Wet spring, dry summer a theme for 2024

Many farmers will remember 2024 for its wet spring and dry summer. Ron Geis with Corteva Agriscience says those conditions were problematic for weed control. “In part, we may have washed away some of our early residual herbicides. And the other thing is not being able to get a timely postemergence application made, especially on…… Continue Reading

Cattle futures mixed, preparing for direct business

Chicago Mercantile Exchange live and feeder cattle futures were mixed, watching the distribution of this week’s show list. February live was down $.35 at $190.30 and April was $.32 lower at $193.02. January feeders were up $.25 at $261.62 and March was $.50 higher at $261.05. Direct cash cattle markets were quiet. This week’s show…… Continue Reading

RFA CEO says battle continues for year-round E15

A year-round E15 solution remains a priority for the Renewable Fuels Association in 2025. CEO Geoff Cooper says it was disappointing to see Congress withdraw a provision from the Continuing Resolution. “We’ve known for some time that the best chances of moving this legislative fix is going to be as part of a bigger package.…… Continue Reading

Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: December 30, 2024

Mar. corn closed at $4.52 and 1/4, down 1 and 3/4 centsJan. soybeans closed at $9.82, up 2 centsJan. soybean meal closed at $302.60, up $1.70Jan. soybean oil closed at 39.72, up 20 pointsMar. wheat closed at $5.48 and 1/4, up 1 and 3/4 centsFeb. live cattle closed at $190.30, down 35 centsJan. feeder cattle…… Continue Reading

Soybeans able to finish firm Monday

Soybeans were higher on short covering and technical buying, ending the two-sided session in slightly positive territory after running into overhead resistance. The trade’s monitoring medium-term forecasts for drier weather in parts of Argentina and southern Brazil. Still, those weather outlooks could change rapidly and crops, overall, in South America remain in very good condition.…… Continue Reading

Start small and ask questions when beginning cover crops

A Natural Resources Conservation Service agent says first-time cover croppers should start small and ask questions.  Barry Bubolz works in northeastern Wisconsin, where it’s not easy to get some cover crops established before the frost.  He says after winter wheat or after corn silage, there is usually a good window to plant cover crops, and…… Continue Reading

Illinois Farm Bureau implementing OMS roadmap

The chief strategy officer of the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) says the organization is beginning to implement changes identified in its Organizational Member Strategy (OMS). Mark Gebhards tells Brownfield it’s a product of a multi-year process of surveys and subcommittees. “The why I think in just a general sense is declining demographic numbers, declining farmer…… Continue Reading

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