Top officials with the Illinois Farm Bureau say profitability concerns are bringing increased awareness around farmer mental health. President, and Ogle County farmer, Brian Duncan tells Brownfield… “As we look at depressed commodity prices, wondering where the relief is insight, I think we do have a good crop coming in the state, but no matter…… Continue Reading
Cyberattacks a growing concern in agriculture
Cyberattacks continue to be a growing problem for the agriculture sector. Mark McHargue, president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau tells Brownfield… “They’re really looking at certainly supply chain type venues or vectors that people can get in and disrupt,” he says. He tells Brownfield the FBI has deemed the attacks a national security threat, with…… Continue Reading
Good fair and farm weather for mid-August
The recent rains and cooler temperatures are welcome at the Missouri State Fair and on the farm. Drew Lock, a farmer from northeast Missouri, says it’s been unusually comfortable for the fair. “Normally the fair is blazing hot. Anytime we get a rain that cool things off a bit, we’ll take it. The livestock like…… Continue Reading
Cattle futures supported by stronger boxed beef
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were up waiting for direct business to develop. Contracts were oversold and there was support by stronger boxed beef prices. October live cattle closed $.72 higher at $180.75 and December live cattle closed $1.35 higher at $180.30. September feeder cattle closed $2.67 higher at $242.17 and…… Continue Reading
Uzbekistan becoming a U.S. soybean destination
Soybean export business is growing in Uzbekistan. Minnesota farmer Patrick O’Leary says he was in the central Asian country last week for the arrival of about 150 tons of U.S. soymeal. “A very small thing, but it was really our pilot or test to see can we actually get the product there, how well does…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: August 13, 2024
Sep. corn closed at $3.77 and 3/4, down 5 and 1/2 centsSep. soybeans closed at $9.47 and 1/4, down 24 centsSep. soybean meal closed at $299.80, down $6.20Sep. soybean oil closed at 40.29, down 119 pointsSep. wheat closed at $5.28 and 3/4, down 8 centsOct. live cattle closed at $180.75, up 72 centsSep. feeder cattle…… Continue Reading
Milk futures and cash dairy mostly higher Tuesday
September Class III milk futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange closed 45 cents higher at $21.13. October up 41 at $21.57. November 28 higher at $21. December through February contracts 12 to 18 cents higher. Dry whey unchanged at $0.5625 Blocks up $0.02 at $2.02 Barrels up $0.07 at $2.16 Butter down $0.02 at $3.12…… Continue Reading
Soybeans, corn down on yield estimates, crop ratings
Soybeans were sharply lower on speculative and technical selling, with November hitting another new low for the move. The trade continued to digest the USDA’s record yield and production estimates while watching weather. Conditions are mostly favorable with 68% of the crop called good to excellent. That’s not always a one-to-one indication of a big…… Continue Reading
Mentally handling the economic downturn
Commentary. This economic downturn is painful. We are all feeling it. National network news outlets report about the increase in prices we pay for food, but it is not only food items like Miracle Whip that is $3 higher at my grocery store than it was a year ago. Toilet paper, laundry detergent, dish soap,…… Continue Reading
USDA working to address farmer challenges
USDA is taking steps to address two major challenges facing farmers. Deputy Ag Secretary Xochitl Torres Small tells Brownfield high input costs and a lack of available workers continue to cause problems. “The USDA has been working hard on both of those fronts. So we have the fertilizer program where we’re investing in domestic production…… Continue Reading
