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Soybeans, corn, wheat down on tariff concerns

Soybeans were lower on profit taking and technical selling, adding to the week’s modest losses. The trade is monitoring weather in South America, with the chance of better harvest weather in parts of Brazil and some possible rain for Argentina. Ag commodities in general...

Tariff concerns adding uncertainty to U.S. agriculture

Ongoing trade tensions and global conflicts are creating uncertainty around the future of U.S. agriculture. National Farmers Union president Rob Larew says the organization has long standing policy around the use of tariffs. “There are times when the use of tariffs can be appropriate and...

Soybeans strong with easing of China concerns

Soybeans were sharply higher on speculative and technical buying. The Trump administration says it is not applying any new tariffs to China, yet. It looks like recent talks between Presidents Trump and Xi have dampened the chance of a renewed trade war between the...

Drought concerns for Northern Plains and Upper Midwest

A weather expert is concerned parts of the Midwest could experience a dry growing season. Bret Walts with BAMWX says long-term forecasts indicate regions where moisture has been more plentiful will continue in a wetter pattern. “Ohio Valley, Central Plains, (but) I’m concerned a...

Concerns remain about ag transportation

The executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition says ag transportation continues to face headwinds.  Mike Steenhoek tells Brownfield one of those challenges is the low water conditions on the Mississippi River. “We had drought conditions earlier this year also in late 2023 at...

Nebraska Cattlemen outgoing president says labor concerns are widespread

The outgoing president of the Nebraska Cattlemen Association says he’s concerned about ongoing labor shortages. Jerry Kuenning tells Brownfield it’s impacting every sector of U.S. agriculture. “It’s not just in packing plants, it’s who’s going to milk the cows in the dairy barns, the hog...

2025 drought concerns looming

Early indicators are pointing to an increased risk of drought in 2025. Eric Snodgrass, chief atmospheric scientist with Conduit Ag, says he’s closely watching La Nina and the Bermuda High. “We had a pretty epic fall drought.”  He says, “What happened in those years...

Eminent domain concerns highlight Illinois Farm Bureau discussion

Concerns over eminent domain highlighted discussion by delegates at the 2024 Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) annual meeting. “Our members are pretty clear and have been clear. We do not like eminent domain.” However, IFB president Brian Duncan says delegates recognize the potential opportunity some...

Winter feed quality concerns

There are winter feed quality concerns in the Upper Midwest. Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association president Jake Thompson says there was a lot of moisture this spring, but the summer was dry. “So from the cattle perspective when we’re looking at it, we had pastures...