Local, State & Ag News
USDA grants $9 billion in farmer bridge assistance
USDA’s Deputy Undersecretary says more than $9 billion has been distributed through the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program. Stephen Vaden tells Brownfield, “We have done so on average from receipt of
Historic Minnesota 4-H building set for major modernization
Minnesota 4-H is partnering with the Minnesota State Fair to renovate the 4-H building on the fairgrounds. Minnesota 4-H youth development state director Jennifer Skuza says the $35 million campaign
Soybeans manage modestly higher close on optimism about China trade talks
Soybeans were modestly higher on short covering and technical buying, pulling contracts to a firm week-to-week finish. Contracts were down early but rallied on optimism about the expected U.S./China trade
Russell: Congress will shape USDA budget
An ag lobbyist says he’s not too concerned about the proposed spending cuts at the USDA for the next fiscal year, because historically “the executive branch proposes and the legislative
Cattle, hog futures lower to finish the week
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were lower ahead of the USDA’s Cattle on Feed numbers and watching direct business develop. June live cattle closed $.27 lower
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: April 17, 2026
May corn $4.48 and 3/4, up 1/4 centMay soybeans $11.67 and 1/4, up 3 and 1/2 centsMay soybean meal $331.80, down 90 centsMay soybean oil 68.16, down 117 pointsMay Chicago
New Iowa laws about power lines, health insurance, trade with Ireland
Governor Reynolds has signed 21 bills into law this week, including a bill that requires restoration of farm ground in areas where utility companies are installing power lines. Representative Shannon
Supreme Court denies State Auditor’s request for Davenport information
The Iowa Supreme Court says the state auditor can’t see privileged information from the City of Davenport. State Auditor Rob Sand sought information on the city’s closed session meetings with
Global conflict and trade shifts pressuring U.S. ag exports
An ag economist with Ohio State University says the Iranian conflict is having an impact on U.S. ag trade around the world. Ian Sheldon says President Trump recently threatened to walk back a
Ohio Pork donates more than $5,000 to Cleveland-based food bank
The president of the Ohio Pork Council says the organization is helping address food insecurity through its annual Pork Power initiative. Nathan Schroeder says producers recently donated more than $5,000