Local, State & Ag News
Michigan Bean Commission says solving logistical limitations would open new avenues
The Michigan Bean Commission Executive Director says logistics are one of the greatest long-term limitations impacting growers. Joe Cramer says most of the state’s crop is grown across the Thumb
New milling investment spurs Minnesota farmer to reintroduce oats
A farmer in west-central Minnesota is adding oats to his crop rotation this year. Noah Hultgren of Raymond says the small grain is in the mix along with sugarbeets, corn,
JBS USA and National 4-H Council partnership helping fund future ag youth programming
A new partnership between the National 4-H Council and JBS USA is helping to expand youth development programming nationwide. Jill Bramble, president and CEO of the National 4-H Council, says the more than $750,000 will fund new learning experiences.
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: May 1, 2026
Jul. corn $4.80 and 1/4, up 5 and 1/2 centsJul. soybeans $12.03 and 1/4, up 7 and 3/4 centsJul. soybean meal $319.30, up 40 centsJul. soybean oil 75.16, up 62
April showers gave Iowa record precipitation for the month
We could be looking at a lot of flowers in May as state climatologist Justin Glisan says we had enough April showers to put the month in the top ten
Many farmers carrying heavier debt load
The vice president of data analysis with Illinois Farm Business Farm Management (FBFM) says the average farmer’s debt to asset ratio is relatively stable. However, Brad Zwilling says that’s because
March soybean crush, corn for ethanol use larger than last year
Strong demand continues to drive the domestic soybean and corn crushes. The USDA says 227 million bushels of soybeans were crushed in March 2026, a little bit below pre-report expectations,
Farm leader proposes labor pilot program
A farm organization is asking the federal government to consider a labor shortage solution. Wisconsin Farm Bureau President Brad Olson tells Brownfield that he asked Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins and
Wisconsin loosens restrictions on dairy cattle movement
Wisconsin’s agriculture officials have removed some transportation restrictions on dairy cattle. Effective immediately, lactating dairy cattle moving interstate from states designated with Unaffected State Status under USDA’s National Milk Testing
Farmers rely on strong lender relationships to navigate risk, Auburn study finds
Researchers at Auburn University are studying how lender relationships directly impact farm business decisions. Rural sociologist Kelli Russell tells Brownfield that middle-aged farmers prioritize working with knowledgeable lenders they trust.
