An ag economist says he’s concerned about the continued layoffs that have occurred throughout the ag equipment industry. Ernie Goss with Creighton University says farm equipment sales dropped for a 16th straight month in the latest Rural Mainstreet Index. “Tighter credit conditions and weak farm commodity prices are just having some negative impacts on farmers,…… Continue Reading
Solid start to the week for cattle futures
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live cattle were up, and feeders were mostly higher, supported by the recent strength in direct business. Boxed beef was also higher. February live cattle closed $.85 higher at $287.02 and April lives closed $.65 higher at $188.95. January feeder cattle closed $.02 lower at $255.80 and March feeders closed $.52…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: December 9, 2024
Mar. corn closed at $4.41 and 3/4, up 1 and 3/4 centsJan. soybeans closed at $9.90, down 3 and 3/4 centsJan. soybean meal closed at $289.60, up $2.20Jan. soybean oil closed at 42.80, down 17 pointsMar. wheat closed at $5.58 and 3/4, up 1 and 1/2 centsFeb. live cattle closed at $187.02, up 85 centsJan.…… Continue Reading
Trump 2.0 comes with some uncertainty, and expected ups and downs
An ag policy expert says he expects a lot of uncertainty as President-elect Trump prepares for his second term. Jim Wiesemeyer says there are some concerns for agriculture in his second term, but there are some opportunities. “One is deregulation,” he says. “One of his signature issues during his first administration was deregulation. For every…… Continue Reading
Motion to remove IFB president shot down
The Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) delegation continues to grapple with the association’s expulsion from the American Farm Bureau Federation. Monday morning’s delegate session started with a motion from the floor to add the removal of current IFB president Brian Duncan to the meeting’s agenda. Christian County Farm Bureau president Matt Heberling tells Brownfield the move…… Continue Reading
Corn, soybean export inspections up on year
The USDA says corn, soybean, and wheat export inspections as of the week ending December 5th remain ahead of the pace needed to meet projections for the current marketing year. The 2024/25 marketing year got underway June 1st for wheat and September 1st for beans, corn, and sorghum. The USDA’s next round of supply and…… Continue Reading
NEFB policy expert says farm bill extension discussions are heating up
With less than two weeks remaining in the lame duck session, an ag policy expert says Congress is inching closer to a farm bill extension. Nebraska Farm Bureau Senior Director of National Affairs Jordan Dux tells Brownfield the question is now, how long it will be extended. “And then, what that means for the future…… Continue Reading
ASA and WISHH highlight importance of emerging markets
The executive director of the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health says growing populations are driving demand for more protein. Gena Perry says the industry is targeting new markets for U.S. soy, which helps boost demand. “The FAO, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, sees that animal protein is expected to double by…… Continue Reading
St. Lawerence Seaway supporting actor for ag exports
The Soy Transportation Coalition executive director says the St. Lawerence Seaway is helping diversify agricultural export channels. Mike Steenhoek tells Brownfield, “The Great Lakes can and should play a bigger role in farmers being competitive in the international marketplace.” “It’s never going to rival the Mississippi Gulf or the Pacific Northwest, but it’s one of…… Continue Reading
U.S. cheese export volumes hit monthly high for October
The U.S. Dairy Export Council says higher commodity prices and improved high-value product sales bumped October export values despite a decline in shipments. Total U.S. dairy export values were up 11 percent from last year to $695.7 million while volumes declined by two percent. Shipments of cheese were up 12 percent year over year and…… Continue Reading
