Ag economist Ben Brown with University of Missouri Extension says row crop farmers and ag lenders will have some difficult conversations in the upcoming loan renewal season. “We’ve had three years now on the row crop side of negative to tight margins, financial margins, working down some of that working capital.” He says the outlook…… Continue Reading
Cattle futures drop amid lingering import concerns
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were sharply lower on technical liquidation and the talk that feeder cattle imports from Mexico could resume. December live cattle closed $4.42 lower at $227.77 and February live cattle closed $5.02 lower at $225.37. November feeder cattle closed $7.60 lower at $334.97 and January feeder cattle…… Continue Reading
Soybean futures cool off as traders watch China
Soybeans were lower on profit taking and technical selling, along with higher trade in the dollar during the session. Contracts look overbought after the recent strength, but beans remain optimistic about trade deal framework with China. While China has purchased U.S. soybeans under that framework and has pledged to buy more over the next three…… Continue Reading
Harvest better than expected for Wisconsin farmer
A southern Wisconsin farmer says yields are good and harvesting is going smoothly. Steve Duwe raises corn and soybeans near Johnson Creek, between Madison and Milwaukee. He tells Brownfield soybeans topped the 70 bushel per acre mark. “Soybeans? It was the highest yield I’ve ever had for soybeans by almost ten bushels, and corn, we…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: November 4, 2025
Dec. corn $4.31 and 1/2, down 2 and 3/4 centsJan. soybeans $11.21 and 1/2, down 12 and 3/4 centsDec. soybean meal $317.40, down $3.40Dec. soybean oil 49.53, down 31 pointsDec. Chicago wheat $5.50 and 1/4, up 6 and 3/4 centsDec. live cattle $227.77, down $4.42Jan. feeder cattle $329.22, down $7.30Dec. lean hogs $79.92, down 67…… Continue Reading
Owner of Joplin Regional Stockyards says he’s not overly concerned about market volatility
The owner of one of the largest sale barns in the country says there was a significant improvement in the market this week. Jackie Moore with Joplin Regional Stockyards in Missouri says buyers were active. “They called it $10 to $30 higher,” he says. “Some of these calves were probably $40 to $50 higher.” He…… Continue Reading
NASDA CEO: Strong USMCA renegotiation could expand market access for farmers
The CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture says the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement could provide an opportunity to expand market access for farmers. Ted McKinney says Mexico and Canada are two very important trading partners for the US. “There’s so much trade between us,” he says. “I hope that…… Continue Reading
Michigan House moves forward bill to scrap obsolete potato dealer program
Michigan potato growers are asking state lawmakers to repeal an outdated licensing rule from the 1960s. Michigan Potato Industry Commission Executive Director Kelly Turner testified during a recent Michigan House Agriculture Committee hearing. “This program, when it was put into place, made a lot of sense because there were a lot more potato distributors around the state,”…… Continue Reading
Wisconsin considering a school margarine ban
New legislation has been introduced in Wisconsin that would require school districts to serve real butter in school meal programs. State Senator Howard Marklein is the Senate author of the bill. He says, “Representative Todd Novak and I have drafted a bill, and it’s being circulated right now, which basically says that you can’t serve…… Continue Reading
Farmers for Free Trade calling for Congressional tariff authority
The Farmers for Free Trade Executive Director says he’s hopeful the U.S. Supreme Court this week can help get tariff authority back into the hands of Congress. Brian Kuehl tells Brownfield, “I think that the President has overstepped on his authority with tariffs and that’s causing a lot of disruption.” The organization has compiled a report following its multistate Midwest listening…… Continue Reading
