An agronomist says farmers have been assessing their fertilizer budgets. Stephanie Zelinko with AgroLiquid says, “We’re dealing with a questionable marketplace where we have high interest rates, high input prices, but still those low commodity prices. We’ve been talking with guys about going back to the basics understanding good agronomy and using that to make…… Continue Reading
Courtade grateful for community backing
Michigan Farm Bureau’s Ag Educator of the Year winner says agricultural education needs the support of a community. Katie Courtade is the agriscience and natural resources teacher for the newly formed Mecosta-Osceola Career Center’s program. “If I need something, they’re there to help me—that’s something that every ag educator wants,” she shares. “They want that…… Continue Reading
Iowa Corn VP discusses issues impacting profitability
The vice president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association says several issues are impacting producer profitability. Mark Mueller tells Brownfield decreases in farm expenses are needed but those can take some time to develop. “All of agriculture, and corn farmers in particular, have been faced with (grain) prices going lower over the last couple of…… Continue Reading
Using risk management to strengthen the ag supply chain
A new report from Purdue University’s Digital Innovation in Agri-Food Systems Laboratory is highlighting the role risk management plays in strengthening the ag supply chain. DIAL Ventures research manager Lourival Monaco says farmers are part of a larger supply chain and they need to be proactive in their risk management strategies. “If they’re unsure of how…… Continue Reading
Ag technology is advancing rapidly
A technology developer says the capabilities of farm machinery are growing beyond the tools many farmers are already using. Ryan Milligan with Powell Agricultural Solutions is the deputy team leader for the Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation. Milligan tells Brownfield since 1991 the industry has been using a data transfer standard with speeds of 250 kilobits per second…… Continue Reading
Two-thirds of rural bankers expect 2025 farm income decline
Many rural bankers in the Midwest are expecting a decline in net farm income this year. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss tells Brownfield that sentiment was outlined in the latest Rural Mainstreet Index. “A very high percent think that 2025 farm income is going to be down from 2024,” Goss said. “Of course, 2023 was…… Continue Reading
Live cattle futures lower to start the week
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live cattle were lower, and feeders were mostly lower ahead of the week’s direct business. April live cattle closed $1.05 lower at $205.90 and June lives closed $.62 lower at $202.15. April feeder cattle closed $.27 higher at $285.25 and May feeder cattle closed $.25 lower at $284.85. Direct cash…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: March 24, 2025
May corn closed at $4.64 and 1/2, up 1/4 centMay soybeans closed at $10.07 and 1/4, down 2 and 1/2 centsMay soybean meal closed at $297.60, down $2.70May soybean oil closed at 42.15, up 14 pointsMay wheat closed at $5.48 and 1/4, down 10 centsApr. live cattle closed at $205.90, down $1.05Apr. feeder cattle closed…… Continue Reading
Soybeans, wheat see dollar pressure
Soybeans were modestly lower on fund and technical selling, along with the higher trade in the dollar during the session. Beans continue to monitor harvest activity and yield numbers in Argentina and Brazil. The USDA’s updated supply, demand, and production report and CONAB’s new projections for Brazil are both out April 10th. For the 2025/26…… Continue Reading
Indiana Farm Bureau members remain concerned about property taxes
Combatting property tax increases remains a priority for Indiana Farm Bureau. Scott county president Ethan McNeely says property taxes are projected to increase another 20% this year. “That type of increase year over year will absolutely decimate small mid size family owned farms,” he says. “It also makes it very difficult on land owners so…… Continue Reading
