An agreement between Murphy Family Ventures and Smithfield will allow the Murphy family to return to independent pork production. In a news release, Smithfield says the agreement establishes a Murphy-owned farming business with capacity to produce approximately 3.2 million hogs annually for Smithfield’s fresh pork operations. The company will assume ownership of 150,000 sows, and…… Continue Reading
Milk futures lower, cash dairy mixed Tuesday
December Class III milk futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange down a penny at $18.51. January 3 cents lower at $18.22. February down six at $18.55. March through May milk futures steady to 8 cents lower. Dry whey down $0.0025 at $0.7250 Barrels up $0.0450 at $1.65 Blocks up $0.0325 at $1.67 Butter up $0.0275…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: December 3, 2024
Mar. corn closed at $4.32 and 1/4, down 1/4 centJan. soybeans closed at $9.91 and 3/4, up 6 and 1/2 centsJan. soybean meal closed at $290.40, up $2.50Jan. soybean oil closed at 42.14, up 72 pointsMar. wheat closed at $5.47 and 1/2, up 1/4 centFeb. live cattle closed at $189.07, up $1.15Jan. feeder cattle closed…… Continue Reading
NASDA CEO discusses policy priorities under incoming Trump admin
Brownfield stock photo: Brownfield’s Brent Barnett (right) interviews NASDA CEO Ted McKinney in Cheyenne, Wyoming The CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture says he doesn’t anticipate any changes in their 2025 policy priorities despite a new incoming administration. Ted McKinney says NASDA expects President-elect Donald Trump will be more assertive on…… Continue Reading
Optimism for Japan’s future ethanol purchases
Iowa’s deputy ag secretary says he’s optimistic Japan will expand its purchases of U.S. ethanol. Grant Menke says it was a big discussion point during a recent trade mission to the country. “Right now, cars in Japan are running on the equivalent of an E1.9, but now the regulations have been cleared to allow for…… Continue Reading
IRFA stresses need for carbon pipeline projects
The head of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association says carbon pipelines will be critical to the future of ethanol production. Monte Shaw tells Brownfield many markets are asking for “super” low-carbon ethanol. “The single most easy, most cost-effective way to lower the carbon of biofuels, ethanol specifically in this case, is CO2 capture and sequestration.…… Continue Reading
Modest changes for soybeans, corn, wheat
Soybeans were modestly higher on fund and technical buying. Development weather in most of South America remains favorable, with the trade anticipating big crops. The USDA’s next round of supply, demand, and production estimates is out December 10th, with CONAB’s updated outlook for Brazil on the 12th. The Rosario Grain Exchange estimates Argentina’s crop at…… Continue Reading
Michigan Farm Bureau members gather in Grand Rapids
Michigan Farm Bureau members are debating policies that will take priority in the coming year with lawmakers. Matt Smego, Director of the Public Policy and the Commodity Division, tells Brownfield, “We had over 520 resolutions that were submitted from our 65 county Farm Bureaus and that culminates into the resolution book that the delegates will…… Continue Reading
Keeping an eye out for livestock diseases this winter
A veterinarian with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health says livestock producers should monitor and understand the threat of avian influenza this winter. Dr. Kelli Werling says the number of H5N1 cases reported in the U.S. has steadily increased. “Keeping an eye on the national situation, especially with dairy cattle, and then of course with that new diagnosis…… Continue Reading
Farmers turning to technology in grain bins
Technology is keeping stored grain and farmers safe. Joel Morgan, owner of northern Illinois-based Morgan Millwright Services, says maintaining stored grain through the winter is one of the most dangerous jobs on the farm. “Traditionally you would need to go in the bin to check it regularly to make sure it’s in condition, which is…… Continue Reading
