Ag Economy Barometer slightly improves in June

According to the latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, farmer sentiment improved slightly from last month. Jim Mintert with Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture tells Brownfield the rise was surprising. “Given that we saw weakness, especially in corn and soybean prices from June to July, to see the rise in the indexes that rose eight…Continue Reading

Cattle markets, input costs headline Rep. Hinson’s Women in Ag Roundtable

Some cattle producers say they are cautiously optimistic about the continued strength in the markets. Lisa Kubik of Traer tells Brownfield live and feeder cattle futures continue to trade near all-time highs. “Cattle prices the last couple of years have been great,” she said. “As a cattle producer ourselves, we’ve definitely benefited from that.” But…Continue Reading

Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: August 6, 2024

Sep. corn closed at $3.88 and 3/4, down 2 centsSep. soybeans closed at $10.14, down 17 and 1/2 centsSep. soybean meal closed at $330.60, down $8.10Sep. soybean oil closed at 40.85, down 24 pointsSep. wheat closed at $5.43 and 1/4, up 3 and 3/4 centsOct. live cattle closed at $179.05, up 5 centsSep. feeder cattle…Continue Reading

New export facility can expand soybean meal opportunities

A Great Lakes shipping facility built only a year ago is looking to expand export opportunities for farmers.  The DeLong company opened a new bulk commodity loading facility last year at the Port of Milwaukee, and in its first season, shipped mostly dried distillers grains, but Senior Trade Manager Brian Arnold tells Brownfield one load…Continue Reading

Milder weather forecast sends soybeans, corn lower

Soybeans were lower on speculative and technical selling. The USDA’s national soybean rating was up 1% on the week, holding above a year ago. Forecasts for this week are generally a little cooler, with rain in some areas. That’ll ease some of the recent regional stress, but on the balance, the trade is expecting a…Continue Reading

Fungicide and Nitrogen: Prioritize for Mid-Season Crop

Dan Emmert, a lead agronomist with Advance Agrilytics in southwest Indiana, tells Brownfield about how crops are progressing mid-season, as well as the impact tar spot has in the Corn Belt. Emmert says they are looking at several factors, including fungicide timing, pollination, and nutrient uptake, to see how to improve crop management for next…Continue Reading

Healthy soils fight crop stress

Farmers are finding healthier soil helps combat crop stress.                Southern Illinois farmer Granvil Travis has been focused on building the health of his Massac County farm for the past several years. “Four or five years ago, we started doing a lot of tissue samples on a weekly basis.”  He says, “I wasn’t able to get…Continue Reading

Minnesota farm groups react to Walz VP nomination

Farm groups are reacting to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz being selected as the Democratic vice-presidential nominee.  Minnesota Farmers Union government relations director Stu Lourey says the Walz selection is good news for agriculture. “That is a depth of knowledge, experience, and relationships on the ticket that agriculture holds (and) Minnesota holds. And that’s going to…Continue Reading

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