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

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

More young cattle farmers needed, Iowa producer says

A west-central Iowa livestock producer says he’d like to see more young farmers getting involved in the cattle industry. Justin Robbins with Robbins Land and Cattle tells Brownfield, “We need more producers that are younger. I hope they could have gotten in before (cattle prices) got high, or if they got in while it’s high…Continue Reading

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