An Iowa farmer suggests the price ratio favoring corn going into the year has shifted. Mark Jackson of Oskaloosa says some farmers in the southeast part of the state planted more corn and fewer soybeans. “I did see a change, and the coop has talked about it as well. I think there were a few…… Continue Reading
Vaden confirmed as USDA Deputy Secretary
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Stephen Vaden as the Deputy Ag Secretary at the USDA. Vaden is a former judge of the U.S. Court of International Trade. He also served as the General Counsel for USDA during the first Trump administration, before taking the position at the U.S. Court of International Trade. He grew up…… Continue Reading
A climate-smart Michigan foodshed is being uplifted
A collaborative effort to strengthen local supply chains in the Great Lakes will continue despite federal funding uncertainty. James DeDecker is the director of Michigan State University’s Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center. “We’re looking to provide farmers opportunity to diversify their cropping systems, to increase the resiliency and the profitability of their farm operations,…… Continue Reading
Challenging planting season already impacting 2026 decisions
A farmer in northeast Arkansas says there will be long-lasting impacts from a problematic spring planting season. Derek Haigwood of Newport says the disruptions to this year’s crop are already impacting financial decisions he’s making for his farm for next year. “Hopefully, we get through this,” he says. “And we try to spend as little…… Continue Reading
Mixed finishes for soybeans and corn
Soybeans were mixed, with deferred contracts unable to follow through on their early gains. The USDA’s national crop condition rating was up on the week, planting is nearly over, and development weather generally looks good. The USDA will release its June supply, demand, and production numbers Thursday. CONAB’s updated outlook for Brazil is also out…… Continue Reading
Timely rains benefitting southwest Iowa crops
A southwest Iowa farmer says the 2025 growing season has gotten off to a strong start. “On the corn side, the stands are awesome,” said Lee Brooke. “Probably some of the best we’ve had in a long time.” Lee Brooke tells Brownfield his area keeps receiving timely rains. “We had a half inch over the…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: June 10, 2025
Jul. corn closed at $4.38 and 3/4, up 5 and 1/4 centsJul. soybeans closed at $10.57 and 3/4, up 1 and 3/4 centsJul. soybean meal closed at $295.90, up 40 centsJul. soybean oil closed at 47.79, up 41 pointsJul. wheat closed at $5.34 and 1/2, down 7 and 1/2 centsAug. live cattle closed at $218.20,…… Continue Reading
The cull cattle market is providing producers with opportunities
The market news manager for the Missouri Department of Agriculture says the current strength in the cull cow market provides opportunities for producers. Tony Hancock says, “You got some of those cows that you’ve kept around. The value of those is incredible. Yes, you’re going to pay a fair amount for some replacement younger heifers,…… Continue Reading
Collecting Rainwater Can Be Illegal In These 15 States
Oh, you thought that water falling from the sky was free? Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Conservation funding concerns in Illinois
The executive director of the Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts says farmers are going to have less access to conservation expertise due to insufficient state funding. Eliot Clay says for the second straight year, the state’s 97 local SWCD’s will receive only $4.5 million. “We’re basically where we were at back in…… Continue Reading
