December 3, 2025

Soybeans drift on China demand questions and favorable South American crop outlook

Soybeans were lower on profit taking and technical selling. There’s been more talk of China buying U.S. beans this week, but no confirmation from the USDA yet. While that might just mean purchases have fallen short of the 100,000-ton mark required for daily reporting, it’s still deflating for market psychology. Some U.S. vessels are reportedly […] The post Soybeans drift on China demand questions and favorable South American crop outlook appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: December 3, 2025

Mar. corn $4.43 and 1/2, down 6 and 1/2 centsJan. soybeans $11.15 and 3/4, down 9 centsJan. soybean meal $311.30, down 30 centsJan soybean oil 51.67, down 101 pointsMar. Chicago wheat $5.38 and 1/4, down 2 and 3/4 centsFeb. live cattle $221.90, up $1.10Jan. feeder cattle $331.85, up $1.97Feb. lean hogs $81.00, up 82 centsJan. […] The post Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: December 3, 2025 appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Naig cautious, but optimistic about U.S.-China discussions

Iowa’s ag secretary says recent U.S.-China trade discussions have brought some cautious optimism to the ag industry. Mike Naig says a trade framework is good news, but more details are needed. “I want to be clear, trust but verify,” he said. “We certainly take it as good news at the highest levels. We’re talking about […] The post Naig cautious, but optimistic about U.S.-China discussions appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

USDA reports mixed broiler hatchery trends as egg sets rise on week, but slip on year

U.S. broiler hatchery numbers are continuing their recent mixed trend. Part of the week-to-week and year-to-year changes can be linked to the seasonal rise in reports of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, in addition to producers trying to adjust their flocks to meet demand. The USDA says 249.787 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubators last […] The post USDA reports mixed broiler hatchery trends as egg sets rise on week, but slip on year appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

More optimism in farm country drives boost in this month’s Ag Economy Barometer

An ag economist says more optimism in farm country helped boost producer sentiment in this month’s Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. Professor emeritus Jim Mintert says it rose to its highest level since June. “The trade announcement with China took place after the October survey was done,” he says. “Corn and soybean prices were up between 10 and […] The post More optimism in farm country drives boost in this month’s Ag Economy Barometer appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Climatologist: Winter weather patterns are not enough to relieve Eastern Corn Belt drought

The associate director of the Midwestern Regional Climate Center says drought could continue to be a challenge for farmers heading into 2026.  Melissa Widhalm says despite recent winter weather patterns, much of the Eastern Corn Belt continues to face moderate to extreme drought conditions. “We’re down about 6 to 8 inches below normal,” she says. “That’s even […] The post Climatologist: Winter weather patterns are not enough to relieve Eastern Corn Belt drought appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Some rootworms now resistant to pyrethroids

Researchers have discovered another crop pest that is resistant to the main treatment tool available to farmers.  Dr. Emily Bick with the University of Wisconsin tells Brownfield some corn earworms have developed a resistance to pyrethroids and it’s time to start looking for alternative tools. “This corn earworm has actually gone through and hybridized with […] The post Some rootworms now resistant to pyrethroids appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Nebraska Ag Expo brings cutting-edge technology and global exhibitors

The marketing director with the Nebraska Ag Expo says this year’s show will feature new, innovative technology to help producers boost efficiency on their operations.   Cindy Feldman says it will be the largest group of ag technology companies in the Midwest. “They’re trying to get their products and services to market the fastest because […] The post Nebraska Ag Expo brings cutting-edge technology and global exhibitors appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Depressed ag economy resulting in increased farmer mental health concerns

A commercial agriculture educator with the University of Illinois says a depressed ag economy is weighing on farmers’ mental health. “Comparing these economic times that we’re in now to what happened back in the 80s, we’re not quite at that point, but everybody’s stressed right now.” Emily Hansen says the number of farm families seeking […] The post Depressed ag economy resulting in increased farmer mental health concerns appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Midwife bucks trend and opens birthing center in central Iowa

Iowa has a free-standing birthing center again after a law lowered barriers for midwives to operate one. A birthing center is a facility for mothers to have what’s called a natural home birth experience. Midwife Sarah Sorvillo says she decided to open the center because she was already serving communities in maternal care deserts. At […] View Full Story