Hog futures up on steady to higher cash

Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle were mixed and feeders were modestly higher, waiting for the rest of the week’s direct business. April live was down $.27 at $195.72 and June was unchanged at $191.37. March feeders were up $.20 at $264.97 and April was $.27 higher at $265.25. Direct cattle markets were mostly quiet. Very…Continue Reading

Compeer Groundbreakers program lends support to new and beginning farmers

A Midwest farm credit cooperative is supporting new and beginning farmers with financial and outreach services. CEO Jase Wagner says the Compeer Financial Groundbreakers program helps young producers face unique challenges. “Young, beginning, and small farmers in all sizes and shapes are part of our mission, and in order to really live out the long-term…Continue Reading

Soybeans fall on crop weather, demand questions

Soybeans were lower on fund and technical selling. Near-term forecasts have more rain in parts of Argentina and better harvest weather in central Brazil. Some damage has likely been done in Argentina and while Brazil’s harvest is catching up to the average, it could push some second crop corn planting past the ideal window. CONAB’s…Continue Reading

Labor, animal disease, and domestic consumption among pork challenges

The senior vice president of producer and state engagement with the National Pork Board is hearing about common challenges throughout the swine industry. Brett Kaysen attended Minnesota Pork Congress this week and says as he’s traveled the country this winter, three general themes keep getting brought up. “Number one is labor, labor, and labor. There…Continue Reading

Farmer says worker program needs adjustments

A fruit and vegetable farmer from California says the H-2A guest worker program needs improvements. Ryan Talley says the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), how minimum wages must be paid to farm workers in the program, isn’t economically viable. “We need to tap the brakes on AEWR,” he says. “Each dollar rise in the AEWR…Continue Reading

Tight U.S. milk supplies likely in 2025

A dairy market analyst says older milk cows could drag on production gains in the year ahead. Sarina Sharp with the Daily Dairy Report tells Brownfield last year farmers tried to counter low heifer numbers by keeping milk cows in production longer and culling about 385,000 less cows than normal. “This heifer shortage is going to be with…Continue Reading

Trade tariffs would have a fertilizer impact

The executive director of Illinois Corn says if tariffs go into effect fertilizer pricing and availability could get complicated for U.S. farmers. President Trump has threatened 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, but the tariffs have been delayed until March. Rodney Weinzierl says potassium imports from Canada are a concern. “We import about…Continue Reading

Missouri Soybean focused on farmer profitability

The new deputy executive director of the Missouri Soybean Association says the key to increasing farmer profitability is growing soybean demand. Casey Wasser says Missouri farmers are uniquely positioned to benefit from expanded use of biofuels. “If you look on a state level, Missouri soybean is very lucky to have four biodiesel facilities that are…Continue Reading

Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: February 12, 2025

Mar. corn closed at $4.90 and 1/4, up 6 and 1/4 centsMar. soybeans closed at $10.27 and 3/4, down 15 and 3/4 centsMar. soybean meal closed at $294.10, down $2.50Mar. soybean oil closed at 45.66, down 47 pointsMar. wheat closed at $5.74 and 1/4, down 2 and 3/4 centsApr. live cattle closed at $195.72, down…Continue Reading

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