The director of government affairs for the Renewable Fuels Association says the re-introduction of the bipartisan Farm to Fly Act is a win for farmers. Jared Mullendore says expanding the use of ethanol in sustainable aviation fuel could create new demand for U.S. corn. “It’s just a matter of streamlining these programs,” he says. “The…… Continue Reading
Tariff protections for farmers top concern during nomination hearing
U.S. Senate Ag Committee members are urging President Trump’s Secretary of Agriculture nominee to protect farmers from tariff retaliation. Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin encouraged Brooke Rollins to use her relationship with the president to find other solutions during Thursday’s confirmation hearing. “Can you say that you will throw your body in front of the bus…… Continue Reading
HPAI hits commercial turkey and egg laying facilities in Missouri
Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed in Missouri. According to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the virus has hit four commercial turkey farms in Jasper, Lawrence, and Newton counties, and more than 146,000 birds have been depopulated. It has also been detected in two egg-laying facilities in Newton County, resulting in…… Continue Reading
Many producers taking advantage of market rally
A marketing expert says many producers have been taking advantage of a recent rally. John Heinberg with Total Farm Marketing says USDA’s January supply and demand report triggered many corn and soybean sales. “Bringing that corn carry-out down to 1.54 billion bushels, that was a big chop, and that was the largest yield reduction on…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: January 23, 2025
Mar. corn closed at $4.89 and 3/4, up 5 and 1/2 centsMar. soybeans closed at $10.65 and 1/2, up 9 and 1/2 centsMar. soybean meal closed at $315.30, down 50 centsMar. soybean oil closed at 45.04, up 62 pointsMar. wheat closed at $5.54, unchangedFeb. live cattle closed at $201.10, up $1.05Mar. feeder cattle closed at…… Continue Reading
Another round of gains for soybeans, corn
Soybeans were higher on fund and technical buying. Most forecasts have a dry pattern in portions of Argentina, which could cause some damage and yield loss. Harvest delays due to rain are an issue in parts of northern and central Brazil. Still, analysts are generally projecting a very large if not record crop for Brazil,…… Continue Reading
December red meat production down slightly on year
U.S. commercial red meat production during December 2024 was 4.545 billion pounds. The USDA says that was slightly less than during December 2023, with the cattle and hog slaughters both posting year-to-year declines, canceling out the steady to higher average live weights. Beef production of 2.201 billion pounds, was fractionally larger than the year before,…… Continue Reading
Where are farmers cutting expenses?
Two Ohio farmers are taking a hard look at where they can cut costs ahead of the upcoming growing season. Northeast Ohio farmer Owen Niese says one of the biggest costs for his farm is fertilizer. “My total input costs are about half of what they are,” he says. “Due to the increased fertilizer costs,…… Continue Reading
Walz announces 2025 infrastructure plan
Governor Walz has introduced his 2025 infrastructure plan. Walz says his bonding bill expands on last year’s significant work and makes strategic investments to keep Minnesotans safe and healthy. “Heavily focused on maintaining what we have, it matters both in terms of usefulness but it also matters in how our bond rating is viewed.” The…… Continue Reading
Keeping hogs comfortable during cold spells
Pictured: Brownfield’s Brent Barnett (left) interviews southeast Iowa farmer Matt Gent at the 2025 Iowa Pork Congress in Des Moines A southeast Iowa hog farmer says advancements in on-farm technology have helped producers manage bitter cold temperatures. Matt Gent has a farrow-to-finish operation near Wellman in Washington County, and says his herd has a comfortable…… Continue Reading
