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Scattered rains helped crops but slowed Wisconsin’s farmers

The scattered rains were welcome in Wisconsin last week, but they hampered fieldwork.  USDA reporters say there were almost five days suitable for fieldwork, and topsoil moisture levels are rated as 12% surplus, 72% adequate, and 14% short. Eighty-two percent of Wisconsin’s corn is...

Michigan soybean harvest in sight

Corn and soybeans are just starting to mature in Michigan. Southwest Michigan farmer Jake Drozd tells Brownfield soybean harvest is getting close. “There’s some beans turning, there are guys probably cutting soybeans next week,” he shares. “Our own stuff, I’d say we’re probably going...

Corn harvest begins in Missouri

Corn harvest is underway in Missouri, ahead of average for this time of the year. USDA says corn harvest for grain is 5% complete, with 39% of the crop mature. Rice harvest continues in the Missouri Bootheel at 15% complete, also ahead of average....

Navigating a challenging farm economy

Some farmers facing a gap in farm financing are looking for unique solutions. CEO Ben Gordon says Fractal, a U.S.-based company focusing on farmland equity financing, helps family farms access capital needed to invest in their operations. “We do that by taking passive minority...

Soybeans, corn, wheat up to start September

Soybeans were higher on fund and technical buying. The trade is expecting recent warm, dry weather in much of the region to have at least some impact on yields. The USDA says 94% of the U.S. crop is at the pod setting stage and...

Illinois corn maturing ahead of pace

The USDA says the Illinois corn crop is maturing ahead of pace. Gallatin County farmer Jeff Scates says his early harvest results are below expectations. “Not quite as good as we had hoped for on the corn front.”  He says, “We also have cut...

65% of U.S. corn, soybeans rated good to excellent

U.S. corn and soybean development remains at or ahead of normal. While that follows another week of mixed, but generally favorable, weather in much of the Midwest and Plains, there are some concerns that dry weather in parts of the region could trim yields....

Crop progress declines slightly on the week

Corn and soybean conditions decreased slightly in Indiana. According to the latest crop progress and conditions report from the USDA, corn is rated ​68 percent good to excellent with ​89 percent dough, 61 percent dented, and 12 percent mature. Soybeans are ​also rated 68...

Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: September 3, 2024

Dec. corn closed at $4.09 and 1/4, up 8 and 1/4 centsNov. soybeans closed at $10.12, up 12 centsOct. soybean meal closed at $317.40, up $7.30Oct. soybean oil closed at 41.48, down 105 pointsDec. wheat closed at $5.52, up 19 and 1/4 centsOct. live...

Hinson continues push for precision ag bill

A U.S. Representative from Iowa says the House version of the farm bill includes legislation that would expand access to precision ag tools. Republican Ashley Hinson says the Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment (PRECISE) Act could help farmers...

Drought continues to worsen Ohio crop progress

Warm temperatures and a lack of rainfall caused drought conditions to progress across the state of Ohio. According to the latest crop progress and conditions report from the USDA, corn is rated ​42 percent good to excellent with ​93 percent in the dough stage,...

USB chair outlines emerging markets for U.S. soy industry

A soybean industry leader says many countries have been pleased with the quality of U.S. soy. Steve Reinhard chairs the United Soybean Board and says, “We have a quality product and a sustainably produced product here in the United States,” he said. “That’s an...