The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is extending the suspension on the exhibition or sale of poultry at swap meets, exhibitions, flea markets and auctions for another 30 days. The move is an effort to help prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The decision extends the initial 30-day suspension, which went into…… Continue Reading
HPAI detected in two commercial operations in Jay and Adams counties
Two new cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza have been detected in northeast Indiana. According to the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH), HPAI was detected in a commercial egg pullet facility in Jay county. More than 1.3 million birds will be depopulated, and an approximately 6.2-mile control area with a more than 12-mile…… Continue Reading
Farmers feel impact of discontinued USDA food programs
The sudden termination of two USDA food programs has some producers seeking new marketing channels. Federal officials ended the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program and the Local Food for Schools Program, which provided a direct marketing pathway for many meat, vegetable, and honey producers. One of them is Mike Miles from Luck, Wisconsin who raises…… Continue Reading
Frozen USDA funds hurting all levels of ag
The director of the Gardner Agricultural Policy Program at the University of Illinois says the Trump administration’s freezing of USDA funding is having far reaching consequences. Jonathan Coppess tells Brownfield, “These are duly appropriated, constitutionally appropriated funds by Congress.” He says, “The federal courts have been telling the administration to unfreeze them. We’re still waiting to…… Continue Reading
Corteva to phase out BMR corn hybrids
A line of corn hybrids popular with U.S. dairy producers is being discontinued. In a statement to Brownfield, a Corteva spokesperson says the dairy industry is evolving and the company is focused on growing farmer demand for high-quality, high-tonnage silage hybrids. Corteva has made the decisions to phase out Brown Midrib hybrids over multiple seasons. Duane…… Continue Reading
Bipartisan bills in Senate support crop insurance & credit access
Bipartisan legislation has been reintroduced in the U.S. Senate to help improve risk management and financial resources for farmers. Senate Ag Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar stressed the need to close crop insurance gaps for beginning farmers and veterans during a recent hearing. “Many small, diversified producers face challenges with buying crop insurance policies, particularly…… Continue Reading
Soybeans eke out modestly higher Friday finish
Soybeans were modestly higher on short covering and technical buying, but not enough to pull contracts to a higher weekly finish. Soybeans are watching late development conditions in Argentina and harvest activity in Brazil. The USDA’s monthly supply, demand, and production numbers and CONAB’s updated outlook for Brazil are both set for April 10th. Soybeans…… Continue Reading
HPAI detected in Iowa commercial pullet flock
Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed within a commercial pullet flock in Iowa. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship says the detection occurred in Buena Vista County and approximately 400,000 pullets will be depopulated. The department says this is the state’s sixth detection of H5N1 HPAI within domestic birds since the start…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: March 14, 2025
May corn closed at $4.58 and 1/2, down 6 and 3/4 centsMay soybeans closed at $10.16, up 5 and 1/4 centsMay soybean meal closed at $305.90, down $1.20May soybean oil closed at 41.59, up 28 pointsMay wheat closed at $5.57, down 5 and 1/2 centsApr. live cattle closed at $203.17, up $1.12Apr. feeder cattle closed…… Continue Reading
Soybean production depends on expanding market access
Members of the Ohio Soybean Council are emphasizing the importance of export markets in the success of the state’s soybean industry. West central Ohio farmer Bill Bayliss says export markets drive demand for Ohio soybeans. “More than 60% of our soy ends up being transported overseas,” he says. “We’re over there trying to develop relationships with…… Continue Reading
