Weed management strategies for 2026

An agronomy systems specialist at Ohio State University says farmers should start planning their weed management strategies for the 2026 crop year. Stephanie Karhoff says weed control starts in the fall.  “That herbicide burndown is really going to set us up for success,” she says. “It captures that window for a lot of our winter annual weeds…Continue Reading

Boozman: lawmakers can make headway on farm bill in 2026

The chairman of the U.S. Senate Ag Committee says he’s optimistic lawmakers can make progress on a new farm bill in 2026. John Boozman from Arkansas says even in an election year it’s possible. “If you spend any time at all in farm country, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that it’s difficult.”…Continue Reading

Cattle, hog futures higher to finish the week

At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were supported by higher boxed beef, ahead of the USDA’s On Feed report. February live cattle closed $2.40 higher at $230.80 and April live cattle closed $1.85 higher at $230.  January feeder cattle closed $5.32 higher at $345.60 and March feeder cattle closed $4.80 higher at…Continue Reading

Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: December 19, 2025

Mar. corn $4.43 and 3/4, down 3/4 centJan. soybeans $10.49 and 1/4, down 3 centsJan. soybean meal $297.60, down 80 centsJan soybean oil 47.90, down 11 pointsMar. Chicago wheat $5.09 and 3/4, up 2 centsFeb. live cattle $230.80, up $2.40Jan. feeder cattle $345.60, up $5.32Feb. lean hogs $84.50, up 37 centsJan. Class III milk closed…Continue Reading

USTR plans to address agricultural disputes in USMCA review

The U.S. Trade Representative says unresolved agricultural issues remain a top priority in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Ambassador Jamieson Greer recently told lawmakers improving market access for U.S. dairy products will be a major focus. “I think rules of origin need to be addressed because I want to make sure that the benefits of the agreement…Continue Reading

November egg numbers down on year, placements vary by type

U.S. egg supplies should remain tight in the near-term, but there are some signs of expansion. The USDA says 8.692 billion eggs were produced in November 2025, a dip of 3% from November 2024, with total layers also 3% lower and the average number of eggs per layer down slightly. The difference between future layers…Continue Reading

Snowfall deceiving as Midwest drought concerns linger

The Illinois state climatologist says a snowy start to winter and a Christmas warm-up could help ease the lingering effects of the fall drought in the Midwest. Dr. Trent Ford tells Brownfield soil temperatures under the snow have remained relatively warm, but… “The snow in that way has been deceptive.”  He says, “There was a…Continue Reading

Nebraska Farm Bureau urges flexibility in potential 2026 water regulations

The Nebraska Farm Bureau says any state water regulations that could be introduced in 2026 should have flexibility for producers. Senior legislative director Bruce Riecker says the Governor’s Water Quantity and Quality Task Force is expected to issue recommendations to improve nitrate runoff.  “Our goal is to make sure that everything we do in that…Continue Reading

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