Brownfield Ag News

Vaden: USDA reorganization on track

Carah Hart — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:48:50 +0000

The Deputy Secretary at the USDA says most elements of the agency’s reorganization are expected to be completed by the end of the year. “We’re moving full speed ahead,” Stephen Vaden tells Brownfield. He says thousands of USDA employees are expected to relocate out of Washington, D.C., as the agency moves mission areas to regional […]

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Top-tier acres buck trend in mixed Minnesota farmland market

Mark Dorenkamp — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:37:28 +0000

Farmland values are mixed in south-central Minnesota. Compeer Financial certified appraiser Jeremy Fluegge says he uses three benchmark properties to evaluate the market. “One of the markets has actually gone up in the last 12 months due to some high sale prices in November of 2025. The rest of the areas that I cover are […]

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Veterinary services bill would improve resources to address rural, Tribal health risks

Nicole Heslip — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:36:59 +0000

A U.S. House subcommittee is considering legislation that would expand veterinary public health services in Tribal and rural areas. Alaskan Congressman and bill sponsor Nick Begich says limited access to veterinary care increases the risk of zoonotic diseases and animal-related injuries in many Tribal communities. “This is a prevention bill, it protects children, reduces downstream […]

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New alfalfa varieties don’t go to market overnight

Larry Lee — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:33:33 +0000

New alfalfa varieties can take up to 11 years to reach farmers’ fields, but Forage Genetics International’s Phil Bollman says that long pipeline is delivering healthier, higher-yielding options for today’s growers. Bollman tells Brownfield that from concept through development and yield trials, it takes time for new alfalfa varieties to reach the market. “From a […]

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Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: June 9, 2026

Meghan Grebner — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:25:58 +0000

Jul. corn $4.19 and 1/2, up 3/4 centsJul. soybeans $11.13 and 3/4, down 2 centsJul. soybean meal $301.10, down $1.60Jul. soybean oil 74.91, up 35 pointsJul. Chicago wheat $5.85 and 1/4, up 2 centsAug. live cattle $239.70, up $2.97Aug. feeder cattle $354.10, up $3.45Jul. lean hogs $96.15, down $1.22Jul. Class III milk closed at $16.65, […]

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Cattle futures mostly higher waiting on direct business

Meghan Grebner — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:23:46 +0000

At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were mostly higher on tight ready supplies, waiting on direct business to develop. August live cattle closed $2.97 higher at $239.70 and Select is $2.77 higher at $232.12. August feeder cattle closed $3.45 higher at $354.15 and September feeder cattle closed $3.25 higher at $350.70. Direct […]

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Land constraints limiting rebuilding of the cattle herd

Meghan Grebner — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:15:22 +0000

The owner of one of the largest sale barns in the country says access to land is contributing to the slow rebuilding of the cattle herd. Jackie Moore is with Joplin Regional Stockyards in Missouri. “Anywhere where cattle country was, somebody that’s made a lot of money, has invested in those ranches,” he says. “It isn’t about cattle, it’s about hunting, it’s about recreation, it’s about all […]

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PIC unveils AI-powered tool to improve pork quality measurement

Mark Dorenkamp — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:10:37 +0000

The global director of applied meat science for PIC (Pig Improvement Company) says they’ve developed a digital tool to improve the accuracy of quality measures of color and marbling. Speaking to Brownfield during the World Pork Expo in Des Moines last week, Brandon Fields said the Pork Chop Studio is an advanced imaging system that […]

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Ag groups pushing for more action to expand farmland access for young producers

Erin Anderson — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:52:35 +0000

Some ag groups say more needs to be done to ensure the next generation of U.S. farmers and ranchers have access to prime farmland. Tristan Quinn-Thibodeau with the National Family Farm Coalition says outside land use pressures continue to drive land values higher. “There’s been a 40 percent increase over the past five years,” he […]

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Ag economist says producers concerned land use pressures will impact Midwest farmland values

Erin Anderson — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:50:24 +0000

An ag economist says some producers are concerned continued development will impact the ag land market. Michael Langemeier is the director of Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture. “Usually, the index of current conditions is closely linked to the farm capital investment index, but it’s also usually closely linked to short-term land value expectations,” he says. “This […]

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USMEF: USMCA remains key to sustaining long-term meat export demand

Erin Anderson — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:48:57 +0000

The U.S. Meat Export Federation says the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is key to supporting long-term demand. Joe Schuele says the agreement has helped expand access for lower-value cuts back into the marketplace. “Mexico is our largest destination for beef variety meat,” he says. “Canada is our largest market for processed meats. Producers need to get the […]

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Soybeans move lower again Tuesday

Meghan Grebner — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:44:25 +0000

Soybeans were lower again Tuesday, this is the eighth consecutive session with a loss. There has been ample rainfall, which can put pressure on prices. Soybeans are 92 percent planted, with 65 percent of the crops rated good to excellent, a decline of 1 percent from last week. Traders have continued to look for signs […]

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Farm Bill stakes extend beyond the farm gate

Kellan Heavican — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:02:39 +0000

Creating a farm bill that works for all of agriculture. CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Colin Woodall says passage of the legislation would bring much-needed certainty to the industry. “It’s not just about us. We also need to make sure that all of our friends in agriculture need to be healthy too. For […]

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Consolidation continues across the U.S. cow-calf sector

Kellan Heavican — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:35:31 +0000

A market analyst says tight margins is contributing to the decline of of small cow-calf operations. Matt McQuagge with CattleFax says the U.S. has seen a 30 percent decline of its operations over the last 3 decades. “We’ve seen a really sharp decline in the less-than-50 head operations as well as the 50 to 250 head […]

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Midday cash livestock markets

Meghan Grebner — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:06:00 +0000

Direct cash cattle trade activity is relatively quiet. A few bids have surfaced in Nebraska at $403, but those are being passed. Current asking prices in Texas are at $258 to $260, but no bids on the table. The rest of cattle country has been quiet. Look for significant trade volume to hold out until […]

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Timely rains, strong emergence boost confidence for west-central Minnesota grower

Mark Dorenkamp — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:01:10 +0000

A west-central Minnesota farmer is pleased with how the growing season is unfolding. Nathan Collins grows corn, soybeans, sugarbeets, kidney beans, and some organic crops near Murdock. “Got the early planted stuff in nice, and held off for a little while on some corn. And everything came up pretty good, we’re pleased with the stands. […]

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Cash dairy prices mixed on Tuesday

Larry Lee — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:53:44 +0000

Cash dairy prices were mixed on Tuesday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, with little to no activity in the whey and cheese markets. Dry whey was up $0.0075 at $0.6775. No sales were recorded. Forty-pound cheese blocks were unchanged at $1.4850. No sales were recorded. Cheese barrels were unchanged at $1.48. No sales were recorded. Butter was down $0.0250 at $1.6750. Nineteen sales were recorded, ranging from $1.66 to $1.68. Nonfat dry milk was down 0.1025 at $1.89. Seven sales were recorded, ranging from $1.90 to $1.9775. Nonfat dry milk sold above the $2.00 mark since […]

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Great Lakes Farm Incubator leader says land access programs are key to farmland preservation

Nicole Heslip — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:57:20 +0000

A farm business advisor says land matching programs are playing a growing role in keeping farmland in production. Koffi Kapchavi is the northwest regional advisor for the MIFarmLink Program. “I think the relationship between the farmland seeker and the farmland owner is a very important one,” he says. He says those connections can build generational […]

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FeedARMOR expands footprint as pork producers seek formaldehyde alternatives

Mark Dorenkamp — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:47:38 +0000

An innovation consultant with McNess says it’s been a very successful year for their newest product. Speaking to Brownfield during World Pork Expo in Des Moines last week, Dr. Fredrik Sandberg said FeedARMOR has gained significant market share while research continues. He says FeedARMOR is a natural alternative to formaldehyde used as a mitigant in […]

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Early wheat harvest can boost profitability and reduce quality risks

Nicole Heslip — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:46:58 +0000

Michigan State University’s wheat breeder is encouraging growers to harvest early when facing potential quality losses from wet conditions. Eric Olson tells Brownfield, “Get out there and cut that wheat early.” “Once you start getting into that 17 to 20 percent moisture range, it is more profitable to cut that wheat early, dry it down, and then […]

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