Ag News
Pre-plant nitrogen can help some soybeans
A team of soybean researchers says a little pre-plant nitrogen might help. Mark Kendall with the University of Wisconsin tells Brownfield they’ve been looking at conventional and no-till soybeans following corn. He says seedlings have [Read More…]
Prop 12 solutions beyond EATS Act
Congressional opponents of California’s Proposition 12 are considering alternative solutions for pork producers if federal legislation fails. U.S. House Agriculture Committee member Angie Craig tells Brownfield the EATS Act, which would prevent states from regulating [Read More…]
Agriculture leads carbon and climate change efforts, NEFB says
The president of a state farm bureau organization says agriculture can be the center of carbon and climate change discussions. Nebraska’s Mark McHargue tells Brownfield the U.S. needs to increase investments in low-carbon biofuels and [Read More…]
Mild, still unsettled for most of the Heartland; local flooding from the Midwest, southward
Across the Corn Belt, rain lingers in the lower Great Lakes region, including much of Lower Michigan, while some mixed precipitation (rain and wet snow) is falling in the upper Mississippi Valley. Temperatures are above [Read More…]
Unseasonably mild weather continues for most of the Heartland; an active pattern to resume
Looking ahead, the 6- to 10-day outlook calls for the likelihood of near- or above-normal temperatures nationwide, except for cooler-than-normal conditions across Florida’s peninsula. Meanwhile, above-normal precipitation from the Pacific Coast to the Plains should [Read More…]
Cattle futures supported by direct business
Chicago Mercantile Exchange live and feeder cattle futures were sharply higher, supported by the direct cash cattle business during the session. That helped contracts shrug off the mixed midday move in beef. Feeders did pick [Read More…]
Milk federal order hearing to end soon
A dairy economist says the hearing on the Federal Milk Marketing Orders that began in August is expected to conclude next week. Chuck Nicholson with the University of Wisconsin tells Brownfield USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service [Read More…]
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: January 25, 2024
Mar. corn closed at $4.51 and 3/4, down 1/2 centMar. soybeans closed at $12.23, down 17 and 1/4 centsMar. soybean meal closed at $358.20, down $5.10Mar. soybean oil closed at 46.53, down 79 pointsMar. wheat [Read More…]
Down day for soybeans, corn
Soybeans were lower on profit taking and technical selling. Weather forecasts are generally favorable for parts of Brazil, while Argentina is expected to see a drier pattern, potentially into February. Early harvest activity is ongoing [Read More…]
Former NCGA president optimistic about farm bill timeline
A western Iowa farmer says he’s optimistic lawmakers will get the farm bill done in 2024. Kevin Ross of Minden says he expects the legislation to give producers continued certainty when it comes to crop [Read More…]
December red meat production up on year
Domestic red meat production during December was up on the year. The USDA says production was 4.546 billion pounds, 2% more than December 2022, due to heavier weights for cattle and a faster slaughter pace [Read More…]
2024 Michigan Master Farmers honored
Conservation remains at the core of this year’s Michigan Master Farmer winners. Jerry Heck’s farm in Monroe was one of the first to be verified in the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program. His commitment to [Read More…]
CME milk futures higher, cash dairy mixed Thursday
Milk futures were all higher and the cash dairy markets were mixed Thursday on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. February Class III milk was up $0.28 at $15.86. March was up $0.29 at $16.15. April was up $0.14 at $16.57. [Read More…]
Lack of precipitation still a concern for Illinois farmer
A western Illinois farmer says even with the recent snowfall, he’s still concerned about soil moisture. Brady Holst tells Brownfield he’d like to see more precipitation before planting season gets underway. “I know as we’ve [Read More…]
Will there be another HPAI outbreak this spring?
A state ag secretary says poultry producers are bracing for the possibility of another outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza this spring. Iowa’s Mike Naig says the virus had a major impact in 2023 with [Read More…]
A defensive approach to grain marketing
A grain marketing specialist recommends a defensive approach to selling corn and soybeans. Glenn Wachtler with Compeer Financial says growers “need to be on top of their game” going into the 2024 growing season. “And [Read More…]
Economist says pork producers unsure of Prop 12 impact
A livestock economist says the pork industry is still uncertain how California’s Proposition 12 will impact markets. The state currently accounts for about 15 percent of the nation’s pork consumption and Brenda Boetel with the [Read More…]
Farm Bureau advances poultry, foreign ag land and ag labor policy at convention
A South Dakota farmer and national vice president of the American Farm Bureau Federation says the organization took a stronger stance on several key issues at the annual convention this week. Scott VanderWal tells Brownfield [Read More…]
Economist says wait to pick ARC or PLC for corn
An agricultural economist is changing his risk management recommendations because of the expected tight crop margins and current corn and soybean prices. Paul Mitchell says corn and soybean producers can expect some tight margins in [Read More…]
IN Soil & Water Conservation Districts and Brownfield honor Friends of Conservation
The Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts recently recognized several Hoosiers and organizations for their efforts in protecting Indiana’s natural resources. Jeff Baker, president of the association board, says the honorees go above [Read More…]