Local, State & Ag News
Economist: expanding E15 could help ease pressure on diesel prices
Ag Economist Scott Irwin at the University of Illinois says expanding E15 consumption in the United States could indirectly help ease some of the pressure on diesel prices. “To close
Soybeans, corn, wheat drift lower before trade meeting
Soybeans were lower on fund and technical selling. The trade’s waiting for Thursday’s face-to-face meeting with China. President Trump and President Xi are set to talk trade and there’s been
Hog futures mostly lower ahead of Quarterly Report
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were up ahead of direct business. Feeders had additional support from the lower move in corn. October live cattle closed $2.15
Central Illinois corn farmer sees benefit to boosting meat exports
A central Illinois farmer says checkoff investments into expanding meat exports are paying off. John Klemm, who raises corn, soybeans, and cattle in DeWitt County and serves as a director
Disco Cow named winner of 2026 Midwest Dairy Accelerator
The founder of Illinois-based Disco Cow says more consumers will soon have better access to their innovative whipped cottage cheese products thanks to Midwest Dairy’s Accelerator program. Kate Colehour says
Michigan House considers year-round E15 sales
A bill to allow sales of E15 year-round has been taken up by the Michigan legislature. During a recent committee meeting, Matt Smego with the Michigan Corn Growers Association told
Questions remain over China’s $17 billion U.S. ag purchase commitment
Questions remain about China’s ag purchase commitments as the U.S. and China meet tomorrow. “You never know in these high level discussions what you’ll walk out with.” says Justin Benavidez,
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: September 23, 2026
Dec. corn $5.29, down 7 and 3/4 centsNov. soybeans $13.18, down 7 and 1/2 centsOct. soybean meal $370.30, up $1.40Oct. soybean oil 67.25, down 12 pointsDec. Chicago wheat $7.08 and
Broiler sets up week-to-week as placements dip
Broiler numbers were mixed on the week, still pointing to a year-over-year rise in production. The USDA says 247.786 million broiler-type eggs went into incubation, an increase of 2.564 million

Hospers Fire Department Responds to House Fire
Late Wednesday morning, the Hospers Fire Department and ambulance responded to a call about a residential fire in Hospers. According to a press release from Sioux County Emergency Management, all