A group representing farmers, processors, and other businesses is pushing for reforms to allow reliable and highly skilled workers to stay on the job in the U.S. James O’Neil is the Director of Legislative Affairs and Agriculture for the American Business Immigration Coalition. He says the Secure America’s Workforce campaign is trying to show federal…… Continue Reading
Soybeans rebound as Trump revives trade optimism with China
Soybeans were modestly higher on short covering and technical buying. Beans continue to wait for end-of-the-month tariff talks between the U.S. and China. The renewed optimism followed social media activity by President Trump over the weekend that dampened some of the concerns following an earlier social media post by the President late last week. The…… Continue Reading
R-CALF joins national coalition calling on Trump to protect competition in ag markets
The CEO of R-CALF USA says strong antitrust enforcement is needed from President Trump to help restore competition in the livestock markets. Bill Bullard says the organization recently joined a letter to the president regarding the issue, which was signed by hundreds of independent businesses across 43 states and nearly 100 national and state organizations…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: October 13, 2025
Dec. corn $4.10 and 3/4, down 2 and 1/4 centsNov. soybeans $10.07 and 3/4, up 1 centDec. soybean meal $274.10, down 90 centsDec. soybean oil 50.60, up 63 pointsDec. Chicago wheat $4.96 and 3/4, down 1 and 3/4 centsDec. live cattle $244.75, up $2.22Nov. feeder cattle $376.72, up 82 centsDec. lean hogs $84.85, up 82…… Continue Reading
Northwest Iowa farmer says 2025 harvest yields falling short of expectations
The 2025 harvest season is winding down for northwest Iowa farmer Kelly Nieuwenhuis. “Well, it’s been fast,” he said. “Bean harvest went quickly. We’ve been done with them for about a week. We’re probably not quite half done on corn.” He tells Brownfield the quality of the crop has been really good, but “The yields…… Continue Reading
Dry weather speeds up harvest pace in western and central Illinois
Two Illinois farmers say the end of their 2025 harvest is in sight. Christian County farmer Ken Franklin says he’s two-thirds complete. “We got our beans done.” He says, “Happy to be back in corn. Yields are average, maybe a tick above or below, depending on where you’re at in the field.” He says the…… Continue Reading
Southern Minnesota ethanol plant reports excellent corn quality, high yields
The CEO of an ethanol plant in southern Minnesota is pleased with the corn being delivered during harvest. Brian Kletscher with Highwater Ethanol in Lamberton says moisture ranges from 13 to 18 percent. “Most of the corn has been between 14 and 15 and-a-half (percent), so really good quality corn coming in. Test weights have…… Continue Reading
Michigan soybean harvest nearly complete as drought expands
Soybean harvest is wrapping up in some parts of Michigan. Shiawassee County farmer Mark Senk tells Brownfield he started harvesting the last week of September. “We had good weather for nine straight days, and we were able to finish up our soybean harvest,” he shares. “We got our wheat planted, and then we got that…… Continue Reading
Bred cow market continues to see strong demand
The market manager for the Missouri Department of Agriculture says he continues to see strength in the bred cow market. Tony Hancock says tight supplies and strong demand are a factor. “The market there, if guys want to take them home, they have to bid more than the kill cow buyers do,” he says. “And…… Continue Reading
Low moisture, green stems slow down soybean harvest
An extension soybean agronomist with Purdue University says low moistures weren’t the only harvest challenge for soybean growers this year. Shaun Casteel says green stems have also plagued many farmers. “We’ve had a lot of dry conditions across the Midwest and the latter part during seed fill, and so a lot of these fields are…… Continue Reading
