Dec. corn $4.25 and 3/4, up 1 and 1/2 centsNov. soybeans $10.12 and 1/4, up 3 and 1/4 centsOct. soybean meal $268.60, down $3.10Oct. soybean oil 49.74, up 45 pointsDec. Chicago wheat $5.27, up 7 and 1/2 centsOct. live cattle $232.05, down $2.00Oct. feeder cattle $354.05, down $5.57Oct. lean hogs $100.10, up 67 centsOct. Class…… Continue Reading
Harvest begins in east-central Michigan
A Michigan Thumb-area farmer says harvest activity is starting to get underway. Matt Frostic tells Brownfield, “We’re just getting going with the crops. A few soybeans are starting to get harvested. Corn is still a few weeks away when it comes to shelling and dry corn. Some of the feed corn for silage is coming…… Continue Reading
U.S. poultry production slips 1% in August 2025
U.S. poultry production saw a slight year-to-year decline during August 2025. The USDA says 4.484 billion pounds of poultry were certified wholesome last month, down 1% from August 2024, on a modest decline in chicken to 4.068 billion pounds and a 7% drop in turkey production to 405.141 million pounds. The chicken slaughter was 2%…… Continue Reading
Ernst discusses trade, biofuels expansion with President Trump
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst says corn and soybean producers need additional market access. “We have a lot of bushels out there and we need more trade. They want to see that they can get their products not just used domestically, but out there to the broader market around the world.” The Iowa Republican tells Brownfield…… Continue Reading
August red meat production drops with big declines in beef and pork
Commercial red meat production dropped sharply in August 2025. The USDA says the total of 4.145 billion pounds was 10% below August 2024, led by a 12% decrease for beef to 2.017 billion pounds and an 8% decline in pork at 2.117 billion pounds. The cattle slaughter was 14% lower than last year at 2.333…… Continue Reading
Farmers turning to mental health resources as stress builds in ag sector
A University of Illinois extension specialist in agricultural safety and health says more farmers are seeking mental health resources this year. Josie Rudolphi says the Illinois Agricultural Mental Health Voucher Program is a prime example. “Anybody who’s engaged in agriculture in the state of Illinois can receive three vouchers for professional behavioral health services.” She…… Continue Reading
U.S. hog herd shrinks year-over-year, will likely fall further
The U.S. hog herd got a little bit smaller over the past year. The USDA says that at the start of September 2025, the U.S. hog inventory was 1% below September 1st, 2024 at 74.472 million head, with the marketing herd 1% under last year at 68.538 million head and the breeding herd dipping 2%…… Continue Reading
Ethanol production drop expected ahead of record corn harvest
The chief economist for the Renewable Fuels Association suggests last week’s four-month low in ethanol production is nothing to be alarmed about. Scott Richman tells Brownfield the dip was expected. “Normally ethanol plants do a little bit of maintenance before the corn harvest comes in, before they ramp up and start using that new crop…… Continue Reading
Farmers will receive assistance from tariff revenue, President Trump says
President Trump announced Thursday that the administration will utilize tariff revenue to help assist U.S. farmers that have faced a struggling rural economy. “We’re going to take some of that tariff money that we’ve made and we’re going to give it to our farmers,” Trump said, “who are, for a little while, going to be…… Continue Reading
New HPAI case reported in Wisconsin
A new case of highly-pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed in Wisconsin. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says a Jefferson County commercial producer will be depopulating 3.07 million egg laying chickens affected by the virus. The same Palmyra, Wisconsin facility also handled a similar HPAI outbreak in 2022. Ag officials also say…… Continue Reading
