Farm News

National Guard exploring healthier food options

Wednesday, February 5

Some National Guard troops could soon have healthier food options. Erin Meyer, executive director of Basil’s Harvest, a Chicago-based non-profit, says the National Guard is encouraging a more wholistic approach to soldier health. “Physical health, mental health, spiritual health and nutritional health.” She says,...

House Ag Committee member concerned for USDA, federal officials

Wednesday, February 5

A U.S. House Ag Committee member says he’s concerned about how the rapid removal of federal employees could affect food security and availability. Michigan Democrat Shri Thanedar tells Brownfield, “USDA may lose some very talented, experienced workers, staff, inspectors, who really understand the process...

Farmer sentiment remains optimistic despite trade uncertainty

Wednesday, February 5

Graphic provided by Purdue’s Center for Commerical Agriculture. Farmer concern about President Trump’s tariff threats didn’t impact farmer sentiment in this month’s Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. Director of Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture Michael Langemeier says half of the responses expect a stronger safety net...

More than two thousand dairy products entered in contest

Wednesday, February 5

More than 24-hundred entries have been received for this year’s United States Championship Cheese Contest®. The U.S. championships are hosted in odd numbered years, and the World Championships in even numbered years by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association. The best of the best dairy...

Drought concerns not driving agronomic decisions

Wednesday, February 5

The prospect of drought does not seem to be influencing agronomic decisions as farmers prepare for the 2025 growing season. Stine Seed president Myron Stine says some growers are concerned about dry soils heading into the spring. “Ironically, I don’t see them making huge...

Getting Corn Plants Off to a Strong Start with Seed Treatments

Wednesday, February 5

Corn plants often face many challenges throughout the growing season. In this episode of Managing for Profit, South Dakota-based DEKALB Asgrow Technical Agronomist, Jeff Fuls, explains more. The post

Sharply colder air settles-in; a more active pattern gets underway across the Heartland

Wednesday, February 5

Across the Corn Belt, colder air is arriving in the wake of a cold front’s passage, with snow showers developing downwind of unfrozen sections of the Great Lakes. Wednesday’s Midwestern high temperatures should range from single digits (below 10°F) in North Dakota and northern...

Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: February 4, 2025

Tuesday, February 4

Mar. corn closed at $4.94 and 1/2, up 5 and 3/4 centsMar. soybeans closed at $10.75, up 16 and 3/4 centsMar. soybean meal closed at $314.00, up $10.30Mar. soybean oil closed at 45.76, down 75 pointsMar. wheat closed at $5.77, up 10 and 1/4...

Cattle futures fall further, hogs finish higher

Tuesday, February 4

Chicago Mercantile Exchange live and feeder cattle were sharply lower with another round of pressure from the slow resumption of cattle imports from Mexico and overbought signals. The higher move in corn was also bearish for feeders. April live was down $1.50 at $198.65...

Legislation to protect AM radio re-introduced in Senate

Tuesday, February 4

The new legislative session brings a renewed effort to keep AM radios in cars and trucks. Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin tells Brownfield the bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act would keep AM radio accessible in all new passenger vehicles, including electric vehicles at...

Soybeans, corn, wheat see good gains

Tuesday, February 4

Soybeans were higher on short covering and technical buying. A new tariff battle against China is on, but Beijing’s retaliation doesn’t include soybeans. Mexico does buy U.S. soybeans and soybean products and Canada is a solid soybean meal customer. Soybean meal futures were up...

Having a voice in establishing the organization’s policy

Tuesday, February 4

The policy that drives the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association begins with the states. Kim Brackett, NCBA Policy Chair, says the grassroots process is the bedrock of the organization. “Many of our state cattle associations have their conventions in the late fall, early winter where...