The vice president of public policy at the American Farm Bureau Federation says the new ag secretary at USDA understands the concerns surrounding ag trade tariffs. Sam Kieffer tells Brownfield “they are keeping track of how things are going and will provide an opportunity for farmers, ranchers and organizations like Farm Bureau to weigh in…… Continue Reading
Bracing for the upcoming growing season with cautious optimism
The executive director of the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association says the state’s farmers are cautiously optimistic about 2025. However, Tadd Nicholson says there are still challenges. “High input prices, high land prices, all these things really pressuring farmers,” he says. “If you look at those input prices compared to what is a moderately normal…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: February 24, 2025
Mar. corn closed at $4.82 and 1/2, down 8 and 3/4 centsMar. soybeans closed at $10.29, down 10 and 1/2 centsMar. soybean meal closed at $291.80, down $3.00Mar. soybean oil closed at 45.70, down 111 pointsMar. wheat closed at $5.79, down 11 centsApr. live cattle closed at $195.10, up $1.15Mar. feeder cattle closed at $262.30,…… Continue Reading
Economist says weather will matter as the cattle industry contemplates expansion
An ag economist says weather conditions will likely be a factor for cattle producers as they decide if it’s time to expand. Charley Martinez is with the University of Tennessee. “Part of the function on the production side and the farm management side is how your input costs, your hay availability, and your storage of…… Continue Reading
Climatologist discusses “rollercoaster” winter
A climatologist with the National Drought Mitigation Center says the winter season has provided a rollercoaster of conditions. Brian Fuchs tells Brownfield, “We can get those big snow events, but we could easily be 70 degrees as well.” He says a seasonal drought outlook was released late last week and it had mixed results for…… Continue Reading
Rural economy continues to slide
Pictured: Creighton University economist Ernie Goss The latest Rural Mainstreet Index showed continued uncertainty in the ag economy. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss tells Brownfield the index fell below growth neutral for the 17th time in the past 18 months. “With a new president coming in that’s always a little uncertain, but President Trump has…… Continue Reading
The rising threat of agribusiness cyberattacks
The threat of cyber-attacks in the ag industry is growing, according to a new report from Purdue University. Trey Malone, Boehlje Chair in Managerial Economics for Agribusiness at Purdue University, says the complexity of the ag supply chain makes the industry more vulnerable. “The FBI typically considers us to be a top six most targeted supply chain,”…… Continue Reading
Egg production drops in January
U.S. egg production fell in January. The USDA says 8.865 billion eggs were produced last month, down 4% on the year, with a 4% decline in the number of layers and a slight decrease in average production per 100 layers. The smaller number of laying hens is mostly impacting table egg production and is at…… Continue Reading
Nebraska farmer encouraged by rally in grain prices
A southeast Nebraska farmer says he’s been encouraged by rallying grain prices over the past few weeks. However, Logan Bredemeier says he’s unsure there’s been enough of a rebound for farmers to be profitable. “Some of that stuff moved out at prices that are now above what maybe break evens were for 2024,” he says.…… Continue Reading
Livestock competitions leading to career path
The champion of the 2025 Illinois Beef Expo Livestock Judging Competition in the Senior 4-H Division says becoming a proficient judge takes a lot of hard work. DeWitt County’s Paisley Schick says she and her two sisters practice the craft twice a week and compete across the country. “It’s really just a competitive thing for…… Continue Reading
