooima of Kooima Kooima Varilek tells Brownfield, “Forty-five years I’ve done this. It’s never been this bad.” He says the limits are too big, and it creates volatility. The USDA was scheduled to release its latest Cattle on…… Continue Reading
Strong demand drives U.S. ethanol supplies to 51-week low as production and exports rise
Strong demand has pulled the U.S. ethanol supply to a near-one year low. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says ethanol stocks of 21.919 million barrels were the lowest in 51 weeks, falling 709,000 on the week and 304,000 on the year. The biggest supply drops were in the East Coast and Midwest. Ethanol production averaged…… Continue Reading
