Local, State & Ag News
Rising diesel costs sharpen focus on farm breakevens
The chief economist at the USDA says rising diesel costs are becoming a greater concern for agriculture as harvest continues. Justin Benavidez says fuel costs are pressuring balance sheets. “Until
FEMA approves millions in public disaster assistance for Iowa
FEMA has approved more than $18 million in disaster public assistance funding for Iowa. The largest award of just more than $10 million is going to Cornell College for repairing
Eastern Iowa farmer calls out soaring inputs
An eastern Iowa farmer says the financial strain from high production costs is becoming increasingly difficult to manage. “We have a broken market when we look at our inputs.” Lance
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: September 29, 2026
Dec. corn $5.22, down 1 centNov. soybeans $12.97 and 3/4, up 9 and 1/2 centsOct. soybean meal $360.10, down $1.60Oct. soybean oil 67.85, up 74 pointsDec. Chicago wheat $6.91 and
Hollow soybean plants signal new pest pressure from Dectes stem borer
The Michigan Soybean Committee is encouraging growers to scout for a new pest found in August. Research director Mark Seamon tells Brownfield Dectes stem borer was confirmed in Mid-Michigan last
Ohio Mesonet could help farmers navigate weather extremes and challenging field conditions
An ag weather and climate specialist says a growing network of weather stations is helping farmers access critical data. Aaron Wilson with Ohio State University Extension says the Ohio Mesonet
Flood watch adds to harvest concerns across the Midwest
A southwest Iowa farmer says saturated fields are delaying harvest progress across the region. “Basically, we’re wet like everybody else.” Duane Aistrope says he managed to get in the field
Ex-Spencer employee pleads guilty to theft, ordered to pay over $100,000 in restitution
A former finance assistant for the City of Spencer has pleaded guilty to first degree theft and a judge has ordered her to repay the city tens of thousands of
Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) confirmed in Wisconsin cattle
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has confirmed the presence of the virus that causes epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in non-lactating dairy cattle in Waukesha County.
Indiana lawmaker seeks dyed diesel relief for farmers as harvest fuel costs surge
An Indiana state representative says more needs to be done to provide meaningful relief for farmers as diesel prices remain at historic highs. Beau Baird says expanded access to red
