A Wisconsin program that trains new meat processors remains popular. Wisconsin continues to see demand for its Meat Talent Development Program training through universities, technical colleges, and partnering high schools. Wisconsin Technical College System President Layla Merrifield tells Brownfield the programs remain full. “The demand from students is more than our capacity right now and…… Continue Reading
National Farmers Union sets 2025 policy
The National Farmers Union has set its policy priorities for 2025. Rob Larew, NFU president, says the organization’s delegates are focused on advocating for America’s farmers and ranchers. “In so many parts of the country, the farm economy is really in question, and it looks extraordinarily bleak,” he says, “so farm economy is driving a…… Continue Reading
Bonnie: USDA should honor conservation contracts
A former USDA Under Secretary says the Trump administration should honor farmer contracts for conservation programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. “A deal is a deal. A contract is a contract.” Robert Bonnie, the former USDA Under Secretary of Farm Production and Conservation, says if the Trump administration doesn’t honor the contracts, it could…… Continue Reading
Spring fieldwork starting soon
A field agronomist with Pioneer says spring fieldwork could be underway for several farmers as soon as next week in eastern Missouri. “I’ve seen a couple of anhydrous tool bars starting to run and a few sprayers out.” Scott Gard tells Brownfield it’s been dry. “We could certainly use more moisture and are showing up…… Continue Reading
Petersen: biosecurity an important part of HPAI plan
Minnesota Ag Commissioner Thom Petersen says biosecurity is the most important part of the USDA’s 5-point plan to address Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. “The farms that have had USDA’s Wildlife Services inspections have had little problems; it’s a good thing.” Another part of the plan included vaccines. USDA says there’s no vaccines currently available to…… Continue Reading
Live cattle pressured ahead of direct business
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live cattle were mostly lower, and feeder cattle were mostly higher ahead of the week’s direct business. April lives closed $1.02 lower at $199.55 and June live cattle closed $.97 lower at $196.25. April feeder cattle closed $.22 lower at $277.70 and May feeders closed $.40 higher at $278.95. Direct…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: March 11, 2025
May corn closed at $4.70 and 1/4, down 1 and 3/4 centsMay soybeans closed at $10.11 and 1/4, down 2 and 3/4 centsMay soybean meal closed at $301.80, down 50 centsMay soybean oil closed at 41.93, down 33 pointsMay wheat closed at $5.56 and 3/4, down 5 and 3/4 centsApr. live cattle closed at $199.55,…… Continue Reading
Modest post-WASDE losses for soybeans, corn, wheat
Soybeans were lower on fund and technical selling. The USDA left U.S. ending stocks steady and made no changes to exports or production for Argentina and Brazil. The biggest domestic adjustment was the USDA lowering the average estimated 2024/25 farm price. The USDA did raise its domestic crush guess for China while leaving their imports…… Continue Reading
Sound Ag offers bio-inspired solutions
Jeff Divan, Director of Agronomy at Sound Ag tells Brownfield products like Source and Blueprint will put your farm’s soil to work. At a time when commodity prices are down, he says now is the time to access nutrients locked up in the soil. Conversation with Jeff Divan at 2025 Commodity Classic: The post Sound…… Continue Reading
Cash dairy mostly higher Tuesday
Cash dairy markets were mostly higher Tuesday. The USDA says cheese barrels at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange were up $.04 at $1.64 and ½ per pound and 40 pound blocks gained $.03 and ¾ to $1.67. Grade A nonfat dry milk was a quarter cent higher at $1.16 and AA butter was up $.02 at…… Continue Reading
