Rural bankers pessimistic about economic growth
The latest Rural Mainstreet Index found that lower farm commodity prices have pushed bank loans to a record high. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says the July survey of rural […]
Favorable corn crop across Iowa, agronomist says
An agronomist with Brevant Seeds says weather conditions have been mostly favorable for Iowa corn farmers. John Long tells Brownfield the state has received adequate amounts of moisture for pollination. […]
Dairy herd, milk production growing
A dairy economist says herd size and milk production are growing. Corey Geiger with CoBank tells Brownfield, “It’s growing because dairy farmers are culling less dairy cows.” Geiger says that […]
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: July 17, 2025
Sep. corn closed at $4.02, down 3 and 1/4 centsAug. soybeans closed at $10.21 and 1/2, up 8 centsAug. soybean meal closed at $268.70, up 30 centsAug. soybean oil closed […]
Cattle futures mixed, lean hogs were higher
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle futures were mixed, watching direct business start to develop. August live cattle $223.67 down $.22 and October was $.42 lower at […]
Soybeans follow bean oil, corn consolidates
Soybeans were higher on short covering and technical buying, along with spillover support from the strength in bean oil. Beans continue to monitor weather, which looks mostly favorable over the […]
Soy Oils – EP 2
Soybean oil is more than just a byproduct – it helps add value to the crop and keeps demand strong. Soybean oil plays a crucial role in the world’s food […]
Declines in migration expected to exacerbate labor shortages
CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange Director says the labor crunch across the U.S. is only going to get tighter. Rob Fox tells Brownfield the historic surge in immigration in recent years has […]
See & Spray impacting soybean traits
Advancements in spraying technology are bringing changes to soybean traits. Katy Martin-Rainey, professor of soybean genetics at Purdue, says current soybean varieties don’t hold up well against most pre-emergent herbicides, […]
Uncertainties a concern for farmland values
An ag real estate specialist says there’s a tremendous amount of uncertainty that could impact farmland values. Paul Schadegg is with Farmers National Company. “I’m not sure that I’ve ever […]