Ag News
Kansas rancher says margins can’t get any thinner, no more cuts left
A Northeast Kansas cattle producer says record input costs and historic drought have put extreme pressure on margins. “We have cut corners so tight. You can’t starve a profit out of a cow.” Phillip Perry [Read More…]
Funding for conservation in the ’23 Farm Bill uncertain
A state farm bureau organization says USDA’s investments in climate-smart practices could reshape the conservation title in the next farm bill. Jordan Dux, senior director of national affairs with Nebraska Farm Bureau says lawmakers may [Read More…]
Placements of cattle down 2 percent on the year
The USDA says placements of cattle into U.S. feedlots fell 2% from 2021. There were 1.93 million head placed in feedlots during November, with most of those cattle weighing less than 800 pounds, heading to [Read More…]
The Mississippi River’s impact on Delta growers in ’22
An ag economist says farmers in the Delta region were hit especially hard by the low levels of the Mississippi River this year. Kevin McNew is the Chief Economist with Farmers Business Network. “It’s not [Read More…]
Grassley calls for more trade deals
US Senator Chuck Grassley says he’d like to see the nation enter more trade deals in 2023. “I would hope that we would return to our tradition of promoting trade because it’s so important to [Read More…]
Missouri Governor makes move toward year-round E15
Missouri Governor Mike Parson has taken another step toward year-round E15 availability in the Show Me state. In a letter to EPA administrator Michael Regan, Parson says he will exercise authority granted to state governors [Read More…]
Cattle producers battle blizzard conditions
An eastern Iowa cattle producer says this week’s blizzard conditions have taken a toll on his herd. Lance Lillibridge raises red angus cattle in Benton County. He tells Brownfield 30-to-40 below wind chills have impacted [Read More…]
Is eggnog safe to consume?
Eggnog has always been one of my favorite holiday treats. However, if the recipe you’re using calls for raw eggs, it may not be safe. But are there ways to consume it safely? Meredith Carothers, [Read More…]
McKalip confirmed as USTR’s chief ag negotiator, Esteban to USDA Thursday
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Doug McKalip to serve as the Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representative’s office. Senators also confirmed Dr. Jose Emilio Esteban to serve as Under Secretary for Food Safety [Read More…]
Crop prices mostly lower heading into the end of the week
Soybeans were lower and March beans are still having trouble surpassing the $15 mark. Crop conditions in Brazil remain mostly favorable. However, southern Brazil and Argentina are really dry and could use a rain. There [Read More…]
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: December 22, 2022
Mar. corn closed at $6.60 and 1/2, down 1 3/4 centsJan. soybeans closed at $14.67, down 13 and 1/4 centsJan. soybean meal closed at $452, down $4.00Jan. soybean oil closed at 65.80, down 51 pointsMar. [Read More…]
Live cattle mostly higher, hogs higher ahead of USDA reports
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live cattle were mostly higher, and feeders were higher waiting for direct cash business to develop. Boxed beef was sharply higher at midday and traders are looking to Friday’s Cattle [Read More…]
Sluggish week for export sales
Export sales for soybeans, corn, wheat and beef all saw declines, according to the latest Weekly Export Sales report. China remained the top buyer of soybeans, as demand has picked up in recent weeks as [Read More…]
Ag group teaches new drivers to share the road with machinery
A county farm bureau is teaching new drivers to be aware of ag equipment on the roads. Galva, Illinois farmer Kate Huffman chairs the Henry County Farm Bureau Health and Safety Committee. She tells Brownfield [Read More…]
Time runs out for farmer protection legislation
Legislation that would exempt farmers from proposed reporting requirements through the Securities and Exchange Commission didn’t make it through Congress in time. More than 120 Members of Congress support H.R. 9063, known as the Protect [Read More…]
A fertilizer budget can help mange uncertainty in 2023
An agronomist says farmers should create a fertilizer budget to help navigate a volatile market in 2023. Gaelyn Beer with AgroLiquid says it begins with a soil test. “That way you can develop that hierarchy [Read More…]
Senate omnibus bill includes rice farmer assistance
The US Senate has passed an omnibus bill that includes $250 million in assistance for rice farmers. Arkansas Senator John Boozman championed the request by USA Rice to help offset the losses rice farmers have [Read More…]
Popcorn farmer sees product on trade trip to Japan
A popcorn grower from the US’s top producing state says an overseas trade market is growing and helping boost demand for his product. Mark McHargue of Nebraska says he saw his product in Japan’s largest [Read More…]
Capital, land obstacles for young Nebraska farmer
A young producer says increasing efficiency on his operation is helping him overcome barriers that many beginning farmers face. Northeast Nebraska farmer Adam Venteicher says access to land and working capital is the biggest obstacle. [Read More…]
Bill addresses foreign ownership of farmland
A state lawmaker in a Midwestern state has introduced a bill that would prevent foreign ownership of farmland. Senate-elect Rusty Black of Chillicothe, Missouri says lawmakers previously voted to allow up to one percent of [Read More…]