Live cattle mostly higher ahead of direct business

At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live cattle were mostly higher, and feeder cattle were higher ahead of widespread direct business.  August live cattle closed $1.05 lower at $218.20 and October live cattle closed $.22 lower at $215.65.  August feeder cattle closed $1.50 higher at $313.15 and September feeder cattle closed $2.05 higher at $312.75.  There…Continue Reading

Precision AI advancing drone capabilities

The CEO of Precision AI says the company’s autonomous aerial system is designed to refine a farmer’s decision-making capabilities in the field and save money. Daniel McCann says combining artificial intelligence and advanced cameras allow the system to increase crop protection efficiency. “The AI actually runs in real time.”  He says, “There’s a camera and…Continue Reading

Doud says solving trade problems not easy

A former chief agricultural negotiator with the U.S. Trade Representative’s office says resolving trade imbalances and creating new markets will not be easy. Gregg Doud is now the President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, and has served as a senior staff member for the Senate Ag Committee, chief economist for the National…Continue Reading

Iowa farmer sees price ratio shift

An Iowa farmer suggests the price ratio favoring corn going into the year has shifted. Mark Jackson of Oskaloosa says some farmers in the southeast part of the state planted more corn and fewer soybeans. “I did see a change, and the coop has talked about it as well. I think there were a few…Continue Reading

Vaden confirmed as USDA Deputy Secretary

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Stephen Vaden as the Deputy Ag Secretary at the USDA. Vaden is a former judge of the U.S. Court of International Trade. He also served as the General Counsel for USDA during the first Trump administration, before taking the position at the U.S. Court of International Trade. He grew up…Continue Reading

A climate-smart Michigan foodshed is being uplifted

A collaborative effort to strengthen local supply chains in the Great Lakes will continue despite federal funding uncertainty. James DeDecker is the director of Michigan State University’s Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center. “We’re looking to provide farmers opportunity to diversify their cropping systems, to increase the resiliency and the profitability of their farm operations,…Continue Reading

Challenging planting season already impacting 2026 decisions

A farmer in northeast Arkansas says there will be long-lasting impacts from a problematic spring planting season. Derek Haigwood of Newport says the disruptions to this year’s crop are already impacting financial decisions he’s making for his farm for next year.  “Hopefully, we get through this,” he says.  “And we try to spend as little…Continue Reading

Mixed finishes for soybeans and corn

Soybeans were mixed, with deferred contracts unable to follow through on their early gains. The USDA’s national crop condition rating was up on the week, planting is nearly over, and development weather generally looks good. The USDA will release its June supply, demand, and production numbers Thursday. CONAB’s updated outlook for Brazil is also out…Continue Reading

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