Farm News

30% of U.S. corn, 47% of soybeans harvested

Monday, October 7

The U.S. corn and soybean harvests continued to advance last week. That followed a generally dry week in much of the Midwest and Plains, with most of those regions expected to stay dry into mid-month. The USDA says 30% of corn is harvested, compared... Read More.

Dry weather widens harvest window

Monday, October 7

Indiana harvest is quickly progressing. According to the latest crop progress and conditions report from the USDA, corn is rated 61 percent good to excellent with 91 percent mature, 29 percent harvested for grain, and 91 percent harvested for silage. Soybeans are rated 62 percent good... Read More.

Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: October 7, 2024

Monday, October 7

Dec. corn closed at $4.26, up 1 and 1/4 centsNov. soybeans closed at $10.34, down 3 and 3/4 centsDec. soybean meal closed at $324.00, down $6.50Dec. soybean oil closed at 44.57, up 60 pointsDec. wheat closed at $5.92 and 1/2, up 2 and 3/4... Read More.

Navigating federal and state regulations

Monday, October 7

The head of Syngenta crop protection says a patchwork of foreign ag land ownership laws could hinder advancements in agriculture. Vern Hawkins says it is challenging to have different sets of rules state by state. “No business or industry can be efficient in an... Read More.

Fast harvest pace in central Iowa

Monday, October 7

A central Iowa farmer says harvest has moved quickly this year. Tim Bardole raises soybeans, corn, and hogs near Rippey in Greene County. “We’ve been running probably for three weeks. We’re done with the soybeans and have been doing corn for three days.” He... Read More.

Eastern Iowa farmer lauds corn yields

Monday, October 7

An eastern Iowa corn farmer says he’s been pleased with his 2024 harvest. Lance Lillibridge tells Brownfield, “It’s good. It’s better than it was last year for sure, but I don’t think we’ve got a USDA record on our hands. There’s some very good... Read More.

Lobbyist says tax reform will be a priority in 2025

Monday, October 7

The head lobbyist for Syngenta says tax reform will be one of the top priorities for the next Congress. Mary Kay Thatcher says, “This is really the Super Bowl of tax bills that we’ve ever done.” She says the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act... Read More.

A warm start to sugarbeet harvest in Red River Valley

Monday, October 7

The vice president of agriculture for American Crystal Sugar Company says warm temperatures have been a nemesis for sugarbeet farmers as the full harvest campaign begins. Steve Rosenau says farmers are limited to harvesting the sugarbeet crop in the morning. “We’re not able to... Read More.

Interest rate cut might create more market activity

Monday, October 7

A market analyst says the Federal Reserve’s recent 50-point cut in the interest rate might bring more investors into the commodities markets. Mike North with Ever.ag tells Brownfield current conditions might invite more investment funds back into ag commodities. “It’s not an automatic lay-up... Read More.

New NCGA president focused on trade opportunities

Monday, October 7

The new president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) says the organization is focused on several key trade opportunities. Kenneth Hartman, Jr., a fifth-generation farmer from southern Illinois, tells Brownfield… “We definitely need to work on trade agreements.” He says, “I know USMCA... Read More.

$14 million goes to expansion of the Ohio meat processing industry

Monday, October 7

The director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture says the state is investing a fourth round of funding to expand local meat processors. Brian Baldridge says 51 operations will receive grants. “Funding will be used on upgrading their facilities, whether that’s new and improved... Read More.

Soybean export inspections up on week, year

Monday, October 7

The USDA says that as of the week ending October 3rd, corn and wheat export inspections remain ahead of the respective paces needed to meet projections for the current marketing year. The 2024/25 marketing year began June 1st for wheat and September 1st for... Read More.