Illinois pork producer eyeing profitability in 2026
A central Illinois pork producer says he’s optimistic about profitability in 2026. Chad Leman, whose operation is based in Woodford County, tells Brownfield, “There’s good opportunities for margin through all […]
Early fertilizer buy saves Minnesota farmer from price spike pain
A southwest Minnesota farmer is relieved he doesn’t need to pay for anymore fertilizer for his 2026 crop. George Goblish grows corn and soybeans near Vesta. “With fertilizer prices, I’m […]
Sugarbeet growers planting at a loss after $500 million in the red in 2025
The American Sugarbeet Growers Association estimates farmers lost $500 an acre on average in 2025, and this year could be worse. “We’re at a loss before we ever attempt to […]
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: March 20, 2026
May corn $4.65 and 1/2, down 4 and 1/4 centsMay soybeans $11.61 and 1/4, down 7 and 1/4 centsMay soybean meal $328.00, down $4.50May soybean oil 65.51, up 10 pointsMay […]
February milk production up again
The USDA says U.S. milk production rose again in February. The National Agriculture Statistics Service says the 24 major milk-producing states made 17.6 billion pounds of milk, 3.1% more than […]
Cattle placements rise 4% on year, marketings down 7%
The USDA’s Cattle on Feed report fell within pre-report expectations. Placements into U.S. feedlots during February 2026 were up 4% on the year at 1.611 million head, towards the high […]
Bacon backs second round of farm aid, cites tariff impacts
A member of the House Ag Committee says he would support a second round of relief payments for farmers and ranchers. Don Bacon, a Republican from Nebraska, says the administration’s […]
Energy market volatility could impact the bottom line for farmers in 2026
An ag economist says volatility in the energy market could have a significant impact on farmers’ bottom line in 2026. David Widmar with Agricultural Economic Insights says he’s watching how […]
New Soybean Cyst Nematode lab to expand SCN testing capacity
Construction is underway on a new Soybean Cyst Nematode Diagnostics Lab at the University of Missouri. Mandy Bish, a plant pathologist at MU, says she will be directing the facility, […]
Illinois Manufacturers Association sees farm bill as opportunity to spur economic growth
The president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association says the certainty alone of a new five-year farm bill could be an economic driver. Mark Denzler tells Brownfield, “Any business, […]