Conner: farm bill program updates critical

The president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives says it’s critical the House Ag Committee updates farm bill programs as they go through the reconciliation process. Chuck Conner says for now, reference prices are expected to get a 10 to 20 percent increase. “I’m not anticipating changes to that, but we won’t…Continue Reading

Red crown rot on soybean growers radar

An extension plant pathologist with the University of Missouri says farmers in the Midwest need to be keeping an eye out for red crown rot this season. Mandy Bish says the soil-born soybean disease has been identified across several states, including Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky. “I unfortunately think we are under diagnosing it a little…Continue Reading

MO Farm Bureau health plan pending

Legislation allowing the Missouri Farm Bureau to offer a health plan to its members is awaiting action the final days of the Missouri legislative session. Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins says he’s optimistic legislation will cross the finish line. “Missouri needs to get this done. It’s year three and we’ll continue to push to…Continue Reading

New crop soybean prices might benefit from trade chats

An extension ag economist says the recent U.S. and China trade agreement-in-principle could have a greater impact on new crop soybean prices. “The soybean market didn’t necessarily react too strongly to the news of a pause this week, because largely, we’re still in a period of not selling a lot of U.S. soybeans.” Ben Brown…Continue Reading

Corn mostly weak, watching planting pace

Soybeans were modestly higher on commercial and technical buying. The trade was monitoring U.S. planting and development conditions, and there was spillover support from bean oil on biofuels demand expectations. The session also featured position squaring ahead of CONAB’s monthly update for Brazil’s crops and the USDA’s weekly export sales numbers, both of which are…Continue Reading

Lean hog futures close lower amid ongoing demand uncertainties

At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were sharply lower on technical weakness, waiting on direct business to develop. June live cattle closed $2.37 lower at $213.95 and August live cattle closed $2.25 lower at $209.37. August feeder cattle closed $4.02 lower at $301.97 and September feeder cattle closed $4.07 lower at $300.97.…Continue Reading

John Deere breaks ground on $13.5M expansion in Strafford, Missouri

John Deere says it’s moving forward with a major expansion project at its Strafford, Missouri Remanufacturing facility. Factory manager Kevin Schrag tells Brownfield the company is investing $13.5 million to expand the facility by 120,000 square feet. “It’s a really big deal,” he said. “The employees here are really excited to see this. They’re excited…Continue Reading

Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: May 14, 2025

Jul. corn closed at $4.45 and 1/2, up 3 centsJul. soybeans closed at $10.77 and 3/4, up 5 and 1/4 centsJul. soybean meal closed at $291.90, down $1.40Jul. soybean oil closed at 52.32, up 84 pointsJul. wheat closed at $5.24 and 3/4, up 7 and 1/2 centsJun. live cattle closed at $213.95, down $2.37Aug. feeder…Continue Reading

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