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U.S. Senator says drought assistance is a top priority

A U.S. Senator from Ohio says providing drought assistance to those in need is a top priority. Sherrod Brown says farmers need assistance now. “One farmer told us that they can only get one and a half cuttings of hay pastures not growing well,” he says....

Making a plan for combine harvest equipment

As harvest begins, it’s a good idea to check equipment to ensure everything is in working order. In this episode of Managing for Profit, Jarrad Bourne with Ziegler Ag Equipment offers some tips to farmers before they get into their fields. The post

What lower interest rates mean for ag

The Federal Reserve has lowered its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point. “It’s the first rate cut we’ve seen since March 2020.” Ben Brown with University of Missouri Extension says the operating interest offered by ag lenders is expected to decline, too....

Senate Ag Committee pushed to buy American food for schools

A representative of the food processing industry is encouraging lawmakers to source food for schools domestically. Kay Rentzel, Executive Director of the Southeastern Food Processors Association, National Peach Council, and U.S. Sweet Potato Council, testified during Wednesday’s U.S. Senate Ag subcommittee hearing on how...

Cattle futures mixed ahead of direct business

At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were mixed, waiting on the week’s direct business to develop and Friday’s On Feed numbers from the USDA.  October lives closed $.50 lower at $178.30 and December lives were unchanged at $179.85.  October feeders closed...

Scout corn pre-harvest for standability concerns

A group of Illinois agronomists say farmers should be scouting their corn fields this harvest season for stalk quality issues. Lance Tarochione, field agronomist in northwest Illinois with Bayer, says physics are not on the side of the corn plant. “I’m always worried about...

IRFA asks Congress to prioritize E15 fix in early 2025

The executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association says he’s hopeful a federal solution for year-round E15 will be prioritized in early 2025. Monte Shaw tells Brownfield legislation has stalled in Congress. “It’s being blocked by one senator who has a refiner in...

Under Secretary Taylor: Ag trade remains a priority for Biden admin

The USDA’s Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs says ag trade has been a priority for the Biden administration in 2024. Alexis Taylor tells Brownfield the agency has focused on market diversification. “Sixty percent of our food and agricultural exports go to...

Iowa farmer stresses on-farm, roadway safety

A central Iowa farmer says safety is his biggest priority on the farm, especially during harvest season. Corey Goodhue farms near Carlisle and serves on the board of directors for the Iowa Soybean Association. “Harvest can feel like a mad rush at times with...

Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: September 18, 2024

Dec. corn closed at $4.12 and 3/4, up 1/4 centNov. soybeans closed at $10.14, up 8 centsOct. soybean meal closed at $317.90, down 10 centsOct. soybean oil closed at 40.99, up 44 pointsDec. wheat closed at $5.75 and 3/4, unchangedOct. live cattle closed at...

“Average” sugarbeet crop in west-central and southern Minnesota

The sugarbeet harvest pace is close to normal in west-central Minnesota. Jerry Trotter with the Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative says the pre-pile process was slightly delayed. “By two weeks this year, that was largely due to the projected crop size. And so far...