Farm News

Benson Hill files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Friday, March 21

A St. Louis, Missouri based seed innovation company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Benson Hill’s board of directors chairman Dan Jacobi says the move is the result of current industry challenges and financial constraints. According to a media release, the business intends to sell... Read More.

Crappie fishing is starting to heat up in the Midwest

Thursday, March 20

On this episode of Outdoor Adventures, TOPHAT Jigs owner Derek Martin from Illinois joins Brent Barnett for a conversation about spring crappie fishing. He gives some tips on the best ways to catch crappies early in the spring. The post Crappie fishing is starting... Read More.

ECAP applications are coming in

Thursday, March 20

A Farm Service Agency official says producers are signing up for the recently-released Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. Greg Biba with Wisconsin’s Farm Service Agency tells Brownfield there are three ways to sign up. “USDA has mailed applications, and they’ll... Read More.

Cattle futures up ahead of On Feed numbers

Thursday, March 20

At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were up waiting on direct business and ahead of Friday’s On Feed numbers from the USDA. April lives closed $1.65 higher at $208.47 and June lives closed $2.17 higher at $205.02. April feeder cattle closed... Read More.

Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: March 20, 2025

Thursday, March 20

May corn closed at $4.69, up 7 centsMay soybeans closed at $10.13, up 4 and 3/4 centsMay soybean meal closed at $297.10, down 60 centsMay soybean oil closed at 42.71, up 35 pointsMay wheat closed at $5.57 and 1/4, down 6 and 1/4 centsApr.... Read More.

Kansas lawmaker optimistic about new farm bill

Thursday, March 20

A U.S. Senator from Kansas says he’s optimistic a new farm bill will be completed by the August recess. Jerry Moran says lawmakers already have a starting point for the farm bill. “Whether it’s the House bill that came out of the House Agriculture... Read More.

Iowa farmer prepares for “dry” growing season

Thursday, March 20

A northeast Iowa farmer says he’s concerned about dry conditions heading into the growing season. “We’ve had maybe two inches of snow in my yard all winter,” said Mark Mueller of Waverly. Mueller says November was when his last measurable rain event occurred. “Just... Read More.

Fed leaves rates unchanged

Thursday, March 20

The Federal Reserve made no changes to interest rates this week and an ag economist says some cuts are likely later in the year. Creighton University’s Ernie Goss says, “They indicated there might be two rate cuts this year. I think that’s probably in... Read More.

Soybeans, corn close mixed as wheat drifts lower

Thursday, March 20

Soybeans were mixed. Export sales were down on the week at 13 million bushels and while China was the leading buyer, followed by Taiwan, it was a routine week of sales overall. That reflects Brazil’s current dominance over the global soybean market and could... Read More.

Corn growers eligible for ECAP funds, Iowa Corn says

Thursday, March 20

The vice president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association says he’s pleased USDA is making economic assistance a priority. The agency recently released the first $10 billion in Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) funds, and Mark Mueller tells Brownfield, “We are happy to receive... Read More.

Hope remains for trade reconciliation

Thursday, March 20

An agribusiness leader says he remains optimistic full-fledged trade wars can still be avoided. Michigan Agri-Business Association President Chuck Lippstreu tells Brownfield, “Twice in the last two months we’ve seen delays and sort of postponements of across-the-board tariffs.” “That gives us some level of hope that a full-on trade... Read More.

Red meat production falls sharply in February

Thursday, March 20

U.S. commercial red meat production dropped in February as winter weather in some areas limited movement. The USDA says red meat production totaled 4.233 billion pounds, falling 7% from the record monthly high in February 2024 with reduced slaughter levels more than canceling out... Read More.