The director of Michigan State University AgBioResearch says maintaining state funding for agricultural research in the next fiscal year is a short-term win. George Smith tells Brownfield the state’s second-largest industry needs continuous investments to remain viable. “We deliver on addressing problems of the industries, which can change on an [...]

A senior director with Central Life Sciences says the sluggish ag economy has most farmers exploring any means possible to protect the investment they’ve made into their crops. John Mays says it’s important to remember that crop risk doesn’t end once it’s harvested. “When you look at all the pests [...]

At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were mostly lower ahead of direct business.  August live cattle closed $.67 lower at $238.42 and October live cattle closed $.62 lower at $234.02.  August feeder cattle closed $.15 higher at $360.65 and September feeder cattle closed $.47 lower at $357.40.  [...]

A farm financial advisor says year-end balance sheets remain the best measure of an operation’s financial health, but a mid-year statement can be a useful alternative when updated records are needed. Grant Wiese is an ag consultant with Farm640, “Once we get closer to harvest you can actually slowly increase [...]

Sep. corn $4.43 and 3/4, up 5 and 1/2 centsAug. soybeans $11.93 and 3/4, up 9 and 3/4 centsAug. soybean meal $316.20, up $3.30Aug. soybean oil 68.59, up 83 pointsSep. Chicago wheat $6.18 and 1/2, up 4 and 1/2 centsAug. live cattle $238.42, down 67 centsAug. feeder cattle $360.65, up [...]

An ag economist says producers remain concerned about the future of the farm economy, according to the latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. Michael Langemeier, director of Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture, says the index of current conditions fell to its lowest level since December 2024.  “In mid-June, we were facing some very low [...]

A new Ohio bill could help improve carbon capture and sequestration across the state. Luke Crumley with Ohio Corn and Wheat says the legislation recently signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine could help expand market access for Ohio-grown corn. “Many of our ethanol plants can take advantage of this new [...]

A Minnesota organic farmer says premiums for corn are improving. Carolyn Olson of Cottonwood tells Brownfield conventional and organic markets often reflect the other. “They tend to have like a rubber-band effect, so we might be a little bit delayed in moving up or down. Right now it looks like [...]

Soybeans were higher on short covering and technical buying, rallying after updated midday weather forecasts. The trade continues to watch weather for chances of crop stress during key development phases. There’s been more talk about China buying U.S. beans, trade rumors are generally around 300,000 tons, but no USDA confirmation [...]

The USDA Farm Service Agency is accepting more than two million acres into the Conservation Reserve Program this year. Under Secretary Richard Fordyce tells Brownfield demand continues to exceed available acres that can be approved. “It’s based on a point system and the biggest benefit to the land, to the [...]