CONAB calls Brazil soybean crop record large

Brazil’s equivalent of the USDA says soybean production remains on its record track. CONAB says that with harvest nearly over, soybean production should be around 168.342 million tons, up 14% on the year, with the yield rising 10.5% thanks to improved weather. This will likely lead to more export competition against the U.S., especially for…Continue Reading

Frequent spells of showers, storms across the Heartland as cooler air returns

Looking ahead, the 6- to 10-day outlook calls for the likelihood of below-normal temperatures across much of the northern half of the U.S., while warmer-than-normal weather will prevail in California, western Nevada, and from the southern Plains to the southern Atlantic Coast.  Meanwhile, near- or above-normal precipitation across most of the country should contrast with…Continue Reading

Have a good risk management plan

An extension ag economist says don’t underestimate the role good risk management has for farm profitability. Ben Brown at the University of Missouri says it won’t be an easy year financially for many farmers. That’s why developing and implementing a good risk management plan is important. The post Have a good risk management plan appeared…Continue Reading

Funding for a new SCN lab included in MO ag budget

The interim CEO of the Missouri Soybean Association says the recently approved state ag budget includes funding to build a new, modernized Soybean Cyst Nematode lab at the University of Missouri. Casey Wasser says MU is known for its expertise in SCN research and the lab is needed. “The amount of volume going through that…Continue Reading

First-generation farmers rely on word of mouth for growth

A beginning farmer says riding in the neighbor’s buddy seat during harvest was his first step toward farm ownership. Zach Wagner tells Brownfield, “My parents had 86 tillable acres, and they rented it out to the neighbor.” “When I was young, my favorite day of the year was when they showed up to harvest the field,” he…Continue Reading

Conner: farm bill program updates critical

The president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives says it’s critical the House Ag Committee updates farm bill programs as they go through the reconciliation process. Chuck Conner says for now, reference prices are expected to get a 10 to 20 percent increase. “I’m not anticipating changes to that, but we won’t…Continue Reading

Red crown rot on soybean growers radar

An extension plant pathologist with the University of Missouri says farmers in the Midwest need to be keeping an eye out for red crown rot this season. Mandy Bish says the soil-born soybean disease has been identified across several states, including Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky. “I unfortunately think we are under diagnosing it a little…Continue Reading

MO Farm Bureau health plan pending

Legislation allowing the Missouri Farm Bureau to offer a health plan to its members is awaiting action the final days of the Missouri legislative session. Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins says he’s optimistic legislation will cross the finish line. “Missouri needs to get this done. It’s year three and we’ll continue to push to…Continue Reading

New crop soybean prices might benefit from trade chats

An extension ag economist says the recent U.S. and China trade agreement-in-principle could have a greater impact on new crop soybean prices. “The soybean market didn’t necessarily react too strongly to the news of a pause this week, because largely, we’re still in a period of not selling a lot of U.S. soybeans.” Ben Brown…Continue Reading

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