Farm News

HPAI detected in a commercial turkey facility in Jay County

Friday, February 21

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has been detected in a commercial turkey facility in Washington County, Indiana. According to the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH), more than 18,000 birds will be depopulated, and an approximately 6.2-mile control area with a more than 12-mile surveillance zone... Read More.

Milder days ahead, especially centered on the Plains; a more active pattern to develop

Friday, February 21

Looking ahead, the 6- to 10-day outlook 1 calls for the likelihood of near- or below-normal temperatures across much of the East, while warmer-than-normal weather will dominate the western and central U.S. Meanwhile, near- or below-normal precipitation across most of the country should contrast... Read More.

Temperatures moderating on the western Plains; largely fair weather throughout the Heartland

Friday, February 21

Across the Corn Belt, light snow lingers across the Ohio Valley and lower Great Lakes region. Meanwhile, cold, dry, breezy weather covers the remainder of the Midwest. Friday morning’s minimum temperatures fell to 0°F or below in most areas west of the Mississippi River. ... Read More.

Renewed optimism in MO pork industry

Thursday, February 20

The executive director of Missouri Pork says the New Year is bringing renewed optimism for pork producers. “Producers need time to heal before any expansion happens.” Scott Hays says the bounce-back in prices has been welcome. But the lack of profitability in the recent years... Read More.

Wisconsin dairy groups sue state’s Attorney General

Thursday, February 20

Two of Wisconsin’s dairy organizations have sued State Attorney General Josh Kaul. The Wisconsin Dairy Alliance and the Venture Dairy Cooperative have filed a lawsuit against Kaul, challenging his decision to outsource the department’s environmental litigation work. Kim Bremer is the Executive Director for... Read More.

Cattle, hog futures lower heading into Friday

Thursday, February 20

At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were lower ahead of the week’s direct business, livestock slaughter numbers, and Friday’s On Feed report. April live cattle closed $.97 lower at $193.80 and June lives closed $.95 lower at $189.97. March feeder cattle... Read More.

Cautious optimism for winter wheat

Thursday, February 20

A western Kansas farmer says he’s cautiously optimistic about this year’s wheat crop. “With some of the moisture that’s come through, we’ve had a lot better luck with the stand this year, especially in the fall.” Clay Schemm tells Brownfield wheat is handling the... Read More.

Soybeans, corn end session with modest gains

Thursday, February 20

Soybeans were higher on short covering and technical buying. South American weather appears largely favorable over the near-term. There’s more at least scattered rain in some forecasts for Argentina and harvest conditions in Brazil mostly look good. The USDA’s next round of supply, demand,... Read More.

Soybean growers facing climate and economic challenges

Thursday, February 20

A soybean specialist with Clemson University says the nation’s soybean growers are facing challenges on several fronts. Michael Plumblee says changing weather patterns are impacting production across the country. “Regardless of about where you were, whether it was excessive rainfall, flooding, tropical storms, hurricanes,... Read More.

Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: February 20, 2025

Thursday, February 20

Mar. corn closed at $4.98, up 1/2 centMar. soybeans closed at $10.45 and 1/2, up 13 and 3/4 centsMar. soybean meal closed at $296.00, up $1.30Mar. soybean oil closed at 47.26, up 96 pointsMar. wheat closed at $5.85 and 1/2, down 6 and 1/2... Read More.

Ohio farmer concerned about tighter margins in 2025

Thursday, February 20

A northwest Ohio farmer says the ag economy has impacted his farm plans for this year. Justin Gravatt is a grain farmer in Union County. “Just trying to put the fertilizer where it’s needed,” he says. “We’re doing a lot more variable rate this... Read More.

Ethanol production, stocks above a week ago

Thursday, February 20

U.S. ethanol production improved slightly last week and stocks grew. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production averaged 1.082 million barrels per day, up 2,000 on the week and unchanged on the year. Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development says operating... Read More.