The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has officially designated the STAR Tool as the required soil health assessment for all state-funded conservation practices. Brian Rennecker, bureau chief for the Division of Natural Resources with IDOA, says Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture Resources is a free program built by producers. “It really helps farmers evaluate their in-field management…… Continue Reading
NCGA announces input cost task force
The National Corn Growers Association has launched a tasked force that will work to identify solutions for elevated input costs. NCGA incoming first vice president Matt Frostic, a corn farmer from Michigan and leader of the new task force, says corn growers nationwide are in the third consecutive year of net negative returns, with 2026…… Continue Reading
Ohio farmers face mixed fertilizer price outlook for 2026
An Ohio State University Extension educator says farmers may have to make adjustments to their nutrient management plan as they face budget challenges. Amanda Bennett tells Brownfield the cost of some inputs have been on the rise. “At the national level overall, we see the trade situation keeping prices high,” she says. “We’re fortunate here…… Continue Reading
Soybeans down on lack of China demand, Argentina export tax suspension
Soybeans were modestly lower on fund and technical selling. The big bearish issues continue to be the lack of demand from China and Argentina’s export tax suspension. Those are linked, with China reportedly buying a substantial number of soybeans from Argentina this week. The U.S. harvest and South American planting are ongoing. Stateside, there’s more…… Continue Reading
South Dakota state vet urges U.S. to support Mexico as screwworm gets closer to border
South Dakota State Veterinarian Beth Thompson says it’s important the U.S. support Mexico as New World screwworm moves further north. “If we can beat it back south in Mexico, it’s going to do us a big favor here in the United States, but we have to be prepared.” Over the weekend, New World screwworm was confirmed…… Continue Reading
Triumph Foods pushes back on state-level ag laws
Missouri-based Triumph Foods has become the first pork processor to file a lawsuit against California’s Proposition 12, a law that mandates specific minimum housing standards for pigs, veal calves, and egg-laying hens. Matt England, president and CEO of Triumph Foods, says the national food supply chain relies on consistent federal regulation, not one that operates…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: September 24, 2025
Dec. corn $4.24 and 1/4, down 2 centsNov. soybeans $10.09, down 3 centsOct. soybean meal $271.70, down $3.40Oct. soybean oil 49.29, down 6 pointsDec. Chicago wheat $5.19 and 1/2, down 1 centOct. live cattle $234.05, down $1.55Oct. feeder cattle $359.62, down $2.50Oct. lean hogs $99.42, down $1.10Oct. Class III milk closed at $17.04, down 6…… Continue Reading
USDA’s new plan could spur additional ag export sales, expand markets
USDA’s Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs says the administration is committed to increasing ag export sales. Luke Lindberg says the department’s recently announced three-point plan focuses on building stronger trading relationships. He says it, “Aggressively gets after ag exports specifically targets that opportunity where we are trying to make those buyer and seller…… Continue Reading
Broiler production accelerates with 3% yearly growth in egg sets, 2% in placements
Broiler sets and placements are maintaining their faster than last year pace as poultry producers try to meet demand. The USDA says 247.105 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubation last week, jumping 2.045 million from the previous week and rising 3% from a year ago, with average hatchability holding at 79.8%. 195.294 million head…… Continue Reading
Crop and pasture conditions worsen
An atmospheric scientist says drought conditions are worsening in many areas of the U.S. impacting crops and pasture quality. Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions tells Brownfield there has been a 24% increase in drought area since the beginning of August. They’ve lost a crop in parts of Georgia, north and south Carolina because of…… Continue Reading
