A state director of agriculture says relocating USDA offices can benefit the people the agency serves. Missouri’s Chris Chinn tells Brownfield “we think it will be a great opportunity for Missouri and we look forward to hearing more details about it when more details are made to the public.” The USDA says it plans to…… Continue Reading
Biondo remembered for her advocacy work
The executive management company Western Skies Strategies has announced an agricultural scholarship in memory of a longtime employee. Lia Biondo worked for the organization for nearly a decade as the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association’s Director of Federal Policy and Executive Vice President. Biondo grew up in the Detroit suburbs and attended Michigan State University, where she was…… Continue Reading
Bearish weather market
Strong U.S. crop condition ratings are putting pressure on commodity prices. Iowa State University Extension economist Chad Hart says the market is treading water with corn and soybean ratings above average. “And typically that means trendline yields or better, which means I’m looking at the possibility of a record corn crop and basically a soybean…… Continue Reading
Ag group hopeful but skeptical about planned railroad merger
The Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition hopes the planned acquisition of Norfolk Southern by Union Pacific railroad is good for the agriculture sector. Mike Steenhoek tells Brownfield he has concerns and skepticism based on past mergers. “You know, one thing that history has taught us is that for a lot of mergers and…… Continue Reading
Feeder cattle supported by lower move in corn
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were up ahead of the week’s direct cash business. Feeders had additional support from the lower move in corn. August live cattle closed $1.85 higher at $229.72 and October live cattle closed $1.67 higher at $226.45. August feeder cattle closed $2.67 higher at $336.20 and September…… Continue Reading
Fresh produce groups ask for trade resolutions
A coalition of North American produce groups is encouraging leaders to settle trade disputes without tariffs on fresh food. Rebeckah Adcock, vice president of U.S. government relations with the International Fresh Produce Association, says the supply chain is deeply interconnected across the continent. “Keeping tariffs non-existent or certainly exceptionally low on these products allows for…… Continue Reading
Conservation cutting costs
A north central Illinois farmer says conservation practices on his operation are helping the environment and his bottom line. David Isermann, who’s implemented practices like strip-till and no-till on his LaSalle County farm for over two decades, says soil health and water quality improvements aren’t the only benefits he’s seen. “It’s saved a lot of…… Continue Reading
Another round of weather pressure for soybeans, corn
Soybeans were lower on fund and technical selling. The USDA’s national crop rating improved over the past week and development is running very close to normal, on average. There are some areas of concern, but for now, the trade’s expecting a big crop while continuing to monitor forecasts for August and September. The trade’s waiting…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: July 29, 2025
Sep. corn closed at $3.89 and 1/4, down 4 and 1/2 centsAug. soybeans closed at $9.81 and 3/4, down 7 centsAug. soybean meal closed at $261.70, down $3.20Aug. soybean oil closed at 57.54, up 99 pointsSep. wheat closed at $5.29 and 3/4, down 8 and 3/4 centsAug. live cattle closed at $229.72, up $1.85Aug. feeder…… Continue Reading
Why Luke Bryan Wanted to Keep His COVID a Secret
Luke Bryan’s battle with COVID-19 has been rough. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
