Illinois farmer building profitability through healthier soils
An Illinois farmer says building his soil’s health and water extractable organic carbon, or WEOC, has reduced his input costs. Brad Zimmerman, who farms in Tazewell County, says incorporating cover […]
Soybeans, corn hold onto crude oil related gains, wheat closes mixed
Soybeans were higher on commercial and technical buying. Beans saw another round of spillover from crude oil, which was up on supply worries, and crude oil, where gains were tied […]
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: March 12, 2026
May corn $4.62 and 1/2, up 2 and 1/4 centsMay soybeans $12.27 and 1/4, up 13 and 1/4 centsMay soybean meal $320.20, up $4.80May soybean oil 67.42, up 26 pointsMay […]
Scholten pushing Congress to advance farm bill and deliver fast aid for farmers in crisis
A U.S. House Democrat says she’s ready to pass a farm bill when the legislation comes to the floor. Michigan’s Hillary Scholten tells Brownfield, “We definitely need some improvements.” “I […]
Researcher: Farmers must use every tool to manage soybean cyst nematode
A soybean cyst nematode researcher says farmers need to use every available tool to manage the pest. Greg Tylka, a professor at Iowa State University in the Department of Plant […]
Kent County commercial poultry farm found HPAI positive
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed the first commercial case of highly pathogenic avian influenza on a poultry farm this year. The state says the West […]
U.S. ethanol exports dip to start 2026
Ethanol exports began the year on a slower note. The Renewable Fuels Association says U.S. ethanol exports during January 2026 were 212.1 million gallons, down 4% from December 2025, which […]
India mission trip highlights potential trade opportunities
The deputy director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture says a budding relationship with India could prove beneficial to the state’s producers. Kristi Jones visited the country on a recent […]
Cash dairy prices steady-to-higher Thursday
Cash dairy prices were steady-to-higher Thursday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Dry whey was up $0.01 at $0.65. No sales were recorded. Forty-pound cheese blocks were up $0.0025 at $1.5125. Ten sales were recorded, ranging from $1.50 to $1.5125. Cheese barrels were unchanged at $1.5125. No sales were recorded. Butter was unchanged at $1.8525. No sales were recorded. […]
Farmers face tight margins in 2024, making the right crop‑insurance strategy more important than ever
A crop insurance specialist says farmers are facing another year of tight margins and selecting the right risk management tool is crucial. Tony Jesina, senior vice president insurance and consumer […]