More significant black cutworm moth flights are being reported in parts of the Upper Midwest. Bruce Potter with the Minnesota Cooperative Black Cutworm Trapping Network says the bulk of captures are happening in south-central and southeastern Minnesota. “One of the earliest flights came into Chippewa County, and we’ve also had a big flight into Rock…… Continue Reading
Minnesota farmer concerned for emerging crops in weekend heat
Unseasonably warm conditions are causing some concern for emerging crops in west-central Minnesota. Anne Schwagerl farms in Big Stone County and says temperatures could reach the 90’s this weekend. “And I’m watching the little corn and bean plants come out of the ground and hoping that things don’t fry before we can get a little…… Continue Reading
Live cattle futures mostly lower to end the week
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live cattle were mostly lower, and feeders were lower with boxed beef down at midday. June live cattle closed $.42 higher at $214.67 and August live cattle closed $.42 lower at $209.57. August feeder cattle closed $.95 lower at $300.30 and September feeder cattle closed $1.20 lower at $299.02. Direct…… Continue Reading
Food fraud prevention expanding with AI
The Director of the Food Fraud Prevention Academy says efforts are increasing to identify artificial intelligence supply chain risk factors. John Spink’s food fraud prevention research at Michigan State University has helped create national and international regulatory standards for the food supply chain for more than a decade. “It’s intentional deception for economic gain using…… Continue Reading
Illinois lawmakers considering fee to benefit conservation
The deputy director of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance says a proposal to introduce a new per acre fee for taking agricultural land out of production is gaining momentum in the General Assembly. Liz Rupel says proceeds from the Agricultural Land Conservation Act would benefit local soil and water conservation districts. “With the math that has…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: May 9, 2025
Jul. corn closed at $4.49 and 3/4, up 2 and 1/4 centsJul. soybeans closed at $10.51 and 3/4, up 6 and 3/4 centsJul. soybean meal closed at $294.10, down 60 centsJul. soybean oil closed at 48.57, up 12 pointsJul. wheat closed at $5.21 and 3/4, down 7 and 1/2 centsJun. live cattle closed at $214.67,…… Continue Reading
Lingering wet conditions slow planting in northwest Iowa
Lingering wet conditions have slowed planting progress in northwest Iowa. Shane Holtorf of Pomeroy says he started planting corn April 13th and finished a week later. “We got a start into beans, and then right at the end of April we got a pretty good shower, about an inch. And then about a week ago…… Continue Reading
Soybeans, corn gain ahead of trade talks, WASDE
Soybeans were higher on short covering and technical buying, pulling contracts to a higher weekly finish. Beans were preparing for weekend trade talks between the U.S. and China. Any significant progress on tariffs is unlikely in this early round of negotiations, but President Trump has floated lowering the tariff on Chinese goods from 145% to…… Continue Reading
Delta farmers wait for better weather
Farmers in northeast Arkansas are waiting on a decent planting window following a month of record rain and flooding. “I never ever say I want the rain to stop, but I wish it would pause or slow down a little bit so we could get some fieldwork done, crops planted and crops emerged,” says Tommy…… Continue Reading
Cash rental rates remain strong
A farmland market expert says cash rental rates have been strong across parts of the Corn Belt. Jim Rothermich is the vice president of Iowa Appraisal and says, “I have seen no weakness in the cash rent auctions I pick up. It’s steamrolling right along.” He tells Brownfield rates have been higher compared to 2024.…… Continue Reading
