By: Alise Reschke
Grain and cattle prices are riding a roller coaster this season. For farmers and ranchers, every tick on the price board matters. Across the country, producers are on edge watching the prices with pure frustration. Corn and bean prices have jumped between profit and loss in a matter of weeks. Cattle markets face pressure from rising feed cost and President Trump’s action to import beef from Argentina.
Rallying soybean prices give farmers hope, but corn prices are falling. Corn prices per bushel are currently $4.37. The high cost of chemicals, fertilizer, and seed gives farmers high input costs and low profits. “Input costs keep rising, but the low profits make it hard for farmers to keep afloat,” said local farmer Jacob Thiltges. This year was the most abundant corn harvest American farmers have seen since 1933, causing prices to go down.
Overall, soybean prices have stayed steady while Trump negotiates trade deals with China and other countries. The soybean market is sitting at $10.23 per bushel with the new future at $11.50 per bushel.
Cattle have driven prices to an all-time high, due to historically low cattle inventory and tight supply. Many ranchers and beef farmers are upset with President Trump’s plans to import beef from Argentina. Trump faces backlash from American Cattle Ranchers for not supporting his American farmers. As a result of this, the cost of meat in the grocery store is higher than ever, hurting the American citizens.
“It’s a frustrating time for farmers,” said Kansas farmer Terry Reschke. “Selling prices are changing constantly, so we feel like we’re just giving it away sometimes.”
Through low prices, unexpected weather, breakdowns, and threats from Argentina, farmers and ranchers continue working to strive in the unpredictable markets. If you have food on your table, be sure to thank a farmer and appreciate the work they do behind the scenes.
