At a time of high input costs and low commodity prices, a fertilizer specialist says farmers should take a rational approach as they plan for the 2026 crop. Josh Linville with StoneX Group tells Brownfield “if farmers lower their fertilizer rates too much, it could hurt the yield far too much in 2026. We could…… Continue Reading
Agronomist says most corn, soybeans look good
An agronomist says corn and soybeans look good in much of the Midwest. Dan Ritter is a regional agronomist with Dairyland Seed serving parts of Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. He says corn yields looks promising. Ritter tells Brownfield, “We have some areas where I was with growers a couple of weeks ago and they were…… Continue Reading
Early harvest expected in Michigan
An extension specialist says harvest in Michigan is likely to come early this fall. Michigan State University’s Dennis Pennington tells Brownfield, “Not only do we have dryness, but we’ve also had greater than normal heat unit accumulation.” Pennington says cooler, wetter conditions this week aren’t likely to slow down the trend. “Based on the trends…… Continue Reading
Cattle futures lower, hog future higher
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live cattle futures were mostly lower and feeders were mixed ahead of the week’s direct business. Contracts began the week with steep losses on the discovery of a human case of New World screwworm but eased up by midsession, and some far off deferred live cattle contracts were even able…… Continue Reading
Corn up, soybeans down to start the week
Soybeans were lower on profit taking and technical selling. A recent major crop tour’s yield numbers were below the USDA due to disease issues, but just modestly, with further revisions likely in the coming months. The USDA says 69% of U.S. soybeans are in good to excellent condition, up 1%, with 89% at the pod…… Continue Reading
Small grain harvest speeds along in Minnesota
A stretch of dry weather last week helped advance Minnesota’s small grain harvest. USDA says spring wheat harvest is 73 percent complete, with 80 percent of the crop considered good to excellent. Harvest is running well ahead of last year and the five-year average. Oats in Minnesota are 81 percent combined. Barley harvest is 73…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: August 25, 2025
Sep. corn closed at $3.89 and 1/4, up 1 centSep. soybeans closed at $10.25 and 1/2, down 11 centsSep. soybean meal closed at $295.70, down $1.00Sep. soybean oil closed at 54.31, down 53 pointsSep. wheat closed at $5.06 and 3/4, up 2 centsOct. live cattle closed at $236.82, down $1.05Sep. feeder cattle closed at $361.90,…… Continue Reading
Wet growing season in Iowa
Farmers in northeast Iowa have been dealing with persistent moisture for months. Chris Grebner with MBS Farms near Nashua says conditions allowed for fieldwork to begin early this spring. “Had a couple good days and then we had an extended stretch of cold, wet weather, and that’s kind of been the story,” he shares. “Just…… Continue Reading
Nebraska farmer says crops are in excellent shape
A central Nebraska farmer says his corn and soybean crops are at a critical stage. Clay Govier tells Brownfield the cooler temperatures will help soybeans and so would some moisture. “We’re still pushing, irrigation pretty hard and I’m sure we will be for the next couple of weeks, and we’ve kind of missed the last…… Continue Reading
Crops improving in west central Indiana
A west central Indiana farmer says his crops are bouncing back after a rough start to the growing season. Kevin Cox tells Brownfield, “Five to six weeks ago, I had the worst prospect for crop I think I’ve ever had. I wouldn’t say that now, but there’s still a lot of unknowns. I’ve still got a…… Continue Reading
