Farm News

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.

Climatologist discusses “rollercoaster” winter

Monday, February 24

A climatologist with the National Drought Mitigation Center says the winter season has provided a rollercoaster of conditions. Brian Fuchs tells Brownfield, “We can get those big snow events, but we could easily be 70 degrees as well.” He says a seasonal drought outlook... Read More.

Nebraska farmer encouraged by rally in grain prices

Monday, February 24

A southeast Nebraska farmer says he’s been encouraged by rallying grain prices over the past few weeks. However, Logan Bredemeier says he’s unsure there’s been enough of a rebound for farmers to be profitable. “Some of that stuff moved out at prices that are... Read More.

Egg production drops in January

Monday, February 24

U.S. egg production fell in January. The USDA says 8.865 billion eggs were produced last month, down 4% on the year, with a 4% decline in the number of layers and a slight decrease in average production per 100 layers. The smaller number of... Read More.

Livestock competitions leading to career path

Monday, February 24

The champion of the 2025 Illinois Beef Expo Livestock Judging Competition in the Senior 4-H Division says becoming a proficient judge takes a lot of hard work. DeWitt County’s Paisley Schick says she and her two sisters practice the craft twice a week and... Read More.

Ag Secretary says USDA’s strategy to control avian influenza is expected this week

Monday, February 24

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins says the USDA will unveil the department’s plans to address highly pathogenic avian influenza this week. She tells Brownfield it will be a multi-pronged approach. “It looks to include more biosecurity and greater aid to our farmers,” she says. ... Read More.