Costello: Illinois would feel impacts of trade war

The director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture says a new trade war would impact every aspect of the state’s economy.  Jerry Costello tells Brownfield, “These tariffs only affect you if you drive a vehicle, eat food, produce food, heat your home, use a computer or electronics, or take medication. Other than that, you should…Continue Reading

Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: February 7, 2025

Mar. corn closed at $4.87 and 1/2, down 7 and 3/4 centsMar. soybeans closed at $10.49 and 1/2, down 11 centsMar. soybean meal closed at $301.40, down $5.00Mar. soybean oil closed at 45.98, up 58 pointsMar. wheat closed at $5.82 and 3/4, down 5 centsApr. live cattle closed at $196.77, unchangedMar. feeder cattle closed at…Continue Reading

Cash hogs mixed to end the week

Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures were steady to firm and feeders were mixed, consolidating after Thursday’s drop. April live was unchanged at $196.77 and June was up $.27 at $192.10. March feeders were down $.40 at $264.90 and April was $.17 lower at $264.82. Cash cattle country was quiet Friday with the bulk of…Continue Reading

Soybeans, corn see profit taking, still up on week

Soybeans were lower on profit taking and technical selling, but did end the week with decent gains. There was cooler temperatures and a chance of rain in the forecast for dry parts of Argentina, while some of Brazil could see better harvest weather. The USDA’s updated supply, demand, and production numbers are out Tuesday, February…Continue Reading

Dairy margin program provides extra assurance

A dairy economist is encouraging farmers to sign up for the Dairy Margin Coverage program this year even with positive price outlooks. Bill Brooks with Northwest Missouri State University tells Brownfield the program paid dairy farmers nearly $37 million in payments last year. “The margin coverage program only had payments the first three months of…Continue Reading

Land broker sees slowdown in farmland market

A farm real estate specialist says there’s been some instability in the farmland market. Koby Rickertsen with High Point Land Company says land values could see a decline if downward pressure on commodity prices continues. “We’re not as excited in the last six months or so as we have been. You’re not seeing huge 8%…Continue Reading

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