April 16, 2026

A central Illinois farmer says adopting the practice of “planting green” is reducing his expenditures on inputs. Derek Martin, who grows corn and soybeans, in Logan County, says over a decade of cover crop, no-till, and strip-till practices have made an impact on more than just his soil. “We went down that biological path and […] The post Planting green into cover crops is cutting input costs for central Illinois farmer appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were sharply lower ahead of widespread direct business and Friday’s On Feed report from the USDA. June live cattle closed $3.45 lower at $247.62 and August live cattle closed $3.05 lower at $243.07.  May feeder cattle closed $3.85 lower at $367.10 and August feeder cattle closed […] The post Cattle futures lower ahead of USDA’s Cattle on Feed report appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A southwest Minnesota beef producer says direct-to-consumer sales are becoming more challenging. Mark Enninga raises a cow/calf herd and operates a feedlot where he finishes calves raised on the farm. “Consumers have been not reducing their purchases of beef in the grocery store, even despite high prices. I have been seeing that consumers buying directly […] The post Direct-to-consumer beef sales becoming more difficult, Minnesota producer says appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

A southwest Indiana farmer says the current spike in input prices is having a mixed impact on his farm. John Richer raises corn, soybeans, wheat, produce, and operates cow/calf and fat cattle herds in Martin and Daviess counties. He tells Brownfield he decided not to change his planting intentions despite the surge in fertilizer. “Our […] The post Indiana farmer adjusts inputs as higher fertilizer prices squeeze margins appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

An ag meteorologist says recent moisture is welcome after a dry winter across much of the Midwest. Don Keeney is with Vaisala Xweather. “Specifically the Central and Southern Plains, Midwest and Delta. We had very little precipitation in those areas over the winter, and as such very little snowpack. Especially across the Central and Northern […] The post Spring showers help ease Midwest moisture deficit appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

The commissioner of agriculture in Minnesota is urging state lawmakers to support legislation that can help farmers through difficult financial times. Thom Petersen says the Rural Finance Authority allows the Department of Agriculture to make loans to farmers. “We need some more okay on our authority, so we’re seeking $50 million to get that done. […] The post Petersen calls for action on RFA and farmer-lender mediation appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

Soybeans were mixed, with spread adjustments pulling nearby contracts lower. Export sales were a marketing year low, but domestic crush demand remains solid, as reflected in Wednesday’s NOPA numbers. Last week’s sales were 9.109 million bushels, with Egypt and Costa Rica leading the way and no business with China, which continues to prefer soybeans from […] The post Wheat sees more support from U.S. weather concerns appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story

May corn $4.48 and 1/2, down 2 and 3/4 centsMay soybeans $11.63 and 3/4, down 3 and 1/4 centsMay soybean meal $332.70, down $1.70May soybean oil 69.33, up 173 pointsMay Chicago wheat $5.98 and 1/2, up 4 and 3/4 centsJun. live cattle $247.62, down $3.45May feeder cattle $367.10, down $3.85Jun. lean hogs $101.67, down 27 […] The post Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: April 16, 2026 appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. View Full Story