Agriculture News
Unseasonably mild on the Plains; more seasonal weather covers the eastern Corn Belt
Across the Corn Belt, snow showers are developing east of the Mississippi River in conjunction with an approaching cold front. Chilly and increasingly breezy conditions in the eastern Corn Belt
Cattle futures see more gains ahead of week’s direct trade
Chicago Mercantile Exchange live and feeder cattle futures closed higher, supported by the tight market ready numbers, getting ready for the week’s direct cash business. Contracts did close below the
Transportation costs adding pressure to farmers, expert says
An ag transportation expert says maintaining a reliable and efficient supply chain is critical as pressures mount across agriculture. “There’s a lot of stress among farmers,” said Mike Steenhoek with
IPWA–IEF partnership aims to strengthen poultry welfare education worldwide
The International Poultry Welfare Alliance and International Egg Foundation have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen poultry welfare training around the world. Elena Myhre with the International Poultry Welfare
Iowa soybean leaders eye 45Z guidance, EPA action to boost biofuel demand
Biofuels policy was a focus of the Iowa Soybean Association’s Farm Forward Conference. Iowa Soybean Association president Tom Adam says the U.S. Treasury’s proposed guidance on the 45Z tax credit
Talk of new demand from China supports soybeans
Soybeans were higher on commercial and technical buying. President Trump says China might buy more U.S. soybeans this marketing year, but there are very few details at this point. If
Finding an alternative path for the next generation of producers
An Iowa cattle producer says there are major hurdles can keep the next generation out of the cattle business. Justin Robbins says the lack of equity and access to land
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: February 4, 2026
Mar. corn $4.29 and 1/2, up 1 centMar. soybeans $10.92 and 1/4, up 26 and 1/2 centsMar. soybean meal $296.20, up $4.30Mar. soybean oil 55.66, up 117 pointsMar. Chicago wheat
Future ag professionals want real-world experience
The president of the Western Illinois University Ag Mech Club says he’s confident the next generation of ag professionals want to be involved. Owen Bull, a sophomore originally from Illinois
Focus on risk management ahead of spring planting
An ag economist with University of Missouri Extension says farmers should consider risk management strategies as they make planting decisions for spring. Ben Brown tells Brownfield “we just have more
