A Wisconsin dairy farmer says triticale is an awesome multi-purpose crop on his farm. Joe Bragger farms in Buffalo County near Waumandee. He tells Brownfield triticale makes an excellent cover crop, especially for planting green. “It comes out of the gate a little later, so if you just want to go cover crop solely, you…… Continue Reading
Missouri corn and soybean conditions improve
Corn and soybean conditions are still improving across much of the state, despite some variability. USDA says the state’s corn crop is rated 77 percent good to excellent, a slight increase from the previous week. In Morgan County, farmer Brian Lehman says it won’t be a record on his farm. “In my local area we…… Continue Reading
No complaints as MO hay production continues
Livestock producers in central and southwestern Missouri say the heat is starting to take a toll on some forage. But Chris Brundick, who raises cattle and crops in Osage and Maries Counties, tells Brownfield he can’t complain. “It’s just unreal. With all the rain there’s a lot of hay in our area. That’s a good…… Continue Reading
Illinois crop condition improves slightly
A central Illinois farmer is excited about the prospect of a good crop. Marty Marr grows corn and soybeans in Sangamon County. “We’ve only had a couple of bumps in the road.” He says, “Back in May, we had some hail and we had to redo a few acres of beans, but beyond that, the…… Continue Reading
Ag economist says he’s expecting a decline in placements
An ag economist is expecting lower placements in this week’s Cattle on Feed report. In fact, Mississippi State University Extension’s Josh Maples says he wouldn’t be surprised to see a pretty significant decline in cattle placed last month. “Just look at the transactions data going into this report,” he says. “CME index transactions are down…… Continue Reading
Iowa crop update shows hay and oat harvest, fungicide and pesticide spraying
The USDA says Iowa farmers were busy harvesting hay and oats, while corn and soybeans received fungicide and pesticide applications last week. Southwest Iowa farmer Ralph Lents tells Brownfield he’s found southern rust in some of his corn. “And been keeping an eye out for tar spot. There’s a little bit around, but nothing really…… Continue Reading
Mixed Monday for soybeans, corn, wheat
Soybeans were mixed. Near-term development weather looks mostly non-threatening to favorable as major crop tours start to blanket key U.S. growing areas. The USDA says 68% of U.S. soybeans are in good to excellent shape, unchanged on the week, with 95% blooming and 82% at the pod setting stage, matching the respective five-year averages. Even…… Continue Reading
Hot Michigan summer brings apple harvest closer
A west Michigan apple grower says he expects to start harvesting in the next week. Chris Kropf tells Brownfield production is expected to be down from last year. “We’ve got a pretty nice crop coming,” he shares. “We did get hit with some hail early, but fruit size, I’m hoping, will be good. It’s down…… Continue Reading
Minnesota farmer anticipates strong yields
A southeast Minnesota farmer anticipates strong corn and soybean yields this fall. Darin Johnson farms in Faribault County and says there are some parts of the state that have had too much rain. “But as a whole, this crop does look pretty good. And it’s getting pretty close to getting to the point where it’s…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: August 18, 2025
Sep. corn closed at $3.83, down 3/4 centSep. soybeans closed at $10.20 and 3/4, down 1 and 1/2 centsSep. soybean meal closed at $280.40, down $3.00Sep. soybean oil closed at 53.27, up 9 pointsSep. wheat closed at $5.02 and 3/4, down 3 and 3/4 centsOct. live cattle closed at $231.17, up 52 centsSep. feeder cattle…… Continue Reading
