U.S. ethanol production bounced back last week. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production 1.105 million barrels per day, rising 43,000 on the week and 59,000 on the year. That increase in production can be tied to better returns. Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development says estimated operating margins for the average…… Continue Reading
Michigan ag exports push new record
Food and agriculture exports in Michigan set a new high in 2024 at nearly $3 billion. Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Tim Boring tells Brownfield, “Canada is far and away our greatest trading partner, more than $1.25 billion of economic activity happens there.” “Mexico is a huge trading partner at close to…… Continue Reading
Biofuels and ag groups ask EPA to set RFS volume
The vice president of federal affairs with Clean Fuels Alliance America says the organization has been joined by several ag groups in renewing the call for the EPA to set increased Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes for 2026. Kurt Kovarik says a letter to the agency asks for finalized biomass-based diesel volumes at 5.25 billion…… Continue Reading
Water protections gaining momentum in Indiana General Assembly
Water rights remain a legislative priority for Indiana Farm Bureau and its members, and its being addressed by the General Assembly. Director of public policy Andy Tauer says there has progress with Senate Bill 28. “This would put protections not only for just farmers but all of agriculture,” he says. “It did get recommitted to…… Continue Reading
Rollins says USDA’s plan to address HPAI is working
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says the work the Trump administration is doing to address highly pathogenic avian influenza is working. “The market reacted very positively to being bold and to having a big plan to investing where it matters, in biosecurity especially,” she says. “We’ve seen the prices come down in the wholesale market 44%…… Continue Reading
Builder says farm construction jobs keep coming
Despite the down economy, construction projects on farms continue to keep contractors busy. Jacob Ullmer from Fox Cities Builders in Seymour, Wisconsin tells Brownfield they’ve been busier over the past year, and 2025 is not slowing down. “Dairy and production agriculture is the spot to be but working with beef customers as well.” Ullmer says…… Continue Reading
EQIP seen as investment in rural America
A northwestern Arkansas farmer says the USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) is an investment in rural America. Jared Phillips, who raises sheep and forages at Branch Mountain Farm in Washington County, says he utilized the program to completely alter his operation. “It let us make some key investments in our farm.” He says, “It…… Continue Reading
Dry bean market disruptions likely
A dry bean marketer says he’s concerned about how tariff threats will impact global dry bean markets. Chaise Wilson with Star of the West Milling Company tells Brownfield Mexico is the number one buyer of U.S. dry beans and any retaliation would have far-reaching effects. “Brazil and Argentina continue to increase their black bean production…… Continue Reading
Soybeans see more losses, with corn, wheat mixed
Soybeans were modestly lower on fund and technical selling. The trade continues to monitor harvest activity in South America and the growing supply of soybeans hitting the global market from Brazil and soybean products from Argentina. Export demand has slowed down, with China focused on Brazil due to price and geopolitics. Also, crush demand from…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: March 18, 2025
May corn closed at $4.58 and 3/4, down 2 and 1/4 centsMay soybeans closed at $10.12 and 3/4, down 2 and 3/4 centsMay soybean meal closed at $299.90, down $4.40May soybean oil closed at 42.54, up 44 pointsMay wheat closed at $5.65, down 3 and 1/2 centsApr. live cattle closed at $205.37, up 35 centsApr.…… Continue Reading
