Farm News

Showers (some snow) around the Great Lakes region; a “November feel” across the Heartland

Tuesday, October 15

Across the Corn Belt, freezes occurred early Tuesday in many Midwestern locations from the upper Mississippi Valley westward, effectively ending the growing season in those areas. However, recent warm, dry conditions have assisted with crop maturation, minimizing concerns about this later-than-average first freeze. Chilly... Read More.

Purdue researcher digs into crop farm profitability

Tuesday, October 15

Ag economist Michael Langemeier with Purdue University has been digging into a University of Minnesota database to look at the low farm profitability of crop farmers and the financial stress that creates on the farm. The post Purdue researcher digs into crop farm profitability... Read More.

South American weather a focus for markets

Monday, October 14

A commodities economist says prices aren’t expected to move higher unless there’s a weather scare in Brazil and Argentina. Arlan Suderman with StoneX Group says that’s not expected in the near-term and U.S. producers are marketing harvested grain accordingly. “Farmers are going to use... Read More.

Wisconsin celebrates cranberry milestone during harvest

Monday, October 14

The cranberry harvest is in full swing. Wisconsin Cranberry Grower’s Association Executive Director Grant Holley tells Brownfield the recent warm days and now cooler weather has helped the berries. “The colder mornings and the colder nights that we’re having is going to help to... Read More.

Cyberattacks a growing concern for ag industry

Monday, October 14

An FBI special agent says agriculture is a growing target for cyber criminals. Gene Kowel, with the FBI’s Omaha field office, says a key reason is because of the industry’s ties to the economy and national security. “A lot of producers don’t have a... Read More.

Down rice and dry soybeans in the MO Bootheel

Monday, October 14

A farmer in southeast Missouri says the rice crop has been affected by the heavy rains from Tropical Storms Francine and Helene this year. Barry Bean says there’s some down rice, but farmers can still harvest the crop. “We do have special headers for... Read More.

Cattle futures mostly higher to start the week

Monday, October 14

At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were mostly higher Monday ahead of the week’s direct business. December live cattle closed $.35 higher at $187.92 and February lives closed $.50 higher at $188.70. November feeders closed $.22 lower at $249.57 and January... Read More.

Mexico buyers still interested in GM-white corn

Monday, October 14

A farmer in northwest Missouri says buyers in Mexico are still interested in GMO white corn from the United States. “Basically, they say it comes down to politics and changes in the different administrations.” Dylan Rosier from Holt County hosted a delegation of Mexican... Read More.

MSUE offers pricing strategy support

Monday, October 14

A farm management educator says a large 2023 crop is still causing issues for some farmers during harvest. Michigan State University Extension’s Jon LaPorte tells Brownfield, “A lot of people did hold grain in storage hoping for better pricing.” “Now the question that we’re... Read More.

Fall fieldwork progressing in Minnesota

Monday, October 14

Unseasonably warm weather in the Upper Midwest is allowing fall fieldwork to advance. Farm business management instructor Kristina McVicker with South Central College in Mankato, Minnesota says she’s seeing a lot of tillage and fertilizer applications. “Fall tillage is certainly underway in a lot... Read More.

Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: October 14, 2024

Monday, October 14

Dec. corn closed at $4.08 and 1/4, down 7 and 1/2 centsNov. soybeans closed at $9.96, down 9 and 1/2 centsDec. soybean meal closed at $315.30, up 20 centsDec. soybean oil closed at 41.90, down 143 pointsDec. wheat closed at $5.85 and 1/4, down... Read More.

More farmers expected to take advantage of reduced interest rates

Monday, October 14

The co-founder of Farmers Business Network says now is a good time for farmers to evaluate their finances ahead of the 2025 growing season. Charles Baron tells Brownfield he expects many will take advantage of lower interest rates. “I think across the board, you’ll... Read More.