Soybeans were lower on fund and technical selling. It was an up and down session, with beans monitoring weather in South America and domestic product prices. Soybean meal futures were lower on technical weakness, while soybean oil closed firm, partially on the bounce in crude oil. The new export demand from China continues to fall…… Continue Reading
Mixed livestock markets as cattle fall and hogs face pressure
Chicago Mercantile Exchange live and feeder cattle futures ended the session lower, with boxed beef down at midday, waiting for direct business and Friday’s USDA Cattle on Feed report. February live cattle were down $1.15 at $229.55 and April was $1.15 lower at $229.12. January feeders were $1.80 lower at $341.52 and March was down…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: December 17, 2025
Mar. corn $4.40 and 1/2, up 4 centsJan. soybeans $10.58 and 1/4, down 4 and 1/2 centsJan. soybean meal $298.20, down $4.20Jan soybean oil 48.52, up 16 pointsMar. Chicago wheat $5.06 and 1/4, down 3 and 1/4 centsFeb. live cattle $229.55, down $1.15Jan. feeder cattle $341.52, down $1.80Feb. lean hogs $83.00, down $1.77Jan. Class III…… Continue Reading
From tongue to tripe: overseas markets fuel value for U.S. variety meats
The U.S. Meat Export Federation is celebrating another year of strong demand for variety meats. USMEF senior vice president of industry relations John Hinners says products that aren’t necessarily popular domestically are bringing great value overseas. “Beef tongue, the beef liver, stomach (and) tripe. These are all items that are really good protein and really…… Continue Reading
Farm labor shortages drive higher food prices, Michigan State research finds
New research from Michigan State University connects farm worker wages to rising food costs and the loss of agricultural production. Farm labor economist Zack Rutledge says a 10 percent decline in farm employment leads to a nearly three percent uptick in food prices. “And we have a specialty crop sector that’s worth about $115 billion…… Continue Reading
USDA reports big week-to-week surges in broiler sets, placements
Broiler sets and placements remain aggressive as 2025 draws to a close. The USDA says 251.382 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubation, rising 3.419 million on the week and 1% on the year, with average hatchability of 79.8%. Placements of broiler-type chicks into meat production were 196.616 million head, up 1.009 million from the…… Continue Reading
Illinois livestock economist urges price protection despite strong cattle markets
An assistant professor at the University of Illinois says increased volatility in the cattle markets is leading more producers to explore risk management strategies. Brittney Goodrich, who specializes in livestock for the FarmDoc team, tells Brownfield, “Even in these times where we have really high prices for cattle, we still need to be cognizant that…… Continue Reading
Growing Up with Livestock: How Farm Life Shaped My Beliefs About Animal Welfare and Human Compassion
I am a proponent of animal welfare. That value was engrained in me as a child as my family, just like the generations before them had, cared for the hogs and cattle that supported our livelihood. We also had dogs and cats and occasionally poultry, meat rabbits or pet rabbits. Mom had a horse. My…… Continue Reading
Farm Bureau leader says USDA bridge payments are a short-term fix
The vice-president of the American Farm Bureau Federation says USDA’s new Farmer Bridge Assistance Program is appreciated and it’s yet to be determined if it will be enough to help farmers. In an interview with Brownfield, Scott VanderWal says “There’s a lot of people that may not have a lot of equity and they’ve lost…… Continue Reading
USDA to announce Farmer Bridge Assistance payment rates next week
The Under Secretary of Farm Production and Conservation at the USDA says payment rates for the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program will be announced next week. Richard Fordyce says acreage data is factored into the payment rates, so farmers who haven’t submitted an acreage report to their local Farm Service Agency office have until Friday to…… Continue Reading
