An ag economist says the recent supply and demand report creates more uncertainty for farmers looking to market grain. Dan O’Brien with Kansas State University says USDA left corn and soybean yields and production mostly unchanged. “We’re in a large crop harvest situation where there aren’t just ready profits to be made in any direction.…… Continue Reading
Superb soybeans, below average corn in eastern Iowa
An eastern Iowa farmer says late season disease pressure caused an earlier than expected start to his harvest season. Matthew Willimack, a sixth-generation farmer from DeWitt, says southern rust impacted the quality of his corn. “Southern rust was something new for everybody that we don’t normally see. We had some issues with that setting in…… Continue Reading
Farmers cautious about China following through on soy commitments
Some farmers say they are being cautious in their assessment of the U.S.-China trade framework. Ray Gaesser is a corn and soybean farmer in southwest Iowa… “Glad to see that there’s somewhat of an agreement with China,” he said. “We don’t know how well they will follow through. We just need to utilize the crops…… Continue Reading
USDA lifts 2025 U.S. upland cotton forecast, lowers rice outlook
The USDA raised its 2025 U.S. upland cotton crop projection, while cutting the outlook for rice. Upland cotton is now seen at 13.735 million bales, 6% more than the September guess on a higher average yield estimate, now at 912 pounds per acre, but potentially 1% less than 2024 because of acreage differences, with this…… Continue Reading
Delayed USDA flash export sales show some soybean demand from China
The USDA says there was a substantial amount of grain and oilseed export movement during the partial shutdown of the federal government. Outright, China bought 12.199 million bushels of U.S. soybeans, 332,000 tons, but there were also several notable sales to unknown destinations that could turn out to be China when it’s time for delivery.…… Continue Reading
Cash dairy prices mostly higher Friday
Cash dairy prices were higher except for block cheese Friday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Dry whey was up $0.03 at $0.78. One sale was recorded at that price. Forty-pound cheese blocks were down $0.0150 at $1.54. One sale was recorded at that price. Cheese barrels were unchanged at $1.6425. No sales were recorded. Butter prices…… Continue Reading
USDA cuts 2025 corn production outlook but still sees record crop
The USDA has trimmed its expectations for 2025 U.S. corn and soybean production. Corn is now pegged at a still record large 16.752 billion bushels, less than 1% below the September guess on a downward revision for yield to 186 bushels per acre. Harvested area was unchanged at 90.047 million acres. In 2024, corn totaled…… Continue Reading
Protein sector strong, crop sector struggling as bankruptcies tick up in 2025
Agricultural lenders report signs of tighter conditions in farm profitability and credit quality in 2025. Jackson Takach, chief economist with Farmer Mac, says a survey conducted with the American Bankers Association (ABA) of more than 450 ag lenders shows nearly 93% expect farm debt to increase over the next year. “For the protein sector, people…… Continue Reading
Here the Lyrics to Carly Pearce’s Raw + Lonely ‘Dream Come True’
Pearce sings about the loneliest parts of fame in her new song, and the final verse will make you shed a few tears. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
“A really tough time:” depressed prices leave wheat growers “hoping” for break-even
Depressed commodity prices are weighing on farmers like Kevin Leiser in northwest Minnesota. “It’s just really disappointing when you have a really good season and you’re hoping you are going to break even.” Leiser grows spring wheat, corn, and edible beans near Fertile and tells Brownfield yields were strong despite some excess moisture during the…… Continue Reading
