Rice has the highest per-acre payment rate in USDA’s new Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, at more than $132 per acre. Jake Westlin with USA Rice says rice farmers have been challenged this year. “The cost of production has increased over the years. But also, you know, rice prices are having a pretty challenging time right… ... Continue Reading

Chicago Mercantile Exchange live and feeder cattle futures were sharply higher, supported by the midday gains in beef and the direct trade during the session. Feeders had additional support from the weakness in corn.  February live was up $4.40 at $236 and April was $3.77 higher at $235.97. March feeders were $7.62 higher at $352.95… ... Continue Reading

Mar. corn $4.37 and 1/2, down 2 and 3/4 centsMar. soybeans $10.45 and 3/4, down 1 and 3/4 centsMar. soybean meal $296.00, down $3.40Mar. soybean oil 49.30, up 74 pointsMar. Chicago wheat $5.06 and 1/2, down 1/2 centFeb. live cattle $236.00, up $4.40Mar. feeder cattle $356.10, up $5.85Feb. lean hogs $84.10, down $1.00Feb. Class III… ... Continue Reading

Soybeans were modestly lower on fund and technical selling, furthering the week’s losses. Conditions look favorable in most of Brazil, with the trade expecting record production in 2026. Dry weather is a concern for parts of Argentina, but soil moisture levels look good, for now. The USDA’s updated supply, demand, and production numbers are out… ... Continue Reading

A banking leader says a squeeze on agricultural profitability is one of his biggest concerns this year. Ed Elfmann, senior vice president of agricultural and rural banking policy for the American Bankers Association, says row crop farmers face a number of challenges. “Talking to some of my Southern bankers, they are saying that they have… ... Continue Reading

The domestic soybean crush maintained a relatively strong pace in November 2025. The USDA says the monthly crush of 221 million bushels fell 15 million from October’s all-time high, but rose 11 million bushels from November 2024. That faster-than-last-year pace is linked to plants trying to keep up with demand. Soybean meal stocks were slightly… ... Continue Reading

A regional agronomy manager at Beck’s Hybrids says longstanding research data shows early-season nitrogen applications on soybeans could have an impact on yield. Steve Gauck tells Brownfield, “We’ve seen a big value in split applying nitrogen. We’re seeing a big value in loading some nitrogen up front with a planter and a two-by two-by-two placement system.” He says… ... Continue Reading

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health says the dairy industry continues to monitor the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Denise Derrer Spears tells Brownfield, “We’ve achieved stage four under USDA’s National Milk Test Strategy. We want to maintain that status, so we’re doing monthly monitoring of commercial tanker loads of milk as they come in.”… ... Continue Reading

The new interim president of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association (IFCA) says he plans to lean on his twelve years of experience to help guide the organization into the new year. Jason Solberg, who’s filling the role left by the departure of K.J. Johnson to the Illinois Soybean Association, tells Brownfield, “I sort of… ... Continue Reading

A farm management analyst in southern Minnesota says the USDA’s Farmer Bridge Assistance Program provides a boost for producers. “Without these government payments, farmers of all sizes would have some struggles out there,” says Kent Thiesse. USDA announced the program payment rates on Wednesday. The former extension educator and ag banker says the per-acre payment… ... Continue Reading