Farm News

Wildlife’s role in carrying HPAI

Thursday, February 27

A biologist says he expects the threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza to continue as spring migration season approaches. Eli Fleace is with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. “It’s typically a cold weather virus,” he says. “Part of that is their migration patterns.... Read More.

Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: February 27, 2025

Thursday, February 27

Mar. corn closed at $4.64 and 3/4, down 13 and 1/2 centsMar. soybeans closed at $10.22 and 3/4, down 1 and 3/4 centsMar. soybean meal closed at $290.90, down $2.50Mar. soybean oil closed at 44.75, down 22 pointsMar. wheat closed at $5.46 and 3/4,... Read More.

Corn, wheat pressured by USDA expectations

Thursday, February 27

Soybeans were lower on fund and technical selling. The USDA is projecting lower planted area this year and improved demand next marketing year at the annual Ag Outlook Forum. Contracts were up early but wilted due to confirmation of new tariffs against key trading... Read More.

Farmers and ranchers need a farm bill

Thursday, February 27

The president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says farmers and ranchers need the certainty of a five-year farm bill. Buck Wehrbein of Nebraska told the U.S. Senate Ag Committee during a hearing this week he’d liked to see it passed sooner rather than... Read More.

Dairy margin program is out of date

Thursday, February 27

A sixth-generation dairy farmer says the Dairy Margin Coverage program needs to be updated to better reflect actual milk production in the next farm bill. Vermont’s Harold Howrigan testified this week before the Senate Ag Committee as part of a panel focused on the... Read More.

Pork, rice export sales up on the week

Thursday, February 27

There were a few bright spots in the weekly export sales update. The USDA says pork sales during the week ending February 20th were up on the week thanks to solid demand from Mexico, rice notched a marketing year with Iraq topping the list,... Read More.

Nebraska lawmakers considering bill to increase protections for meat and poultry workers

Thursday, February 27

Nebraska lawmakers are considering a bill that could increase protections for meatpacking and poultry workers during animal disease outbreaks. State Senator Dunixi Guereca is the bill’s sponsor. “This bill emerges from an urgent need to bridge meatpackers and agricultural production while ensuring, even during... Read More.

Illinois continuing to monitor H5N1 in dairy cattle

Thursday, February 27

The Illinois state veterinarian says the state is increasing its efforts to monitor dairy cattle for H5N1 avian flu. Dr. Mark Ernst tells Brownfield, “The Illinois Department of Public Health is beginning their initiation of milk testing at processors, and so that should give... Read More.

Sen. Ernst praises USDA, Ag Secretary Rollins for HPAI response plan

Thursday, February 27

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst says she’s pleased the USDA is moving quickly to combat the avian influenza crisis. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins revealed a $1 billion HPAI response plan on Wednesday, and Ernst tells Brownfield it includes some of her recommendations. “There’s an increase... Read More.

Potential health insurance change could cost farm families thousands

Thursday, February 27

The director of the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation at Iowa State University warns farm families about a potentially harmful change to federal health insurance. Christine Tidgren says a premium tax credit that covers a large portion of the cost is set to... Read More.

Thompson: 2025 needs to be the year of the farm bill

Thursday, February 27

The chairman for the U.S. House Ag Committee says farmers will need more support this year if a farm bill isn’t passed this summer. Glenn “G.T.” Thompson, R- PA, says farmers need the programs included in the legislation. “If we wait any longer than... Read More.

Rep. Hinson discusses GOP budget plan, farm bill negotiations

Thursday, February 27

The U.S. House narrowly approved a budget plan this week and Congresswoman Ashley Hinson says it shouldn’t impact farm bill negotiations. “I’m going to remain optimistic until I have a reason not to be,” she said Thursday morning. The budget resolution includes cuts to... Read More.