Farm News

July ethanol exports slump, 2024 pace remains strong

Wednesday, September 4

U.S. ethanol exports declined from June to July. The Renewable Fuels Association says ethanol exports of 136 million gallons fell 7% on the month, with notable declines for several key customers, including the United Kingdom, India, and the European Union. Canada took the top...

Considerations for next growing season

Wednesday, September 4

Commentary. County fair, State fair, Learfield Ag/Brownfield Summer meeting and Farm Progress Show filled my August. Hot and worn out at the end of many of those days, but my cup is full. Having been in the business of farm broadcasting for nearly four...

Temps vary across the Heartland; some rain on parts of the Plains, largely dry elsewhere

Wednesday, September 4

Across the Corn Belt, dry weather accompanies near- or below-normal temperatures. Immature corn and soybeans are benefiting from last week’s rain, which was heaviest (locally 1 to 3 inches or more) across the upper Midwest. Recent rainfall was lighter in drought-affected areas of the...

Bleak market outlook

Wednesday, September 4

With an anticipated huge crop about to be harvested and plenty of old crop in the bin, market analyst Jamey Kohake with Paragon Economics says it could be a bloodbath for farmers looking to sell this fall. He tells Brownfield there is reason for...

Nebraska crops continue to improve ahead of harvest

Tuesday, September 3

Corn continues to mature in Nebraska as farmers prepare for harvest. According to USDA’s weekly crop progress report, 23% of the state’s crop is mature, compared to 17% a week ago, with 67% of the crop reported as good to excellent. USDA says 93%...

Kansas crop conditions largely unchanged as harvest approaches

Tuesday, September 3

Corn and soybean conditions were largely unchanged from week to week. According to USDA’s weekly conditions report, 48% of the crop is rated good to excellent, up slightly from last week. The USDA reports 36% of the crop is at the mature stage, with...

Corn harvest in Kentucky is in full swing

Tuesday, September 3

Harvest is underway in Kentucky. Corn harvest is 11% complete, with 80% of the crop in the dent stage and 50% mature. Sixty-seven percent is rated good to excellent. Caleb Ragland farms in central Kentucky and says he’ll have a little later harvest this year....

Week of heat pushes Iowa crops

Tuesday, September 3

Hot, dry conditions pushed crop development in Iowa last week. USDA’s latest weekly crop update says 61 percent of the corn crop has reached the dent stage, five days behind last year and one day off the five-year average. North Iowa farmer Brent Renner...

Cattle, hog futures higher to start the week

Tuesday, September 3

At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were higher, supported by stronger boxed beef. Waiting for direct business to develop. October live cattle closed $.67 higher at $179.27 and December lives closed $1.30 higher at $178.85. October feeder cattle closed $1.57 higher...