Chicago Mercantile Exchange live and feeder cattle futures ended the session higher, waiting for this week’s direct business to get underway. Most months briefly dipped into negative territory due to the midday decline in beef, but they were able to bounce back, somewhat, by the close. October live was up $1.32 at $239.52 and December…… Continue Reading
Combined U.S./Canada cattle, hog herds mixed
Combined U.S. and Canadian cattle and hog inventory numbers were mixed when compared to a year ago. The USDA and Statistics Canada say that combined hog herd was slightly larger than this time last year at 89 million head, with a modest increase for the U.S. to 75.1 million head canceling out a 1% decrease…… Continue Reading
Solutions From the Land urging USDA to not close Beltsville Agricultural Research Center
The president of Solutions from the Land is urging the USDA to reconsider closing the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Maryland. Ernie Shea says the Agricultural Research Service plays a critical role in helping farmers address challenges. “They are collaborating together to address not just current problems, but emerging problems,” he says. “You get centers…… Continue Reading
Local grain prices responding to lack of China demand
An ag economist says the increased trade tensions between the U.S. and China are starting to negatively impact soybean prices. “We haven’t seen a big response in the futures market, but we have in the cash market,” says Frayne Olson, North Dakota State University Extension. China hasn’t purchased any U.S. soybeans for the new crop…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: August 27, 2025
Sep. corn closed at $3.82 and 1/2, down 5 centsSep. soybeans closed at $10.27 and 1/4, down 1 and 1/2 centsSep. soybean meal closed at $293.10, down $4.10Sep. soybean oil closed at 52.47, down 29 pointsSep. wheat closed at $5.02 and 1/4, down 7 and 1/4 centsOct. live cattle closed at $239.52, up $1.32Sep. feeder…… Continue Reading
Self-insurance model called captive insurance
An insurance specialist is encouraging farmers to consider a risk management tool called captive insurance. Van Carlson says his company, SRA 831 (b) Admin, helps business owners develop a self-insurance model. “If I have a huge deductible on my building, or have an actual cash value minus depreciation. Which means if I have a 20-year…… Continue Reading
Netflix Cancels ‘The Waterfront’ After One Season, Fans Go Nuts
The series out-performed several shows that have been renewed. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Broiler placements gain on week, year
Broiler hatchery numbers were mixed on the week, up on the week. The numbers are in line with USDA projections for a year-over-year increase in broiler chicken production. The USDA says 249.313 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubation, dropping 961,000 on the week, but rising 1% on the year, with average hatchability improving slightly…… Continue Reading
Michigan cash rents post widespread results
Michigan cash rental values are unchanged this year despite farmland values in the state seeing the largest increase nationwide. Jon LaPorte is a Farm Business Management Educator with Michigan State University Extension. “It really is quite a mixture across the state,” he says. “It’s really hard to pinpoint down that one area because of higher production maybe went…… Continue Reading
Expanding the market for U.S. soy
The CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council says expanding market access remains a top priority for soybean farmers heading into the new marketing year. Jim Sutter says China’s retaliatory tariffs have put the U.S. at a competitive disadvantage. “The number one focus is making sure that we get the opportunity to be on a…… Continue Reading
