Agriculture

A third flock in northeast Indiana has tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza.  It is considered a presumptive-positive case while samples are verified at the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory.  The flock, located in Allen County, has fewer than 50 total chickens and ducks.  A 6.2-mile surveillance zone will be established around the flock.  The flock will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the virus. Testing of nearby flocks […]

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in a small flock of birds in Northeast Indiana.  This is the second case in Allen County.  It is considered a presumptive-positive case while samples are verified at the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory.  The flock of approximately 100 mixed-species birds was reported following the unexplained death of eight birds in less than 24-hours.  The remaining birds in the flock were depopulated to […]

Legislation in Michigan that would give gas station owners a tax credit for every gallon of ethanol sold has the support of the state’s agriculture groups. Chuck Lippstreau with the Michigan Agri-Business Association tells Brownfield that Senate Bill 814 by Senator Kevin Daley is needed to help make higher blends of biofuels available in more places. “It’s not just important for rural businesses, it’s important for anybody who drives a […]

Grace College, a small Christian college in Northern Indiana has announced plans for its Center for Agriculture.  Dr. John Teevan, interim president of Grace College says the agriculture and ag business degrees were created to help meet the needs of the state’s ag economy and train the next generation of faith-filled industry leaders to feed the world.  Grace College is located within a 30-mile radius of major ag corporations like […]

At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live cattle were mostly higher and feeder on technical activity, also keeping an eye on corn. August live cattle closed $.27 lower at $133.85 and August feeder cattle closed $.92 higher at $173.87.  It was a quiet Friday for direct cash cattle trade activity.  For the week, deals in the South were at mostly $135, $2 lower than the prior week’s weighted averages.  Northern dressed […]

A leader in the ethanol industry says increasing biofuel blending requirements restores integrity to the Renewable Fuel Standard and will help lower prices at the pump. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper says EPA’s announcement provides clarity and predictability. “All in all, we see this is as a very positive package for the industry.  We think it goes along way toward putting the RFS back on track and […]

Soybeans were sharply lower on profit taking and technical selling, cementing the lower weekly close. Old crop exports were a marketing year low, but that’s partially a function of tight supplies, while new crop sales were unspectacular. China was a net cancellation on old crop and unknown destinations led the way for new crop. The fundamental outlook for soybeans and products remains bullish. Still, soybean meal followed beans lower and […]

Jul. corn closed at $7.27, down 3 and 1/4 centsJul. soybeans closed at $16.97 and 3/4, down 31 and 1/2 centsJul. soybean meal closed at $407.90, down $7.00Jul. soybean oil closed at 81.85, up 41 pointsJul. wheat closed at $10.40, down 18 and 1/4 centsJun. live cattle closed at $133.60, down 2 centsJun. lean hogs closed at $110.20, up 15 centsJun. ...