It was an unusual compliment. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: September 5, 2024
Dec. corn closed at $4.10 and 3/4, down 2 centsNov. soybeans closed at $10.23 and 1/2, up 2 centsOct. soybean meal closed at $322.40, down $3.40Oct. soybean oil closed at 41.69, up 97 pointsDec. wheat closed at $5.74 and 3/4, down 6 centsOct. live cattle closed at $177.25, down $1.97Oct. feeder cattle closed at $234.57,…… Continue Reading
Thinking differently about livestock grazing
Two regenerative ag consultants say adaptive grazing can help build healthy soils. Eric Fuchs with Understanding Ag says adaptive grazing for livestock looks different from conventional grazing. “The conventional model has cattle turned into a pasture, let them graze wherever they want, feed them hay and a lot of inputs. We’re seeing lots of issues…… Continue Reading
Soybeans bounce back late on dry weather concerns
Soybeans were higher on short covering and technical buying, rallying after a lower start to the session. Most forecasts have some scattered rain late this week, but outlooks into mid-month are generally dry. While the USDA and many private firms are projecting a record yield this year, those conditions could trim the numbers at least…… Continue Reading
Central IL farmer expects drawn out harvest
A central Illinois farmer expects a long harvest season. Austin Rincker, who farms in Shelby County, says it’s been an eventful growing season. “I think we had more rain in July than what I can ever remember in a farming career.” He says, “Maybe 11-12 inches. Crop looks pretty good, all things considered, but it…… Continue Reading
Study shows alfalfa damage from field traffic
A University of Wisconsin study shows that 49% of alfalfa plants are run over by machinery tires over the course of three harvests. Biological Systems Engineering professor Brian Luck tells Brownfield driving equipment through the field is necessary, but adjusting when and how to drive through the fields can help preserve the alfalfa stand…… Continue Reading
CME cash dairy steady to higher Thursday
Cash dairy prices were steady-to-higher Thursday on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Dry whey was up $0.0025 at $0.5675. No sales were recorded. Forty-pound cheese blocks were unchanged at $2.23. No sales were recorded. Cheese barrels were unchanged at $2.25. One sale was recorded at that price. Butter was up $0.0150 at $3.1625. Three sales were…… Continue Reading
The Wild Reason They Have to Use Fake Cows at State Fairs
What you may not see at state fairs this year? Cows — or at least, not breathing cows. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Conditions are right for rapid drought development
The associate director of the Midwestern Regional Climate Center says rapid onset drought is possible across several states in the next couple of weeks. Melanie Widhalm says that can cause problems during harvest. “It will help you get into the fields. It will help your crop dry down in time, but you do want to…… Continue Reading
Ethanol production, supply down on week
U.S. ethanol production dropped last week. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production was the lowest since late June at an average of 1.061 million barrels per day, a decrease of 10,000 on the week, but an increase of 49,000 on the year. That week-to-week decline can be tied to firmer cash grain prices in…… Continue Reading
