Looking ahead, the 6- to 10-day outlook calls for the likelihood of above-normal temperatures in the West, as well as the central and southern Plains, while colder-than-normal conditions will cover areas along and east of a line from northeastern Montana to southeastern Mississippi. Meanwhile, below-normal precipitation across the southern half of the U.S., except in…… Continue Reading
Banking leader says profitability pressure is building for 2026 row crop farmers
The senior vice president of agricultural and rural banking policy with the American Bankers Association says the ag economy is a mixed bag heading into 2026. On this episode of Managing for Profit, Ed Elfmann says financial conditions have been favorable for livestock producers, but it’s a different story for row crop farmers. The post Banking leader…… Continue Reading
Cattle, hog futures higher heading into Friday
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were up, watching direct business develop. February live cattle closed $2.10 higher at $224 and April live cattle closed $1.77 higher at $225.17. January feeder cattle closed $4.72 higher at $336.57 and March feeder cattle closed $3.92 higher at $329.72. There was a light round of…… Continue Reading
Short covering pulls soybeans and corn higher; mixed wheat follows Canadian data
Soybeans were modestly higher on short covering and technical buying. Planting and development weather in South America continues to look generally favorable, with the trade expecting big crops. The trade still has a lot of uncertainty about the timing of U.S. soybean sales to China. Part of that is due to conflicting comments from U.S.…… Continue Reading
FDA grants conditional approval for NWS treatment
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued conditional approval of Exzolt Cattle-CA1 from Merck to combat New World screwworm. This is the first topical drug approved in the U.S. to treat and control NWS and Cattle Fever Tick in cattle. The parasiticide can be used in beef cattle 2 months of age or…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: December 4, 2025
Mar. corn $4.47 and 1/4, up 6 and 1/4 centsJan. soybeans $11.19 and 1/2, up 3 and 3/4 centsJan. soybean meal $311.20, down 10 centsJan soybean oil 51.79, up 12 pointsMar. Chicago wheat $5.40 and 1/4, up 2 centsFeb. live cattle $224.00, up $2.10Jan. feeder cattle $336.57, up $4.72Feb. lean hogs $81.85, up 85 centsJan.…… Continue Reading
New World screwworm confirmed 120 miles from US border
The USDA says New World screwworm has been detected approximately 120 miles from the U.S. border. This is the third incident in Nuevo León since September. A spokesperson for the USDA says all three detections have been isolated cases and were associated with the movement of animals from affected areas of Mexico. The USDA says…… Continue Reading
Illinois farmers say proposed trade payment could help ease financial strain caused by rising costs and low prices
A pair of long-time Illinois farmers say they’ve seen a downturn in the ag economy before. “We remember the ‘80s way too well, so we need to keep a handle on that debt.” Rock Katschnig, who just harvested his 49th crop in Henry County, says that mindset means he’s eliminated big-ticket purchases for the foreseeable…… Continue Reading
Congress pushing for more clear trade policies as lawmakers warn of long-term tariff impacts
The House Ways and Means Committee is pushing for clear trade policies as lawmakers question the long-term impacts of tariffs. During a committee hearing this week, Chairman Jason Smith of Missouri says President Trump’s tariff actions have brought countries back to the negotiating table. “We have been patient to allow for all negotiating parties to…… Continue Reading
Indiana Pork watching for new state regulatory legislation in 2026
The executive director of Indiana Pork says the organization is focused on ensuring regulatory burdens don’t limit growth opportunities for the state’s pork producers in 2026. Josh Trenary says the group will be monitoring new labeling requirements that could create additional challenges for farmers. “If the USDA has approved something, or if the FDA has…… Continue Reading
