Some farmers facing a gap in farm financing are looking for unique solutions. CEO Ben Gordon says Fractal, a U.S.-based company focusing on farmland equity financing, helps family farms access capital needed to invest in their operations. “We do that by taking passive minority investments in land that farmers own,” he says. “So, we keep…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: September 3, 2024
Dec. corn closed at $4.09 and 1/4, up 8 and 1/4 centsNov. soybeans closed at $10.12, up 12 centsOct. soybean meal closed at $317.40, up $7.30Oct. soybean oil closed at 41.48, down 105 pointsDec. wheat closed at $5.52, up 19 and 1/4 centsOct. live cattle closed at $179.27, up 67 centsOct. feeder cattle closed at…… Continue Reading
Crop progress declines slightly on the week
Corn and soybean conditions decreased slightly in Indiana. According to the latest crop progress and conditions report from the USDA, corn is rated 68 percent good to excellent with 89 percent dough, 61 percent dented, and 12 percent mature. Soybeans are also rated 68 percent good to excellent with 94 percent setting pods and 15…… Continue Reading
65% of U.S. corn, soybeans rated good to excellent
U.S. corn and soybean development remains at or ahead of normal. While that follows another week of mixed, but generally favorable, weather in much of the Midwest and Plains, there are some concerns that dry weather in parts of the region could trim yields. The USDA says 90% of corn is at the dough making…… Continue Reading
USB chair outlines emerging markets for U.S. soy industry
A soybean industry leader says many countries have been pleased with the quality of U.S. soy. Steve Reinhard chairs the United Soybean Board and says, “We have a quality product and a sustainably produced product here in the United States,” he said. “That’s an advantage that we have over some soybeans grown in other parts…… Continue Reading
Drought continues to worsen Ohio crop progress
Warm temperatures and a lack of rainfall caused drought conditions to progress across the state of Ohio. According to the latest crop progress and conditions report from the USDA, corn is rated 42 percent good to excellent with 93 percent in the dough stage, 64 percent dented, and 14 percent mature. Soybeans are rated 46…… Continue Reading
Hinson continues push for precision ag bill
A U.S. Representative from Iowa says the House version of the farm bill includes legislation that would expand access to precision ag tools. Republican Ashley Hinson says the Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment (PRECISE) Act could help farmers navigate the current economic downturn. “Obviously that was targeted at new…… Continue Reading
Climatologist not concerned about an early freeze
A climatologist says some farmers have been concerned about the possibility of an early freeze and its impact on corn and soybeans. Dennis Todey, director of USDA’s Midwest Climate Hub, says he’s been talking with growers who faced planting delays or had to re-plant. “We can’t see anything about absolute chances for freeze until about…… Continue Reading
Wisconsin farmer expects good, not great harvest
A western Wisconsin farmer is expecting a good harvest, but not a record-breaker. James Giese tells Brownfield, “I’ll just have a little bit bigger drying bill than normal and maybe a little lighter test weight corn.” Giese says 2024 has been a challenging year for crop production, starting with planting during the wet spring. “When…… Continue Reading
Ag Economy Barometer takes a nosedive in August
Farmer sentiment decreased drastically in the latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. Jim Mintert with Purdue’s Center for Commerical Agriculture says the August reading is the lowest for the survey since late 2016. “The ag economy barometer index fell 13 points to a reading of 100,” he says. “That leaves the index down 15…… Continue Reading
