Harvest is gaining momentum across Iowa. USDA’s latest weekly crop update shows soybeans running about three days behind the five-year average at 17 percent harvested. Corn harvest is slightly ahead of normal at 15 percent. In southwest Iowa, farmer Lee Brooke says about a third of his soybean crop is harvested and he’s combined about…… Continue Reading
Slight rain delays provide bump to Michigan soil moisture levels
The head of Cooperative Elevator says the start of dry bean harvest hasn’t been ideal. Scott Gordon tells Brownfield about 40 percent of their expected crop has been harvested. “It’s been a lot of hurry up and waiting with regards to some rains and some not ideal harvest conditions,” he shares. Gordon says harvest is…… Continue Reading
Soybeans dip on slower demand, corn, wheat finish Monday mixed
Soybeans were lower on fund and technical selling, but most months did close above support. The trade was expecting the USDA to report solid harvest progress in the weekly update, out after the close. The USDA says 19% of U.S. beans are harvested, compared to the five-year average of 20% because of last week’s rain,…… Continue Reading
Cattle futures lower, lean hogs mixed
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle ended up and down day lower, with contracts unable to follow through on their early firmness. The boxed beef market has lost a lot of ground recently, a sign that domestic consumers are probably buying less beef. October live was down $.47 at $231.32 and December…… Continue Reading
Dry week lends to Wisconsin harvest progress
A dry week and above average temperatures led to a lot of harvesting in Wisconsin last week. USDA reporters say corn silage, apples, and vegetables were leaving the fields and orchards in the week ending Sunday. Just north of the Wisconsin-Illinois line, Doug Rebout says corn silage is about done in his neighborhood, and he’s…… Continue Reading
Central Illinois farmer reports strong soybean yields so far
A central Illinois farmer says harvest conditions have been favorable. “We’re about a third of the way done on soybeans and just getting a good start on corn.” Jeff Scott, who farms in Christian County, says his April-planted soybeans have performed well. “Way above our expectations and better than any beans we cut last year…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: September 29, 2025
Dec. corn $4.21 and 1/2, down 1/2 centNov. soybeans $10.10 and 1/2, down 3 and 1/4 centsOct. soybean meal $268.10, down 70 centsOct. soybean oil 49.11, down 49 pointsDec. Chicago wheat $5.19 and 1/2, down 1/4 centOct. live cattle $231.32, down 47 centsOct. feeder cattle $356.20, down 80 centsOct. lean hogs $101.15, down 35 centsOct.…… Continue Reading
U of I’s Morrow Plots set for renovations in preparation of 150th anniversary
North America’s oldest experimental agricultural fields are set for a major transformation. German Bollero, Dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at the University of Illinois, says the world-renowned Morrow Plots are being renovated in time for their upcoming 150th anniversary. “The Morrow Plots have a long history on this…… Continue Reading
Fertilizer industry continues push for phosphate to be added to Critical Minerals List
The vice president of government affairs for The Fertilizer Institute says adding phosphate to the Critical Minerals List could help improve its availability. Ed Thomas says the distinction could help bolster domestic production and reduce fertilizer costs. “It takes time, but this will be very helpful in the longer term, if we face similar supply shocks…… Continue Reading
Ernst says E15 continues to face some pushback
A U.S. Senator says efforts to secure permanent, year-round sales of E15 before the end of the year could face an uphill battle. Iowa Republican Joni Ernst tells Brownfield, “We do get some resistance still from some of the democratic members that are on the Eastern Seaboard.” She says there has been some bipartisan support…… Continue Reading
