A farm management specialist at the University of Illinois says fertilizer costs are putting a squeeze on farmers planning for 2026. Gary Schnitkey says the elevated prices, primarily resulting from several global supply challenges, are outpacing stagnant commodity prices. “And as we look at nitrogen fertilizer, if anything, it’s gone up in recent months.” He…… Continue Reading
Ag lender: “obviously the price side is a real challenge right now”
An ag lending specialist understands farmer concerns about tight crop margins. Paul Kohls with Compeer Financial says many growers are looking at a big crop this fall. “There are some spots where things are not as rosy, but obviously the price side is a real challenge right now for producers and it causes a bit…… Continue Reading
Cattle futures close Tuesday higher, lean hogs mixed
At the, Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle were mostly higher, and feeders were up, with boxed beef sharply higher at midday, waiting for direct business and Friday’s USDA Cattle on Feed numbers. Feeders had additional support from the lower move in corn. October live cattle were up $.17 at $231.35 and December was down $.02…… Continue Reading
Ag leaders stress the importance of ag research funding
A member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee says USDA research funding needs to be prioritized as part of upcoming farm bill discussions. Michigan Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet tells Brownfield, “We still have a fight on our hands to make sure that this is funded and that it’s adequately staffed by scientists who have been…… Continue Reading
KY farmer to Trump: prioritize U.S. soybeans
The American Soybean Association is asking President Donald Trump to prioritize soybeans as the U.S. and China negotiate a new trade deal. In a letter to the president, Cabinet leaders and Congressional lawmakers, Kentucky farmer Caleb Ragland asked Trump to remove China’s retaliatory duties and if possible, negotiate significant soybean purchase commitments. China hasn’t purchased…… Continue Reading
Grain farmers see lowest earnings over the last decade in 2024
A farm business management analyst says grain farmers had some of the lowest earnings in over a decade in 2024. Brad Zwilling with the University of Illinois says margins were tight during the last crop year. “We had higher yields in 2024 than we had in 2023, but lower prices were the main reason that…… Continue Reading
Soybeans, corn drift lower, watching weather
Soybeans were lower on profit taking and technical selling. The USDA’s national crop rating held, and development is close to normal, but some areas need rain to meet the USDA’s record yield projection. Near-term forecasts generally have scattered rain in parts of the Midwest and Plains. Mexico bought 228,606 tons of new crop U.S. beans…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: August 19, 2025
Sep. corn closed at $3.79 and 1/2, down 3 and 1/2 centsSep. soybeans closed at $10.13, down 7 and 3/4 centsSep. soybean meal closed at $287.40, up $7.00Sep. soybean oil closed at 51.68, down 159 pointsSep. wheat closed at $4.98 and 1/2, down 4 and 1/4 centsOct. live cattle closed at $231.35, up 17 centsSep.…… Continue Reading
Cattle market risk and reward
A crop and livestock producer from northwest Iowa sees risk and opportunity in the cattle market. Jolene Riessen grows corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and runs a custom feedlot near Ida Grove. She tells Brownfield a local sale barn recently sold 700-pound feeders for nearly $400/cwt and that’s not sustainable for most producers. “It would take a…… Continue Reading
Is there a large U.S. crop out there?
The USDA is forecasting record corn production and high soybean yields, but an ag economist with University of Missouri Extension says he’s not sure it’s going to happen. In Missouri, Ben Brown says the crops are variable. “I think the northern part of Missouri has very good corn and soybeans. There were pockets where it…… Continue Reading
