Farm News

Cattle futures up watching direct business develop

Thursday, January 16

At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were up on the steady to higher cash business that developed on Wednesday. February lives closed $1.12 higher at $198.52 and April lives closed $1.17 higher at $199.32. March feeder cattle closed $1.60 higher at...

Soybeans drift lower, with corn, wheat mixed

Thursday, January 16

Soybeans were modestly lower on profit taking and technical selling. The trade continues to monitor weather in South America, with some disappointing early yield numbers in parts of southern Brazil. Still, those are very early harvested beans, most of the rest of Brazil has...

MSU researchers following spotted lanternfly movement

Thursday, January 16

A Michigan State University entomologist says monitoring spotted lanternfly will help researchers better protect specialty crops in the region. Rufus Isaacs tells Brownfield, “It’s more in that southeast part of Michigan, thankfully, not where most of our fruit crops are grown.” “There’s been an...

Adjusting your nutrient management plan

Thursday, January 16

Pictured: Iowa farmer Nathan Anderson at the 2025 Practical Farmers of Iowa Conference (Photo by Brent Barnett/Brownfield) A northwest Iowa farmer says he’s looking at some changes to his nutrient management plan. Nathan Anderson says he’s been collecting data for several years. “We learned...

Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: January 15, 2025

Thursday, January 16

Mar. corn closed at $4.78 and 3/4, up 4 and 1/4 centsMar. soybeans closed at $10.42 and 3/4, down 4 and 3/4 centsMar. soybean meal closed at $302.00, down $3.80Mar. soybean oil closed at 46.27, up 5 pointsMar. wheat closed at $5.47, up 3/4...

Iowa farmer says raising oats could be profitable

Thursday, January 16

Pictured: Iowa farmer Mark Peterson at the 2025 Practical Farmers of Iowa Conference (Photo by Brent Barnett/Brownfield) A southwest Iowa farmer says he plans to start raising a third crop this year. Mark Peterson farms near Stanton in Montgomery County and says, “I would...

Second Indiana HPAI case confirmed

Thursday, January 16

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed at a commercial egg laying facility in Jay (east central) Indiana. The Indiana Board of Animal Health say this is the second case confirmed in the county this year. An active control and surveillance have been established...

USDA publishes interim rule for crops used as biofuel feedstocks

Thursday, January 16

The USDA has released an interim rule that will help farmers connect climate-smart agriculture practices with the reductions in the carbon footprint of biofuels. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the rule is directly tied to 45Z guidance issued last week by the U.S. Treasury....

Succession planning is the first step to future farm success

Thursday, January 16

An ag attorney says it’s important to take the first step in succession planning. Michelle Adler is an attorney with Gordon and Associates and says planning in advance allows the farmer to pass on additional knowledge of the farm or business. “How do we...

Broiler sets, placements dip on week, rise on year

Thursday, January 16

Broiler sets and placements in early 2025 continue to run ahead of the 2024 pace. The USDA says 249.32 million broiler type eggs were set into incubation last week, falling 71,000 from the previous week, but rising 4% on the year, with average hatchability...

Rep. Mann Applauds Agricultural Community During Winter Storms

Wednesday, January 15

By the Office of U.S. Representative for Kansas Tracey Mann WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) took to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to applaud the dedication of Kansas farmers, ranchers, and agricultural...

USDA Rural Development Invests in 54 Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects in Kansas

Wednesday, January 15

By the U.S. Department of Agriculture TOPEKA, Kan. — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Director for Kansas Rural Development Christy Davis today announced that Rural Development is funding 54 projects to generate clean energy and improve energy efficiency in...