A new USDA report shows that most cropland prices have climbed between three and ten percent in the past year. Paul Schadegg with Farmers National tells Brownfield the market for farmland remains strong. “The surprising thing to me is the stability we continue to see in spite of where commodities might have gone and continue…… Continue Reading
Dealer says tariffs are affecting machinery sales
A dealer says tariffs have definitely impacted the tractor and outdoor power equipment market. Darrell Stetzer with Central Wisconsin Powersports tells Brownfield tariffs on foreign parts and machinery have shaken up equipment sales. “That has changed the market completely for the last couple of months for us.” Stetzer says the increased tariffs have driven consumers…… Continue Reading
Farm family emphasises safety education
A Wisconsin family knows first-hand how important farm safety is. Wisconsin’s FFA typically works to educate people about the dangers on the farm like grain entrapments, power takeoff shafts, and rollover risks, but State Vice President Sam Mell from Waunakee is passionate about farm safety for another reason. “Having a sister who was in a…… Continue Reading
Cattle futures supported by strength in boxed beef
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were sharply higher, supported by sharply higher boxed beef during the session ahead of widespread direct business. October live cattle closed $2.55 higher at $229.65 and December live cattle closed $2.57 higher at $230.72. September feeder cattle closed $4.67 higher at $344.22 and October feeder cattle…… Continue Reading
Soybeans, corn, extend downward trends
Soybeans were lower on fund and technical selling. The trade’s expecting a big crop and there are a lot of questions about export demand. On the supply side of the equation, near-term development conditions remain largely favorable, but there is still the chance for a turn to hotter, drier conditions in some areas later this…… Continue Reading
Tariff pause with China drives dairy exports
The U.S. Dairy Export Council says nearly all categories saw an increase in June shipments, with China coming back into the market. U.S. dairy exports gained 15 percent in volume while values increased 27 percent to $840.5 million. Cheese saw widespread demand from most markets, increasing 34 percent compared to last June. Good production, logistics, and pricing…… Continue Reading
Broiler placements stay 1% faster than last year
2025 broiler hatchery numbers continue to run ahead of the 2024 pace. That implies at least some year-over-year increase in production. The USDA says 251.309 million broiler-type eggs went into incubation, down 1.034 million on the week, but up 1% on the year, with average hatchability at 79.4% of all eggs. 193.658 million broiler-type chicks…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: August 6, 2025
Sep. corn closed at $3.79 and 3/4, down 1 and 3/4 centsSep. soybeans closed at $9.65 and 1/2, down 6 centsSep. soybean meal closed at $272.60, down $4.40Sep. soybean oil closed at 53.72, down 5 pointsSep. wheat closed at $5.08 and 1/2, up 1/4 centOct. live cattle closed at $229.65, up $2.55Sep. feeder cattle closed…… Continue Reading
Lindberg says OBBBA doubled MAP and FMD funding
The reconciliation package included a significant boost to USDA’s trade promotion programs. New USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agriculture Affairs Luke Lindberg says the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has many provisions that will benefit U.S. farmers and ranchers. “But it also doubled our capacity for MAP and FMD (Market Access Program and Foreign…… Continue Reading
Dairy farmers educating during Illinois State Fair
A farmer relations specialist with Midwest Dairy says events like the 2025 Illinois State Fair are an opportunity for producers to educate consumers. Kendra Anderson says the home of the world-famous “Butter Cow” is the perfect place to teach people about dairy. “It’s just amazing how far removed they are from agriculture.” She says, “They…… Continue Reading
