Farm News

Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: December 9, 2024

Monday, December 9

Mar. corn closed at $4.41 and 3/4, up 1 and 3/4 centsJan. soybeans closed at $9.90, down 3 and 3/4 centsJan. soybean meal closed at $289.60, up $2.20Jan. soybean oil closed at 42.80, down 17 pointsMar. wheat closed at $5.58 and 3/4, up 1...

Solid start to the week for cattle futures

Monday, December 9

At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live cattle were up, and feeders were mostly higher, supported by the recent strength in direct business. Boxed beef was also higher. February live cattle closed $.85 higher at $287.02 and April lives closed $.65 higher at $188.95. January feeder...

Ag equipment layoffs a concern heading into 2025

Monday, December 9

An ag economist says he’s concerned about the continued layoffs that have occurred throughout the ag equipment industry. Ernie Goss with Creighton University says farm equipment sales dropped for a 16th straight month in the latest Rural Mainstreet Index. “Tighter credit conditions and weak...

Motion to remove IFB president shot down

Monday, December 9

The Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) delegation continues to grapple with the association’s expulsion from the American Farm Bureau Federation. Monday morning’s delegate session started with a motion from the floor to add the removal of current IFB president Brian Duncan to the meeting’s agenda....

Trump 2.0 comes with some uncertainty, and expected ups and downs

Monday, December 9

An ag policy expert says he expects a lot of uncertainty as President-elect Trump prepares for his second term. Jim Wiesemeyer says there are some concerns for agriculture in his second term, but there are some opportunities. “One is deregulation,” he says. “One of...

Corn, soybean export inspections up on year

Monday, December 9

The USDA says corn, soybean, and wheat export inspections as of the week ending December 5th remain ahead of the pace needed to meet projections for the current marketing year. The 2024/25 marketing year got underway June 1st for wheat and September 1st for...

ASA and WISHH highlight importance of emerging markets

Monday, December 9

The executive director of the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health says growing populations are driving demand for more protein. Gena Perry says the industry is targeting new markets for U.S. soy, which helps boost demand. “The FAO, Food and Agriculture Organization of the...

NEFB policy expert says farm bill extension discussions are heating up

Monday, December 9

With less than two weeks remaining in the lame duck session, an ag policy expert says Congress is inching closer to a farm bill extension. Nebraska Farm Bureau Senior Director of National Affairs Jordan Dux tells Brownfield the question is now, how long it...

St. Lawerence Seaway supporting actor for ag exports

Monday, December 9

The Soy Transportation Coalition executive director says the St. Lawerence Seaway is helping diversify agricultural export channels. Mike Steenhoek tells Brownfield, “The Great Lakes can and should play a bigger role in farmers being competitive in the international marketplace.” “It’s never going to rival...

U.S. cheese export volumes hit monthly high for October

Monday, December 9

The U.S. Dairy Export Council says higher commodity prices and improved high-value product sales bumped October export values despite a decline in shipments. Total U.S. dairy export values were up 11 percent from last year to $695.7 million while volumes declined by two percent....

National FFA Sponsors Board announces priorities for 2025

Monday, December 9

The new chair of the National FFA Sponsors Board says continuing to offer career development activities will be a priority in 2025. Aaron Wetzel is the vice president of production and precision ag systems at John Deere. “FFA is very focused on developing its...

Risk management remains crucial for cattle producers

Monday, December 9

A market specialist for the Missouri Department of Agriculture says several sale barns around the country notched record high prices for cattle last week. Tony Hancock says it should serve as a reminder for producers. “When prices get to record highs, eventually they are...