An agronomist in northwest Illinois says there were highs and lows for farmers in 2025. Brianna Gehrig with Brevant Seeds tells Brownfield corn and soybean growers saw a lot of variability. “We had very early disease pressure, and the disease pressure moved more north than it ever has been before. I heard southern rust reports…… Continue Reading
IDOA focuses on global relationships to grow markets for Illinois farm products
The director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture says increasing trade opportunities for the state’s producers remains a top priority in the new year. Jerry Costello says the agency looks to build on last year’s successful trade mission to Mexico with similar efforts this year. “In India, a trade mission having to do with ethanol,…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: January 6, 2026
Mar. corn $4.44, down 1/2 centMar. soybeans $10.56 and 1/4, down 5 and 3/4 centsMar. soybean meal $299.50, down 40 centsMar. soybean oil 49.40, down 47 pointsMar. Chicago wheat $5.10 and 1/2, down 2 centsFeb. live cattle $236.62, up 75 centsMar. feeder cattle $359.02, up $3.45Feb. lean hogs $85.67, down 47 centsFeb. Class III milk…… Continue Reading
November 2025 dairy production down, but still above 2024
USDA says November dairy products production was mostly below the October totals, but higher than year-ago levels. Total cheese output was 1.22 billion pounds, 5.9% above 2024 but 3.4% below October. Italian cheeses totaled 526 million pounds and American style cheeses totaled 474 million pounds. The top cheese producing states are Wisconsin with 294.7 million…… Continue Reading
Keith Urban + Nicole Kidman’s Divorce Has Been Finalized
The couple’s long romance is officially over. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Jelly Roll Will Be a Judge on the Netflix Reboot of ‘Star Search’
Jelly Roll will be at the judges table! Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Real Farmers, Real Answers: Michigan Farm Bureau helps tackle tough consumer questions
Michigan Farm Bureau is working to strengthen farmer connections with consumers through the new Real Farmers, Real Answers effort. Promotion and Education Committee chair and Jackson County farmer Alysa Sanford tells Brownfield, “This is a great opportunity to not only reach out to consumers, but also train our county members to feel comfortable doing so…… Continue Reading
Nebraska corn farmer rethinks fungicide use after southern rust damage
A farmer in southeast Nebraska says 2025 delivered a costly lesson about disease management. Logan Bredemeier, who’s a young farmer, says he chose not to apply fungicide to reduce input costs, but southern rust pressure devastated some of his corn crop. “With the disaster we had not applying, I think it’s getting baked into a…… Continue Reading
Expanding E15 use pushes ethanol blend rate to record levels
The chief economist for the Renewable Fuels Association says the U.S. ethanol blend rate hit a record high during the fall. Scott Richman tells Brownfield ethanol accounted for more than 11% of the nation’s gasoline supply in October. “This was the first time the ethanol blend rate exceeded 11% on a monthly basis, which is…… Continue Reading
MSU research targets profitability and growth in controlled environment agriculture
Michigan State University researchers are developing more financial resources to help controlled environment growers succeed. Horticulture economics doctoral student Megan Burritt tells Brownfield, “Everybody is considering, as you’re trying to grow your agricultural commodity entity, should I buy a new tractor or should I invest in a new greenhouse?” “All of those things are really…… Continue Reading
