Local, State & Ag News
Early weather issues give way to promising Minnesota crop outlook
A farm business management instructor says crops in south-central Minnesota have bounced back from some early season struggles. Kristina McVicker with South Central College in Mankato tells Brownfield soil crusting
Iowa corn, soybeans improve in latest USDA Crop Progress report
The USDA says crop conditions improved in Iowa over the last week. Monday’s Crop Progress report says 80% of Iowa corn is in good to excellent condition with soybeans rated
Wisconsin Farmers Union president: corn filling out, third-cutting looks strong
A southwest Wisconsin farmer says 13 inches since the start of June has been plentiful for crops this season. Darin Von Ruden tells Brownfield, “Some of the early planted corn
Soybeans see big gains on exports, weather concerns
Soybeans were sharply higher on fund and technical buying. Parts of the region will see near-term rainfall, but it could miss some areas, and long-term forecasts are mostly hot and
Michigan crops ahead of average, blueberry harvest ongoing
A southwest Michigan blueberry grower says harvest this past month has been tempered by winter injury and several spring frosts. Tom Bodke tells Brownfield, “Our pickouts are not as much
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: July 20, 2026
Sep. corn $4.49 and 1/2, up 4 and 3/4 centsAug. soybeans $12.26, up 21 and 1/2 centsAug. soybean meal $323.50, up $3.30Aug. soybean oil 74.68, down 13 pointsSep. Chicago wheat
67% of U.S. corn, 66% of soybeans good to excellent
Not many changes to U.S. corn and soybean condition ratings over the past week as high heat blankets much of the Midwest and Plains. Still, state-by-state, the numbers vary widely,
Late frost, wet spring could limit 2026 Ohio wheat yields
A north-central Ohio farmer says this year’s wheat harvest is quickly approaching. Owen Niese tells Brownfield he expects the combines to start rolling in just three weeks. “We’ve been feeding the
Recent heat accelerating corn and soybean growth in Indiana
A west central Indiana farmer says recent warmer weather has helped accelerate crop development. Tyler Everett tells Brownfield, “With the cold end of April and May we had, it’s really helped
Illinois farmer still optimistic despite replants and tornadoes
A central Illinois farmer says 2026 will be a growing season he won’t soon forget. Thomas Perkins, who raises corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, and cattle in Effingham County, tells Brownfield, “We
