Farm News

Questions remain about USDA funding freeze

Friday, February 21

The vice president of public policy at the American Farm Bureau Federation says there are still many questions as USDA evaluates program funding in the Inflation Reduction Act, but “the secretary wanted to make sure farmers who are made a promise by the government... Read More.

Soybeans, corn see end of week losses

Friday, February 21

Soybeans were lower on profit taking and technical selling, trimming the weekly gains slightly. Crop ratings in Argentina were up on the week after the recent and harvest weather looks good in Brazil. Some private firms have lowered their crop guess for Brazil, but... Read More.

Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: February 21, 2025

Friday, February 21

Mar. corn closed at $4.91 and 1/4, down 6 and 3/4 centsMar. soybeans closed at $10.39 and 1/2, down 6 centsMar. soybean meal closed at $294.80, down $1.20Mar. soybean oil closed at 46.81, down 45 pointsMar. wheat closed at $5.90, up 4 and 1/2... Read More.

Poultry production up in January

Friday, February 21

U.S. poultry production was higher in January. The USDA says 4.613 billion pounds of poultry were certified wholesome last month, up 1% on the year, with a 2% increase for chicken to 4.186 billion pounds canceling out a 5% decrease in turkey at 415.219... Read More.

National FFA Officer stops in MO for FFA Week

Friday, February 21

The Western Region Vice President of National FFA Organization says there is a place for everyone in the FFA. Abby Jacobsen says “to carry our world into its next era, we’re going to need all types of people to move people forward as we... Read More.

January cattle placements see year-to-year rise

Friday, February 21

The USDA says 1.822 million cattle entered U.S. feedlots during January 2025. That was an increase of 2% from January 2024, towards the low end of the range of pre-report estimates. Weather was likely a factor. Most of those cattle weighed less than 800... Read More.

Bright future for MO FFA

Friday, February 21

The president of Missouri FFA says the future of agriculture is bright. Andi Belt from northeast Missouri tells Brownfield “these kids just getting started in the organization have a really good future ahead and it gives me confidence we’re in good hands the next... Read More.

Milk production down in January, 5% of dairies closed in 2024

Friday, February 21

U.S. milk production was up fractionally in January as dairy farmers worked to grow their herds. Production in the U.S. totaled more than 19 billion pounds with production per cow down seven pounds from last year. USDA says farmers increased the dairy herd size... Read More.

John Deere confirms 119 layoffs in Ankeny, Iowa

Friday, February 21

John Deere is planning a workforce reduction at its Des Moines Works plant in Ankeny, Iowa. In a statement to Brownfield, Deere says 119 employees are losing their jobs as part of a three-group layoff throughout March and April. The company says the layoffs... Read More.

Bill banning lab-grown protein dies in SD Senate

Friday, February 21

A bill that would have banned the sale of lab-grown protein for 10 years in South Dakota has failed in the Senate. A second vote was considered after a tie vote on Wednesday, but lawmakers decided not to consider the measure again. In a... Read More.

ODA: Ohio has become a hotspot for avian flu

Friday, February 21

Ohio’s director of ag says the state has become a national hotspot for highly pathogenic avian influenza this year. Brian Baldridge says more than 11.5 million birds have been depopulated because of the virus. “As we’ve seen the numbers in Ohio, we’ve heard the poultry... Read More.

How a budget year could impact Ohio agriculture

Friday, February 21

Photo by Brownfield’s Erin Anderson. An Ohio state representative says he’s concerned about how the governor’s budget proposal will impact the state’s ag industry. District 65 Representative David Thomas tells Brownfield, “We have to use some of our state sales tax and income tax... Read More.