Local, State & Ag News
Red Crown Rot expanding footprint
The agronomy education lead with Beck’s Hybrids says more soybean fields across the Midwest are being impacted by red crown rot. Matt Montgomery tells Brownfield some infections were discovered three
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: August 18, 2026
Sep. corn $4.63 and 1/4, down 1 and 3/4 centsSep. soybeans $12.00 and 3/4, down 1/4 centSep. soybean meal $313.00, up 90 centsSep. soybean oil 69.69, down 175 pointsSep. Chicago

Rock Valley Man Faces Two Felonies Following Alleged Sioux County Jail Assaults
A Rock Valley man initially arrested following an alleged impaired-driving motorcycle crash now faces two felony charges stemming from separate alleged assaults inside the Sioux County Jail. The Sioux County
East-central Wisconsin land values surge 25% as demand outpaces supply
An ag real estate specialist says farmland values are exploding in east-central Wisconsin. Compeer Financial certified appraiser Jeff Jens tells Brownfield he tracks a benchmark property in Calumet County. “My
IndyCar and Indiana Dairy team up to reach thousands of state fair visitors
One of the Indiana State Fair’s most popular food stands is helping highlight the state’s dairy industry. Brooke Williams with the American Dairy Association Indiana says the organization’s partnership with
Optimistic outlook for soybean sustainability
The chairman of the Illinois Soybean Association says he’s excited about several new demand opportunities for soybeans. Bryan Severs, who farms in Vermilion County, says soy crush facilities across the
Mixed day for dairy prices Tuesday
Cash dairy prices settled mixed at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Tuesday Dry whey closed steady at $0.6950. Forty-pound cheese blocks were down $0.02 at $1.5775. Cheese barrels were unchanged at
Cover crops could help manage pests in corn and soybeans
Researchers at the University of Minnesota are studying how certain cover crops could play a role in pest management. Extension entomologist Bob Koch says cover crop adoption has been largely
Indiana conservation leaders recognized for protecting soil and water resources at this year’s state fair
Thirty-nine farmers were recognized for their contributions to conservation during the 2026 Indiana State Fair. Spencer County farmer Larry Groves is one of this year’s River Friendly Farmer Award winners.
USDA staffing concerns emerge ahead of Missouri State Fair listening session
Missouri farm groups are expected to raise concerns about USDA staffing during a listening session Thursday at the Missouri State Fair. Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins says there have
