May 19, 2025

More states continue to request permission to make changes to the SNAP program. Brooke Rollins says several states have already submitted waivers to USDA and the agency is beginning to approve them as pilot programs. “That will allow states to test restrictions, evaluate those outcomes and better inform public policy.” She says the goal is […] The post USDA to begin approving state SNAP waivers appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A southwest Nebraska farmer says his corn and soybean crops are beating his expectations. Andy Jobman tells Brownfield he wrapped up planting recently and last night’s widespread rainfall will improve crop conditions. “From what I’ve seen so far from walking my fields, I think we’re going to have some really good stands our there.” The […] The post 73% of Nebraska’s corn planted, 62% soybean planting complete appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Dry weather helped spur planting and emergence across Wisconsin last week. USDA says 73 percent of the state’s corn is now planted, with 23 percent emerged. Soybeans are 66 percent planted and 19 percent emerged. Oats are 83 percent planted and 48 percent emerged, with condition rated 84 percent good to excellent. Potatoes are 84 […] The post Wisconsin corn planting heads into final stretch appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A central Kansas farmer says his winter wheat crop will need timely rains to help get it across the finish line. Rick Schlender says the crop got off to a good start but has missed out on several storms recently.   “We’re seeing loss of some tillers and we’re not as aggressive on tillers as […] The post Kansas rains needed to wrap up winter wheat crop appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Corn planting is nearly complete in Iowa. USDA’s latest weekly crop progress report shows 91 percent of intended acres are planted, 12 days faster than last year and four days ahead of the five-year average. Corn emergence, at 58 percent, is three days ahead of normal. Soybean planting reached 84 percent, compared to 58 percent […] The post Iowa corn planting reaches 91% appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says the biofuels industry continues to seek permanent policy for E15. “Clearly, you need a congressional solution,” she recently told Brownfield. She says President Trump supports efforts to establish permanent year-round sales of higher ethanol blends. “We’re helping as much as we can. The president has been unequivocal in his […] The post Sec. Rollins says Trump admin supports year-round E15 appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The USDA says many Illinois farmers made significant corn planting progress last week. KJ Johnson, who farms in Champaign & Vermillion Counties, says his family wrapped up planting on Mother’s Day. “We feel pretty good.”  He says, “We’re catching little rains. You go to northern Illinois, and they’re dying for rain. If you talk to […] The post Planting complete in some areas of Illinois; others not close appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Jul. corn closed at $4.47 and 1/2, up 4 centsJul. soybeans closed at $10.50 and 3/4, up 3/4 centJul. soybean meal closed at $291.10, down 80 centsJul. soybean oil closed at 49.44, up 51 pointsJul. wheat closed at $5.29, up 4 centsJun. live cattle closed at $212.97, up 75 centsAug. feeder cattle closed at $297.47, […] The post Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: May 19, 2025 appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A northwest Iowa farmer says his soybean planting pace was a pleasant surprise. Kelly Nieuwenhuis tells Brownfield he started soybeans on May 1st and then finished up on May 10th. “We planted in the dust. We never had a rain delay at all this spring. Last year was just the opposite. I think we finished […] The post Quick soybean planting pace in northwest Iowa appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture says she’s hopeful the continued northward spread of New World Screwworm can be resolved sooner rather than later. Brooke Rollins tells Brownfield she recently made the decision to suspend Mexican live cattle imports after NWS was detected within 700 miles of the U.S. border. “That’s too close,” she said. “I […] The post Sec. Rollins calls New World Screwworm “a big deal” appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story