Farm News

Soybean growers facing climate and economic challenges

Thursday, February 20

A soybean specialist with Clemson University says the nation’s soybean growers are facing challenges on several fronts. Michael Plumblee says changing weather patterns are impacting production across the country. “Regardless of about where you were, whether it was excessive rainfall, flooding, tropical storms, hurricanes,...

Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: February 20, 2025

Thursday, February 20

Mar. corn closed at $4.98, up 1/2 centMar. soybeans closed at $10.45 and 1/2, up 13 and 3/4 centsMar. soybean meal closed at $296.00, up $1.30Mar. soybean oil closed at 47.26, up 96 pointsMar. wheat closed at $5.85 and 1/2, down 6 and 1/2...

Ohio farmer concerned about tighter margins in 2025

Thursday, February 20

A northwest Ohio farmer says the ag economy has impacted his farm plans for this year. Justin Gravatt is a grain farmer in Union County. “Just trying to put the fertilizer where it’s needed,” he says. “We’re doing a lot more variable rate this...

Ethanol production, stocks above a week ago

Thursday, February 20

U.S. ethanol production improved slightly last week and stocks grew. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production averaged 1.082 million barrels per day, up 2,000 on the week and unchanged on the year. Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development says operating...

Michigan FFA continues to see growth

Thursday, February 20

Michigan FFA’s state advisor says interest in career and technical training programs is helping to grow the organization. Mark Forbush tells Brownfield, “We have seven new programs than we had last year.” “We’re getting programs in more areas, interest in more areas and that’s exciting because...

January red meat production up 2% on year

Thursday, February 20

U.S. commercial red meat production was up in January 2025. The USDA says total production of 4.885 billion pounds was 2% above January 2024, with beef production gaining 4% to 2.37 billion pounds and pork 1% higher at 2.502 billion pounds. The cattle slaughter...

Egg prices reach $4.95 national average in January

Thursday, February 20

Egg prices continue to soar higher across the U.S. Dr. Valerie Kilders is an assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Purdue University and focuses her research on food and agribusiness marketing. She tells Brownfield the Consumer Price Index for eggs was...

New Indiana State Veterinarian comments on current HPAI situation

Thursday, February 20

The new Indiana State Veterinarian says the surge of highly pathogenic avian influenza has the state on high alert. Kyle Shipman tells Brownfield, “Currently, we have 12 commercial flocks and two hobby flocks in the state that we have diagnosed. The larger the sites...

Crop insurance: Get the base acres right

Thursday, February 20

A crop insurance specialist is urging producers to make sure the Farm Service Agency has the right base acre data. Mike Boen with Compeer Financial says, “You only get paid on 85% of your base acres, and that’s why it’s so important to know...

Fall fertilizer purchases bringing a sense of security

Thursday, February 20

The Michigan Soybean Committee President says he’s thankful to have the inputs he needs for spring as tariff threats create more market uncertainty. Mark Senk tells Brownfield fertilizer buying has been especially unpredictable. “Phosphorus especially has been very expensive for last couple years,” he...

Importance of spring nitrogen stabilizers

Thursday, February 20

A nutrient management specialist is stressing the importance of spring nitrogen stabilizers. John Stoffer with Corteva Agriscience tells Brownfield most farmers understand the need for N stabilization in the fall. “However, many of those farmers will tell me they don’t need to stabilize in...

Year of caution

Thursday, February 20

The president of the Illinois Farm Bureau says his farming operation is approaching 2025 with caution. Brian Duncan, who raises grain and livestock in Ogle County, tells Brownfield capital expenditures are being scrutinized. “Caution until we see some solid direction on some of these...