The U.S. Senate is expected to consider the nominations of three USDA Under Secretaries and others awaiting approval later this week. The USDA nominees include Dudley Hoskins as the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Scott Hutchins as the Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics and Richard Fordyce, Under Secretary of Farm Production…… Continue Reading
Soybeans, corn up on short covering, watching yield results
Soybeans were higher on short covering and technical buying. 5% of the crop is harvested, and near-term conditions look mostly favorable for activity. The USDA’s next production estimate is set for October 9th, with very early expectations for another modest reduction in yield. While domestic demand is solid, the lack of export demand from China…… Continue Reading
Cattle futures turn lower
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were lower on profit-taking, and ahead of the week’s business and Friday’s On Feed report from the USDA. October live cattle closed $1.15 lower at $233.45 and December live cattle closed $1.12 lower at $235.15. October feeder cattle closed $.20 lower at $354.30 and November feeder…… Continue Reading
Processing a hurdle for Illinois poultry producer
A central Illinois poultry producer says finding adequate processing has been a major challenge for her first-generation operation. Anna Morrell, who pasture raises chickens, turkeys, geese, and ducks in DeWitt County, tells Brownfield, “The only processing facility in Illinois that was doing ducks closed, so processing has definitely turned into a bit of an issue.” …… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: September 16, 2025
Dec. corn $4.29 and 1/2, up 6 and 1/4 centsNov. soybeans $10.49 and 3/4, up 7 centsOct. soybean meal $285.80, up 60 centsOct. soybean oil 52.69, up 93 pointsDec. Chicago wheat $5.34, up 9 centsOct. live cattle $233.45, down $1.15Oct. feeder cattle $354.30, down 20 centsOct. lean hogs $97.37, down 15 centsOct. Class III milk…… Continue Reading
Senate hearing highlights struggles of specialty crop growers & needed farm bill improvements
Specialty crop leaders are calling for strong research investments and expanded risk management options in a new farm bill. In a Senate Ag Committee hearing on Tuesday, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Tim Boring said support of the specialty crop sector has never been more needed. “These days, instead of growing their operations, many…… Continue Reading
In Agriculture, Luck Doesn’t Harvest the Crop—Readiness Does
Commentary. Out here in rural America, it’s easy to talk about luck. Good weather, good markets, good timing—when things go right, people often say, “We got lucky this year.” But anyone who’s worked the land or run a small-town business knows better: luck might play a role, but it never works alone. Real success in…… Continue Reading
Sorghum industry warns of market access losses as China buys from Brazil
The past president of National Sorghum Producers says China’s approval of Brazilian sorghum imports could be devastating for the industry. Craig Meeker, a south-central Kansas farmer, says growers are already at a competitive disadvantage. “Our trade with China in 2025 is down 97 percent from where we had been at previously. That’s incredibly detrimental. That’s…… Continue Reading
Feedyard placements expected to drop in upcoming report as New World screwworm ban continues
A livestock economist says cattle placements remain the figure to watch in this week’s Cattle on Feed report. Pre-report estimates have cattle placed into feedyards for August down 9 percent from last year. Charley Martinez, an ag economist at the University of Tennessee, says, “We know right now would be historically when we would see…… Continue Reading
Ohio farmers concerned late-season drought could impact yield potential
A pair of Ohio farmers are concerned late-season drought conditions could limit top-end yield potential. Central Ohio farmer Michael Vallery says a majority of the state remains abnormally dry. “The last good rain we got was July 28th,” he says. “My biggest concern is that may have cut some of the bushels that we really…… Continue Reading
