The executive director of Missouri Pork says the New Year is bringing renewed optimism for pork producers. “Producers need time to heal before any expansion happens.” Scott Hays says the bounce-back in prices has been welcome. But the lack of profitability in the recent years has resulted in some farmers have left the hog business. “Some…… Continue Reading
Soybeans, corn end session with modest gains
Soybeans were higher on short covering and technical buying. South American weather appears largely favorable over the near-term. There’s more at least scattered rain in some forecasts for Argentina and harvest conditions in Brazil mostly look good. The USDA’s next round of supply, demand, and production numbers is out March 11th, with CONAB’s new outlook…… Continue Reading
Cautious optimism for winter wheat
A western Kansas farmer says he’s cautiously optimistic about this year’s wheat crop. “With some of the moisture that’s come through, we’ve had a lot better luck with the stand this year, especially in the fall.” Clay Schemm tells Brownfield wheat is handling the frigid temperatures well. “We’ve had some wind, we’ve had some really…… Continue Reading
Cattle, hog futures lower heading into Friday
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were lower ahead of the week’s direct business, livestock slaughter numbers, and Friday’s On Feed report. April live cattle closed $.97 lower at $193.80 and June lives closed $.95 lower at $189.97. March feeder cattle closed $2.20 lower at $266.82 and April feeder cattle closed $2.22…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: February 20, 2025
Mar. corn closed at $4.98, up 1/2 centMar. soybeans closed at $10.45 and 1/2, up 13 and 3/4 centsMar. soybean meal closed at $296.00, up $1.30Mar. soybean oil closed at 47.26, up 96 pointsMar. wheat closed at $5.85 and 1/2, down 6 and 1/2 centsApr. live cattle closed at $193.80, down 97 centsMar. feeder cattle…… Continue Reading
Soybean growers facing climate and economic challenges
A soybean specialist with Clemson University says the nation’s soybean growers are facing challenges on several fronts. Michael Plumblee says changing weather patterns are impacting production across the country. “Regardless of about where you were, whether it was excessive rainfall, flooding, tropical storms, hurricanes, or even drought, definitely a wide range of geographies represented.” He…… Continue Reading
Ohio farmer concerned about tighter margins in 2025
A northwest Ohio farmer says the ag economy has impacted his farm plans for this year. Justin Gravatt is a grain farmer in Union County. “Just trying to put the fertilizer where it’s needed,” he says. “We’re doing a lot more variable rate this year. Trying to save maybe a pass or two and trying…… Continue Reading
The First Ever IHOP/Applebee’s Combo Restaurant Has Opened
IHOP & Applebee’s locations are merging. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Ethanol production, stocks above a week ago
U.S. ethanol production improved slightly last week and stocks grew. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production averaged 1.084 million barrels per day, up 2,000 on the week and unchanged on the year. Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development says operating margins for the average Iowa plant are in negative territory, which…… Continue Reading
January red meat production up 2% on year
U.S. commercial red meat production was up in January 2025. The USDA says total production of 4.885 billion pounds was 2% above January 2024, with beef production gaining 4% to 2.37 billion pounds and pork 1% higher at 2.502 billion pounds. The cattle slaughter was slightly lower than last year at 2.668 million head, largely…… Continue Reading
