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New FFA event designed for members with disabilities

Indiana FFA is creating a new career development event to reach more FFA members. Amanda Mullins, the assistant director of leadership and development says the Unified Horticulture CDE is designed for members with disabilities. “Students with pretty severe intellectual disabilities did our fun chapter things,...

Fertilizer prices vulnerable to potential tariffs  

An agronomy salesman says he’s nervous about the potential threat tariffs could have on fertilizer prices during the next administration.   Phil Tuggle with Michigan Agricultural Commodities says there could be major price impacts. “We do import fertilizer even though we’re nitrogen neutral, we...

An unseasonably mild, wet pattern to continue across the Heartland into next week

Looking ahead, the 6- to 10-day outlook calls for warmer-than-normal weather nationwide, with the Midwest having the greatest likelihood of experiencing above-normal temperatures.  Meanwhile, near- or below-normal precipitation from southern California to the southern Plains and the western Gulf Coast region should contrast with...

Diversifying the farm can add new revenue streams

A Wisconsin family started with a dairy farm and found ways to diversify into many connected businesses to support several generations of their family.  Kiley Pagel from the Pagel Family Businesses explains some of the avenues they’ve taken for success on today’s Managing for...

Ruling reinstates Beneficial Ownership Information reporting requirements

A ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit could put some farmers at legal risk.  On Monday, the Court lifted an injunction that reinstates a January 1, 2025, reporting deadline for farmers who operate corporations and limited liability companies.  Farmers will again be...

Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: December 23, 2024

Mar. corn closed at $4.47 and 3/4, up 1 and 1/2 centsJan. soybeans closed at $9.69 and 1/2, down 5 centsJan. soybean meal closed at $289.50, down $5.00Jan. soybean oil closed at 40.23, up 75 pointsMar. wheat closed at $5.40 and 1/2, up 7...

Soybeans mostly lower to start the week

Soybeans were mostly lower on fund and technical selling, following a couple of days with higher business last week.  The trade continues to monitor crop development weather in South America, which has been largely supportive to a larger crop in Brazil, while there is...

Biosecurity priority number 1 for Iowa turkey producer

A southeast Iowa turkey producer says he’s concerned about the rising number of highly pathogenic avian influenza cases across the state. “My heart goes out to all those folks that have had to deal with it. It’s devastating,” said Tim Meyer of Henry County....

Live cattle, hogs mostly lower to start the week

At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live cattle were mostly lower, and feeders were up ahead of the week’s direct business.  Boxed beef was mixed at midday. February live cattle closed $.95 lower at $187.45 and April live cattle closed $.42 lower at $189.79.  January...

Shining a light on succession planning

The director of the Indiana Agricultural Law Foundation says farm succession planning needs more attention. John Shoup tells Brownfield, “Families don’t talk about the future of the farm and the legacy they want to create for the farm.” He says it can be as...