Soybeans were lower on fund and technical selling. Near-term forecasts have more rain in parts of Argentina and better harvest weather in central Brazil. Some damage has likely been done in Argentina and while Brazil’s harvest is catching up to the average, it could push some second crop corn planting past the ideal window. CONAB’s…… Continue Reading
Labor, animal disease, and domestic consumption among pork challenges
The senior vice president of producer and state engagement with the National Pork Board is hearing about common challenges throughout the swine industry. Brett Kaysen attended Minnesota Pork Congress this week and says as he’s traveled the country this winter, three general themes keep getting brought up. “Number one is labor, labor, and labor. There…… Continue Reading
Farmer says worker program needs adjustments
A fruit and vegetable farmer from California says the H-2A guest worker program needs improvements. Ryan Talley says the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), how minimum wages must be paid to farm workers in the program, isn’t economically viable. “We need to tap the brakes on AEWR,” he says. “Each dollar rise in the AEWR…… Continue Reading
Tight U.S. milk supplies likely in 2025
A dairy market analyst says older milk cows could drag on production gains in the year ahead. Sarina Sharp with the Daily Dairy Report tells Brownfield last year farmers tried to counter low heifer numbers by keeping milk cows in production longer and culling about 385,000 less cows than normal. “This heifer shortage is going to be with…… Continue Reading
Trade tariffs would have a fertilizer impact
The executive director of Illinois Corn says if tariffs go into effect fertilizer pricing and availability could get complicated for U.S. farmers. President Trump has threatened 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, but the tariffs have been delayed until March. Rodney Weinzierl says potassium imports from Canada are a concern. “We import about…… Continue Reading
Missouri Soybean focused on farmer profitability
The new deputy executive director of the Missouri Soybean Association says the key to increasing farmer profitability is growing soybean demand. Casey Wasser says Missouri farmers are uniquely positioned to benefit from expanded use of biofuels. “If you look on a state level, Missouri soybean is very lucky to have four biodiesel facilities that are…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: February 12, 2025
Mar. corn closed at $4.90 and 1/4, up 6 and 1/4 centsMar. soybeans closed at $10.27 and 3/4, down 15 and 3/4 centsMar. soybean meal closed at $294.10, down $2.50Mar. soybean oil closed at 45.66, down 47 pointsMar. wheat closed at $5.74 and 1/4, down 2 and 3/4 centsApr. live cattle closed at $195.72, down…… Continue Reading
Cotton farmer optimistic USDA payments will resume
A cotton farmer from Texas says she’s expecting the USDA to honor contracts for farmers participating in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Alisha Schwertner told the House Ag Committee in a hearing on Tuesday “We have $100,000 of outstanding funds with projects, but we’ve never not been paid. I’m confident in President Trump, he said…… Continue Reading
Farmers will be key in new Michigan deer management strategy
Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources plans to increase partnerships with farmers to help manage deer populations and support hunger initiatives as part of an updated management plan. Chad Fedewa tells Brownfield the number of hunters in the state has declined by about a third over the past decade and reduced doe harvests are adding up.…… Continue Reading
More year-over-year gains in broiler sets, placements
Broiler sets and placements continue to run faster than last year’s pace. The USDA says 248.567 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubators, rising 497,000 on the week and 3% on the year, with average hatchability at 79%, near recent weeks. 191.335 million broiler-type chicks were placed into meat production, falling 354,000 from the previous…… Continue Reading
