Ag News
Live cattle up, feeders close lower
Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures were up on follow through buying and support from the week’s direct business. Feeders were down on profit taking. February live was $.80 higher at $180.55 and April was [Read More…]
Boyce and Swartz join Ohio Corn & Wheat
The Ohio Corn & Wheat Boards have announced new member appointments. Sam Boyce has been elected to the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association and tells Brownfield he’s excited to represent young and beginning farmers [Read More…]
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: February 2, 2024
Mar. corn closed at $4.42 and 3/4, down 4 and 1/2 centsMar. soybeans closed at $11.88 and 1/2, down 14 and 3/4 centsMar. soybean meal closed at $356.80, down $4.90Mar. soybean oil closed at 44.73, [Read More…]
Higher interest rates continue to impact farm management
An ag economist says education is key when it comes to the current lending environment. Matt Erickson, ag economic and policy advisor with Farm Credit Services of America says higher interest rates are forcing farmers [Read More…]
A Good But Challenging Year
Southwest Iowa farmer Jeff Jorgenson says 2023 was a good year on his farm, with some record yields. But he tells Brownfield there were challenges during the growing season, including a lack of moisture and [Read More…]
A short-lived El Nino
Drought has been one of the factors that have hindered herd expansion in the cattle industry. Atmospheric scientist Matt Makens tells Brownfield while precipitation has helped improve conditions, it will likely be short-lived. “By later [Read More…]
CattleFax talks price outlook for 2024
With more contraction in the cattle herd, the CEO of CattleFax says that could signal good news for prices. Randy Blach says supplies are going to decline in 2024, 2025, and probably again in 2026. [Read More…]
Unseasonably mild pattern ahead across the Heartland; active & moisture-laden for most
Looking ahead, the 6- to 10-day outlook calls for the likelihood of near- or above-normal temperatures and precipitation across much of country. Cooler-than-normal conditions will be confined to Florida’s peninsula and the Far West. Meanwhile, [Read More…]
Biden administration to continue their current trade approach
The chief agricultural negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative says not much is expected to change on the Biden administration’s trade approach in the next few months. Doug McKalip tells Brownfield… “We’ve [Read More…]
Direct cash cattle trade picks up steam Thursday
Chicago Mercantile Exchange live and feeder cattle futures were sharply higher, supported by the sharply higher direct business during the session, along with the USDA’s neutral to bullish Cattle Inventory numbers. Feeders had additional support [Read More…]
Soybeans fall as corn finishes modestly lower
Soybeans were lower on fund and technical selling, managing to finish just above the session lows. U.S. export sales were a marketing year low at just 6 million bushels, reflecting Brazil’s hold on the market [Read More…]
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: February 1, 2024
Mar. corn closed at $4.47 and 1/4, down 1 centMar. soybeans closed at $12.03 and 1/4, down 19 centsMar. soybean meal closed at $361.70, down $6.60Mar. soybean oil closed at 45.60, down 42 pointsMar. wheat [Read More…]
Five-month FMMO hearing testimony under review
The National Milk Producers Federation expects its proposals for Federal Milk Marketing Order reform to be the foundation of conversations moving forward. Alan Bjerga tells Brownfield their organization is currently reviewing the 12,000-page transcript over [Read More…]
Record soybean crush, good corn for ethanol use in December
More soybeans were crushed during December 2023 than any other month on record. The USDA says that crush was 204 million bushels, up 4 million from November and 17 million from December 2022. That was [Read More…]
Global production uncertainties support corn market
Uncertainty about overall production in 2024 is helping support the corn market. Angie Setzer with Consus Ag Consulting says there are three crops to be made this year. “We’ve got to get the Safrinha crop, [Read More…]
Family Farm Preservation Act would protect future generations
Bipartisan legislation introduced in both chambers of the Illinois State Assembly Wednesday would reduce estate tax burdens for family farmers. During a news conference, House sponsor Sharon Chung says the bill would raise exemptions from [Read More…]
Soybean export sales at marketing year low
The USDA says U.S. soybean export sales hit a marketing year low during the week ending January 25th. That’s due to the continued heavy competition from Brazil, which has seen prices move mostly lower in [Read More…]
Report: U.S. drivers have logged 100 billion miles on E15
A report from Growth Energy recently found U.S. motorists have driven 100 billion miles on E15 fuel blends. Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, says that’s no surprise. “The numbers just [Read More…]
Appetite for Pork Report
Discover the sizzling narrative behind the “Appetite for Pork Report” video series, brought to you by the National Pork Board. Unveiling the dynamic strategies of the Pork Checkoff, this engaging series delves into how it [Read More…]
Cattle producers ready to address cattle traceability
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association will fine tune their stance on cattle traceability today and cattle producers are ready to discuss it. Kansas Livestock Association President Philip Weltmer tells Brownfield the resolution was introduced by [Read More…]