An ag economist says strong profit margins in the livestock sector led to a rise in this month’s Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. Professor emeritus Jim Mintert says producers are becoming more optimistic about the financial performance of their operations. “The returns in the cattle sector have just been phenomenal,” he says. “Record high returns…… Continue Reading
Drought trimmed some soybean yields, but overall year called successful by western Illinois farmer
A western Illinois farmer was thrilled with his 2025 crops. Terry Smith, who grows corn and soybeans in Adams County, tells Brownfield… “It’s been a very successful year, it seems like in yields.” He says, “My flat ground had some drowned out issues. It hurt the yield some, but my more rolling ground, the yields…… Continue Reading
China’s return to U.S. sorghum market could boost exports
The chairwoman of the National Sorghum Producers says China’s renewed interest in U.S. sorghum could help expand market access. Amy France, a farmer from Kansas, says there are still questions about the purchase commitments. “We need at least 5 million metric ton per year as a minimum in this agreement with China.” She tells Brownfield…… Continue Reading
Wisconsin proposes big revisions to animal health fee plan
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is backing away from a proposal that could increase animal health program fees. The department says they received more than 500 comments on the proposed fees. Tim Fiocchi with Wisconsin Farm Bureau tells Brownfield all of the comments from farmers, livestock dealers, truckers, and sales barns were in opposition. …… Continue Reading
Smith: farmer relief should survive U.S. Supreme Court tariff case
The chairman of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee says he’s optimistic farmer aid from the Trump administration won’t be affected by an upcoming decision from the U.S. Supreme Court on President Trump’s recent tariff actions. “It should not, because the president is on a mission to provide that relief for for our commodity…… Continue Reading
Temps ahead to vary greatly across the Heartland; near-seasonal weather, as well
The post Temps ahead to vary greatly across the Heartland; near-seasonal weather, as well appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. … Continue Reading
Farmers walk a fine line between cutting costs and sustaining yields
Many farmers are analyzing their crop fertility programs while preparing for 2026. Mosaic agronomist Kip Jacobs says low commodity prices and high input costs create a challenging financial situation. “With the current farm economy forecast looking steady at best, we’re going to continue to need to optimize each acre of land to meet the desires…… Continue Reading
Arkansas farmers face critical year as multi-year losses, high costs threaten profitability
The CEO of AgHeritage Farm Credit Services says multiple years of losses, high input costs and ongoing global uncertainty means farmers in Arkansas face a critical year ahead. “This is the worst I’ve seen since the mid-1980s from a profitability standpoint.” Greg Cole says all crops had losses this year, especially rice and cotton, and…… Continue Reading
Missouri farmers face tight margins as loan renewal season approaches
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
