The new manager of the Western Illinois University farm says many of today’s ag students want real-world experience. Adam Bensman, an Ohio native who graduated from WIU in May, says getting dirty is a key part of their program. “They pretty much do it all.” He says, “There’s a lot of things we do here…… Continue Reading
Sugar producers see wins in OBBBA
American Sugar Alliance leaders say improved U.S. sugar policy is a step forward in improving the economic viability of growers. Director of Economics and Policy Analysis Rob Johansson tells Brownfield sugar supplies are robust while prices remain weak. “We’ve also seen a fair amount of imports coming in to the U.S., so that has also added to…… Continue Reading
Cattle futures sharply higher heading into Friday
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were sharply higher, supported by the recent strength in boxed beef, ahead of widespread direct business. October live cattle closed $2.57 higher at $232.22 and December live cattle closed $2.90 higher at $232.62. September feeder cattle closed $5.40 higher at $349.62 and October feeder cattle closed…… Continue Reading
The impact of cull cow prices on herd expansion
An ag economist says rising prices for cull cows could hinder expansion of the U.S. cattle herd. Josh Maples with Mississippi State University Extension says two-dollar cull cow prices are not crazy. “You can get really, really strong prices for those cows,” he says. “Especially if we bring in less trim from places like Brazil.”…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: August 7, 2025
Sep. corn closed at $3.84 and 1/2, up 4 and 3/4 centsSep. soybeans closed at $9.74, up 8 and 1/2 centsSep. soybean meal closed at $276.10, up $3.50Sep. soybean oil closed at 53.50, down 22 pointsSep. wheat closed at $518 and 1/4, up 9 and 3/4 centsOct. live cattle closed at $232.22, up $2.57Sep. feeder…… Continue Reading
Lead Food Capital invests in DF Seeds’ future
Michigan-based DF Seeds has announced it has been acquired by Lead Food Capital. DF Seeds President Janna Fritz tells Brownfield it’s the first acquisition by the Indiana-based investment company. “We’ve experienced organic growth over the last four to five years here with DF Seeds and this new investment with Lead Food is just the next evolution,”…… Continue Reading
Soybeans, corn, wheat bounce off recent lows
Soybeans were higher on short covering and technical buying. Contracts are oversold, but gains were limited by big 2025 crop expectations. While there’s still a chance for August and September weather to trim top end yields, the trade is expecting a large 2025 U.S. soybean crop. Domestic demand for crush is solid thanks to the…… Continue Reading
Ag director says livestock exhibitors mindful of biosecurity
The Missouri Ag Director says biosecurity is a priority as exhibitors and visitors from across the region come to the Missouri State Fair to see livestock. Chris Chinn tells Brownfield the livestock barns on the fairgrounds are usually kept clean to keep diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease and New world screwworm from coming into…… Continue Reading
Indiana ag leaders honored with AgriVision Award at the state fair
Two Indiana ag leaders have received the state’s the highest agricultural honor. Keith Lambright, owner of Shipshewana Auction and Cedar Creek Meats, and Mark Sigler, chief operating officer, secretary and treasurer of Indiana Farm Bureau are this year’s AgriVision award winners. Sigler says he’s incredibly humbled. “It’s just about all the people I’ve had an opportunity to work with…… Continue Reading
New state fair buildings will showcase MO ag
The “Godfather” of the Missouri State Fair says new infrastructure coming to the fairgrounds will continue to showcase Missouri agriculture. Lowell Mohler, a former state ag director and fair commissioner, tells Brownfield “a new sheep barn facility, improvements in the swine barn and a new building that will be finished for next year’s fair that…… Continue Reading
