A market analyst says there’s some cautious optimism about the direction of commodity markets in 2026. Tanner Ehmke is the lead economist for grains and oilseeds at CoBank and says, “We think the lows for corn, wheat and soybean prices are in. We’ve had a very strong demand story, especially for corn. It’s been phenomenal.”… ... Continue Reading

The head of the Soy Transportation Coalition says investments in the supply chain are needed in 2026. Mike Steenhoek tells Brownfield, “When you invest in roads in the U.S., rivers in the U.S., the rail industry, and our ports, the beneficiaries of that are U.S. companies and U.S. agriculture. None of the benefits accrue to… ... Continue Reading

Wisconsin’s ag secretary says the state is making food and agriculture export sales despite tariffs, trade uncertainty, and a tough economy.  Randy Romanski tells Brownfield Wisconsin continues to “punch above its weight class” in the international marketplace.  “I go back to quality, availability, reliability of product and it’s our responsibility here at DATCP to be… ... Continue Reading

A record soybean crop and a large corn crop are expected for the largest competitor to the United States. Analyst Michael Coronnier with Soybean and Corn Adviser says as of mid-December, good planting progress has been made for corn and soybeans in Brazil and Argentina, and La Nina conditions haven’t shown up yet. Hear more… ... Continue Reading

A school milk supplier says USDA guidelines can cause dramatic ripple effects when changes are made. Dairy Farmers of America Southwest Group Vice President Tim Hawk tells Brownfield when whole milk was removed from school menus in 2010, students reacted. “The decline was steep, and the decline was quick,” he shares. “Kids aren’t used to… ... Continue Reading

Soybeans were lower on fund and technical selling. It was an up and down session, with beans monitoring weather in South America and domestic product prices. Soybean meal futures were lower on technical weakness, while soybean oil closed firm, partially on the bounce in crude oil. The new export demand from China continues to fall… ... Continue Reading

Chicago Mercantile Exchange live and feeder cattle futures ended the session lower, with boxed beef down at midday, waiting for direct business and Friday’s USDA Cattle on Feed report. February live cattle were down $1.15 at $229.55 and April was $1.15 lower at $229.12. January feeders were $1.80 lower at $341.52 and March was down… ... Continue Reading

Mar. corn $4.40 and 1/2, up 4 centsJan. soybeans $10.58 and 1/4, down 4 and 1/2 centsJan. soybean meal $298.20, down $4.20Jan soybean oil 48.52, up 16 pointsMar. Chicago wheat $5.06 and 1/4, down 3 and 1/4 centsFeb. live cattle $229.55, down $1.15Jan. feeder cattle $341.52, down $1.80Feb. lean hogs $83.00, down $1.77Jan. Class III… ... Continue Reading

The U.S. Meat Export Federation is celebrating another year of strong demand for variety meats. USMEF senior vice president of industry relations John Hinners says products that aren’t necessarily popular domestically are bringing great value overseas. “Beef tongue, the beef liver, stomach (and) tripe. These are all items that are really good protein and really… ... Continue Reading

New research from Michigan State University connects farm worker wages to rising food costs and the loss of agricultural production. Farm labor economist Zack Rutledge says a 10 percent decline in farm employment leads to a nearly three percent uptick in food prices. “And we have a specialty crop sector that’s worth about $115 billion… ... Continue Reading