At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle futures fell sharply, pressured by the recent wholesale and direct cash price action. Feeders had at least a little bit of additional bearishness tied to the firm move in corn and cattle futures in generally look technically weak. December live was down $1.02 at $233.47 and…… Continue Reading
Iowa farmer calls on Congress to finish new farm bill as 2018 extension expires
The latest extension of the 2018 farm bill expired as the calendar switched to October. Eastern Iowa farmer Dave Walton, who serves as the secretary for the American Soybean Association, says the lack of a new five-year farm bill is disappointing. “I’d like to see (Congress) bring that full farm bill to the end point…… Continue Reading
Soybeans rebound on short covering and trade hopes – corn, wheat also up
Soybeans were higher on short covering and technical buying, bouncing back after some early mixed activity. The trade is monitoring the U.S. harvest, expecting good progress, and watching planting activity in South America. Stateside, the trade is monitoring yield results, which have been mixed, with recent private firm yield projections sitting on either side of…… Continue Reading
Low soybean prices leave farmers with tough choices this harvest
Low prices are leaving many soybean farmers unsure how to handle the bushels being harvested this fall. Harmon Wilts farms in west-central Minnesota. “It’s as tough as I’ve ever seen it from the standpoint that the basis is so wide right now at about $1.15. Futures market isn’t good, the basis are wide. And a…… Continue Reading
Highly variable corn and soybean yields
A southern Indiana farmer says corn and soybean yields have been inconsistent this harvest season. Ben Kron tells Brownfield, “They’re all over the place. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen anything like this. Same with the corn. It’s just all over the place. We thought that it might be the case, but it’s…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: October 2, 2025
Dec. corn $4.21 and 3/4, up 5 and 1/4 centsNov. soybeans $10.23 and 3/4, up 10 and 3/4 centsDec. soybean meal $279.30, up $5.70Dec. soybean oil 50.44, up 2 pointsDec. Chicago wheat $5.14 and 3/4, up 5 and 1/2 centsDec. live cattle $233.47, down $1.02Nov. feeder cattle $352.40, down $5.20Dec. lean hogs $86.67, down 22…… Continue Reading
Missouri waives fees for special hay hauling permits through December
A special hauling permit is available to help Missouri farmers move hay, as needed, due to the expanding drought conditions. The Missouri Department of Transportation permit allows drivers to haul hay loads of up to 12 feet and six inches wide using a blanket permit, and haul hay loads up to 14 feet using single…… Continue Reading
Global trade turmoil puts pressure on U.S. soybean farmers
Officials with the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) are optimistic that the Trump administration will follow through on promises to discuss soybean purchases with China. Andrew Larson, director of government relations, says that not having any sales on the books as harvest gains momentum is worrisome. “It’s a challenging time in the export space.” He says,…… Continue Reading
More details on emergency assistance for U.S. farmers expected soon
An ag lobbyist says U.S. farmers are expected to get help from the federal government to survive the tough farm economy. Randy Russell tells Brownfield there are many unknowns, and the biggest questions are: “how do you do it and where is the money coming from? I suspect the Trump administration will use the increase…… Continue Reading
NCGA president: farmers need solutions to crushing input expenses
The new president of the National Corn Growers Association says farmers are feeling the pinch of rising input costs. “We’re trying to stay positive.” Jed Bower says fertilizer is the largest expense on his farm. “Looking ahead at the 2026 crop: we’ve seen substantial increases from last year on phosphorus. We’re looking at potentially $200…… Continue Reading
