Farm News

USSEC optimistic about exports under new administration

Tuesday, December 17

The CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) says he’s optimistic soybean exports can rebound under the Trump administration. Jim Sutter tells Brownfield about 60% of U.S. soybeans are exported. “I believe that the U.S. has product that people around the world want...

Congress could be close on economic aid package for farmers

Tuesday, December 17

Lawmakers continue to negotiate a farm bill extension and economic aid package for farmers. U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley says House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated an agreement was reached last night. “We still don’t have text of that agreement, and it takes a while for...

Unseasonably mild weather next week on the Plains to build eastward into the Corn Belt

Tuesday, December 17

Looking ahead, the 6- to 10-day outlook calls for the likelihood of below-normal temperatures across the eastern one-third of the U.S., while warmer-than-normal weather will stretch from the Pacific Coast to the Plains and upper Midwest. Meanwhile, near- or below-normal precipitation across most of...

Temps gradually returning to more seasonal levels in the Heartland; new moisture for some

Tuesday, December 17

Across the Corn Belt, rain stretches from southern Missouri into the lower Ohio Valley. In fact, rain has become heavy enough in parts of southwestern Missouri to spark flash flooding. Meanwhile, mild weather covers the Midwest, with Monday’s high temperatures expected to range from...

Know your cost of production, expenses

Tuesday, December 17

Brad Sirianni is a farmer, former farm business management instructor, and ag lender says many families need help getting a clear picture of their income and expenses, starting with knowing the cost of production for everything the farm produces. He says not knowing that...

Kentucky, Mississippi farmers discuss challenging growing season

Monday, December 16

Delta farmers are reflecting on the 2024 growing season. Western Kentucky farmer Brent Gatton says weather was his biggest challenge. “We were extremely dry early on and then probably toward the end of April it was like the floodgates opened up. Anything that got...

Sustainability in the soy industry

Monday, December 16

The new treasurer of the United Soybean Board says he continues to focus on sustainable ag practices on his operation. Matt Gast is a first-generation farmer from Valley City, North Dakota where he grows soybeans and corn. “When it comes to planting or fertilizer,...

Livestock economist expecting some contraction in January cattle inventory report

Monday, December 16

A livestock economist says he still expects to see some contraction in the January cattle inventory report. Don Close, with Terrain Ag tells Brownfield there could be between 200,000 to 300,000 fewer cows. “It will be a smaller inventory and it’s just further exacerbating...

Central Illinois organic fertilizer plant gets boost

Monday, December 16

The director of global pet food and North American growth for French-based Innovafeed says organic farmers will soon have better access to the company’s unique fertilizer. Sean Madison says it comes from the byproducts of the Black Soldier Fly. “We take agricultural waste, or...

Michigan confirms HPAI in commercial poultry

Monday, December 16

The first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza since May in a commercial poultry flock has been reported in Michigan. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says the virus has been detected at a facility in Ottawa County. It’s the state’s eighth...

Farmers Union members source local food for convention

Monday, December 16

Wisconsin Farmers Union members get to enjoy the fruits of their labor, as well as the meat and vegetables during their state convention. Cara Vellender with Wisconsin Farmers Union says many years ago, members wanted to have more local food on the menu during...

Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: December 16, 2024

Monday, December 16

Mar. corn closed at $4.45, up 5 centsJan. soybeans closed at $9.82, down 6 and 1/4 centsJan. soybean meal closed at $286.90, up 70 centsJan. soybean oil closed at 41.72, down 89 pointsMar. wheat closed at $5.50, down 2 and 1/4 centsFeb. live cattle...