Local, State & Ag News
Wet fall may lead to drier corn silage at harvest
An extension forage specialist is concerned about how silage will be impacted by a wet fall in parts of the Corn Belt. Shelby Gruss is with Iowa State University. “This
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: September 25, 2026
Dec. corn $5.28 and 1/4, up 3/4 centNov. soybeans $13.19, up 1 and 1/2 centsOct. soybean meal $373.90, down $2.20Oct. soybean oil 67.26, up 33 pointsDec. Chicago wheat $7.03 and
Iowa drought conditions continue to recede
Dry conditions remain in northwest Iowa, but they have continued to shrink in the September rains. The area of moderate drought has gone from almost seven percent down to around
Rainfall improving conditions for wheat growers west of I-35
An ag meteorologist says an active weather pattern could bring some long overdue drought relief to parts of the U.S. wheat belt. Matt Makens says regions west of Interstate 35
U.S. turkey numbers up on year
The U.S. is expected to raise more turkeys in 2026 than in 2025. That’s in-line with hatchery data and projections for rising production as the industry tries to meet demand.
Poultry production pushed higher by larger processing totals
Poultry production was up last month. The USDA says 4.646 billion pounds of poultry were certified wholesome during August, rising 4% on the year. Chicken accounted for most of that
Retail beef prices and ranch profits aren’t the same
An economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation says there’s a common misconception that cattle producers are benefiting from record-high beef prices. Faith Parum says the connection between grocery store
Red meat in cold storage rises as poultry shrinks
Demand differences for red meat and poultry showed up in the USDA’s latest cold storage update. Red meat supplies at the end of August were up 8% on the year
2026 crop year optimism fades as diesel prices continue to climb
A group of Ohio farmers say record-high diesel prices could threaten the financial viability of their operations. “It’s really looking bad for our budgets.” West central Ohio farmer Scott Haerr
New corn disease reported in Michigan, scouting encouraged in the Great Lakes
A new corn leaf disease has been identified in Michigan, and researchers say it’s likely widespread in the Great Lakes region. “We’re finding it pretty much in every field that
