September 12, 2025

Exports of U.S. beef continue to run below year-ago levels. Josh Maples, an ag economist with Mississippi State University, says one of the big stories is China. “China had become one of our larger beef export destinations,” he says.  But he tells Brownfield the shift in demand has been catastrophic.  “Exports to China were down […] The post U.S. beef exports to China plummet 94% amid trade disruptions; global demand shifts appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The USDA has raised its expectations for 2025 corn and soybean production. The corn crop estimate is slightly more than in August and 13% above 2024 at 16.814 billion bushels, with a 2.1 bushel per acre cut to average yield, now at 186.7 bushels per acre, canceled out by larger planted and harvested acreage, at […] The post USDA raises 2025 corn, soybean production on larger acreage despite slight yield cuts appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

An ag economist says margins are expected to tighten even more heading into 2026 and farmers should keep a close eye on their balance sheets. Purdue University’s Michael Langemeier says producers with high debt-to-asset ratios are the most at risk. “We estimated that within those that have financial stress, it’s about four to six percent are at risk,” […] The post Farmers expected to face increased financial pressure heading into 2026 appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Soybeans are stepping into the spotlight. The United Soybean Board is expanding demand opportunities for soybeans, from improving animal nutrition to boosting dairy production and helping create clean fuels. Listen to learn more. The post Driving Demand Initiatives appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A climatologist says a heat wave is occurring in the Midwest as farmers begin harvest. Justin Glisan with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship says temperatures are expected to reach the 90s over the next 5-7 days. “Thinking of corn and beans, if corn hasn’t black layered or matured with these temperatures then […] The post Dust, Fire Risk, and Rapid Maturity: Midwest Farmers Face Heat Wave at Harvest appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Across the Corn Belt, sudden warmth favors summer crop maturation and early-season harvest efforts.  On September 7, Missouri led the Midwest with 9% of its corn acreage harvested, while other states in the region exhibited corn harvest progress ranging from 0 to 2%.  On the same date, 25% of the U.S. corn crop was fully […] The post Drought expands across the Midwest; spotty showers High Plains to the upper Midwest appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story