Farm News

Biofuel supporters say EPA’s E15 action positive

Monday, February 24

The senior vice president of regulatory affairs at Growth Energy says EPA’s decision to allow year-round E15 in eight Midwestern states is supportive for U.S. biofuels. “We were really encouraged by this decision on E15,” says Chris Bliley. Bliley says infrastructure is available for... Read More.

Illinois ag groups opposing proposed Livestock Management Facilities Act amendments

Monday, February 24

Several Illinois agriculture groups are opposing proposed amendments to the state’s Livestock Management Facilities Act (LMFA). Chris Davis, director of state legislation with the Illinois Farm Bureau, says their organization is opposing the three bills that have been submitted in the General Assembly. “One... Read More.

Expectations set for fewer U.S. cotton acres

Monday, February 24

An economist with the National Cotton Council says fewer cotton acres are expected across the United States this year. “A recent economic report shows U.S. growers intend to plant 9.6 million acres, which is 14.5 percent lower than last year. We’re seeing the effects... Read More.

Bracing for the upcoming growing season with cautious optimism

Monday, February 24

The executive director of the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association says the state’s farmers are cautiously optimistic about 2025. However, Tadd Nicholson says there are still challenges. “High input prices, high land prices, all these things really pressuring farmers,” he says. “If you look... Read More.

Farm Bureau: ag secretary “gets trade concerns”

Monday, February 24

The vice president of public policy at the American Farm Bureau Federation says the new ag secretary at USDA understands the concerns surrounding ag trade tariffs. Sam Kieffer tells Brownfield “they are keeping track of how things are going and will provide an opportunity... Read More.

Farmers Union concerned about Trump administration staff cuts

Monday, February 24

The National Farmers Union wants to know how the federal government funding freeze and job cuts have affected individuals. Mike Stranz is Farmers Union’s Vice President of Advocacy. He tells Brownfield the funding freeze left many farmers wondering what comes next. “A lot of... Read More.

Economist says weather will matter as the cattle industry contemplates expansion

Monday, February 24

An ag economist says weather conditions will likely be a factor for cattle producers as they decide if it’s time to expand. Charley Martinez is with the University of Tennessee. “Part of the function on the production side and the farm management side is... Read More.

Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: February 24, 2025

Monday, February 24

Mar. corn closed at $4.82 and 1/2, down 8 and 3/4 centsMar. soybeans closed at $10.29, down 10 and 1/2 centsMar. soybean meal closed at $291.80, down $3.00Mar. soybean oil closed at 45.70, down 111 pointsMar. wheat closed at $5.79, down 11 centsApr. live... Read More.

Wheat removes some weather premium

Monday, February 24

Soybeans were lower on fund and technical selling. Development weather and crop ratings have improved in most of Argentina and harvest conditions are generally good in Brazil. The arrival of new crop soybeans in Brazil has put some pressure on their domestic prices and... Read More.

Rep. Hinson says E15 bill would bring stability to marketplace

Monday, February 24

U.S. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson says she’s optimistic 2025 is the year a federal solution for year-round E15 gets done. “Securing consumer choice for nationwide year-round E15 is an essential step to unleashing domestic energy production and to lowering costs at the pump.” The Nationwide... Read More.

The rising threat of agribusiness cyberattacks

Monday, February 24

The threat of cyber-attacks in the ag industry is growing, according to a new report from Purdue University. Trey Malone, Boehlje Chair in Managerial Economics for Agribusiness at Purdue University, says the complexity of the ag supply chain makes the industry more vulnerable. “The FBI typically... Read More.

Rural economy continues to slide

Monday, February 24

Pictured: Creighton University economist Ernie Goss The latest Rural Mainstreet Index showed continued uncertainty in the ag economy. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss tells Brownfield the index fell below growth neutral for the 17th time in the past 18 months. “With a new president... Read More.