Dec. corn $4.16 and 3/4, up 3 and 3/4 centsNov. soybeans $10.06 and 1/2, unchangedDec. soybean meal $275.90, up $1.60Dec. soybean oil 50.80, up 23 pointsDec. Chicago wheat $4.98 and 3/4, down 1 and 1/2 centsDec. live cattle $246.77, up 27 centsNov. feeder cattle $380.67, down 65 centsDec. lean hogs $83.60, up 45 centsNov. Class…… Continue Reading
Ricketts says building domestic demand could strengthen economic outlook
A U.S. Senator says increasing domestic use of U.S. commodities could help improve the current ag economy. Pete Ricketts tells Brownfield industry leaders in Nebraska are working to diversify market opportunities. “One of the things we can do with our soybeans is feed them to our livestock sector first, and then sell those products overseas,”…… Continue Reading
Cotton farmers face stress without market certainty
A farmer in northwest Mississippi says cotton growers are being pushed to the limit trying to survive another year in a tough ag economy. “The stress levels are high.” Patrick Johnson tells Brownfield more credit is being used to produce a crop that will be deeply in the red again. “You have cotton futures in…… Continue Reading
U.S. specialty crop industry at risk as growers face rising costs, inadequate insurance options
An economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation says specialty crop growers can no longer absorb soaring production costs with limited risk protection. Danny Munch tells Brownfield, “Since 2020, for instance, pesticide costs are up 25 percent, fuels and oils up 32 percent, fertilizer up 37 percent, and cash labor, which makes up a substantial portion, up…… Continue Reading
Low-carbon fuel growth tied to stability in ag markets, Buis says
Many ag and biofuel stakeholders concerned about the farm economy are urging the administration to expand the use of low-carbon fuels. Tom Buis with the American Carbon Alliance says growth in the ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel markets would boost demand for corn and soybeans. “What we’re seeing is sort of a real nightmare occurring.…… Continue Reading
Delayed October WASDE report could have far reaching impacts for U.S. agriculture
An ag economist at the University of Kentucky says a lack of updated information from the October supply and demand report could have far reaching impacts for U.S. agriculture in 2026. Grant Gardner says the ag industry is currently relying on private estimates for supply levels. “Each of these private estimates are going to collect yield data…… Continue Reading
Despite tight margins, some farmers see fungicide as key to crop protection
Some Illinois farmers are happy about their decision to use fungicides on their corn crop this year. Ken Franklin, who farms in Christian County in the central part of the state, says diseases like southern rust and tar spot were widespread and affected yields. “Tar spot came on maybe a little bit late.” He says,…… Continue Reading
Cybersecurity in the Country: Why Even Rural Folks Need to Lock Their Digital Doors
Commentary. It might not come up much at the grain elevator or after church potlucks, but it is something all of us who live out here where the pavement ends need to embrace: cybersecurity. I know what you might be thinking — “I don’t bank online, I don’t shop online, and the Wi-Fi barely works…… Continue Reading
Corn yields holding strong as central Missouri farmers resume harvest
Two farmers in central Missouri have resumed harvest following a slight rain delay. Nathan Alpers in Cooper County tells Brownfield he’s been working on corn. “I can’t complain about the corn quality or the yields.” Jay Schutte, who farms in Audrain County, is waiting to start corn harvest. “I think we’re going to have probably…… Continue Reading
Farmers feeling the pinch as U.S.-China trade uncertainty persists
A market analyst says the recent back-and-forth between the U.S. and China is getting frustrating. Garrett Toay with Ag Trader Talk says “this whole trade war is frustrating, because farmers are already pinched because of high input prices. But it’s an opportunity missed, because prices, in theory, should be higher than where they are now.”…… Continue Reading
