Local, State & Ag News
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: August 19, 2026
Sep. corn $4.73, up 9 and 3/4 centsSep. soybeans $12.22 and 1/4, up 21 and 1/2 centsSep. soybean meal $318.90, up $5.90Sep. soybean oil 69.86, up 17 pointsSep. Chicago wheat
U.S. broiler sets, placements stay ahead of last year
Broiler hatchery numbers continued their faster than a year ago pace as the industry continues to try to meet demand. The USDA says 250.381 million broiler-type eggs were set into
Farmer looks to trim fertilizer costs without sacrificing yield
A southeast Nebraska farmer says he’s considering changes to his crop management plan because of tight margins in 2027. Jay Hansen says he usually locks in prices in the
During Iowa State Fair stop, USDA official assesses USMCA negotiations
A top Trump Administration official says negotiations with Canada for revisions in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement have been challenging. Luke Lindberg, the USDA’s Under Secretary for Trade and Agricultural Affairs,
Proactive management helping farmers weather financial storm
The chief credit officer with Farm Credit Illinois says producers that are proactively managing their bottom line seem to be weathering the current financial storm better than their counterparts. Mike
Timely weather supports yield potential across Iowa
A north-central Iowa farmer says his crops are in excellent condition as the growing season enters its final stages. Stu Swanson tells Brownfield, “We finally have turned the corner. It’s
Central Missouri farmer prepares for early corn harvest
A farmer in central Missouri says corn harvest is expected to begin soon. Andy Clay from Moniteau County tells Brownfield… “We’re gonna try to get the combine and the grain
New documentary highlights the micro-industry of Iowa State Fair parking
About a million people visit the Iowa State Fair every year, and there are only about 15,000 parking spaces on the fairgrounds, which has led to a micro-industry of nearby
South Dakota lawmakers weigh difficult path to passing farm bill in 2026
The South Dakota Congressional delegation says a farm bill will need bipartisan support if it’s going to cross the finish line by the end of the year. Senate Majority Leader
Northwest Missouri youth exhibit champion steers at Missouri State Fair
Two northwest Missouri youth exhibitors have the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Steers at the Missouri State Fair. “It’s really a dream come true,” says Reagan Rodgers, a member
