For Nate Meixell, Lake Crystal, Minnesota (Blue Earth County) Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Filed by The MI Farm AI Desk.
Weather, Blue Earth County, MN
What this means for today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. Wind 5 to 10 mph through the day (see the hour by hour table below). Source: NOAA National Weather Service via the MI Farm AI weather layer for Blue Earth County, MN, pulled this morning. Hour by Hour, the day ahead
Source: NOAA National Weather Service hourly forecast and station observations, pulled this morning. Wind this morning at your nearest weather station was about 12 mph. Rain WindowWe could not get a reading right on your field this morning. The nearest weather station (Mankato MN, about 11 miles northeast) recorded no rain in the past 24 hours. Your own ground may differ, so check your gauge. Futures board reference (not your cash)
The board is a labeled futures reference, not your cash bid. Your cash and net after haul are below. Corn Today (Dec 2026 board)
Cash bid, your nearby buyers, ranked by net after haul, best first
Cash bid is each buyer's own posted local price (the local cash plus basis). Ranked by net after haul, best first (ties break to the shorter haul, then higher cash). Net is the cash bid minus the cost to truck it there. Patronage is money a co-op pays back on the bushels you deliver, often a few cents a bushel.
Local cash bids, as of 2026-09-23.
Soybeans Today (Nov 2026 board)
Cash bid, your nearby buyers, ranked by net after haul, best first
Cash bid is each buyer's own posted local price (the local cash plus basis). Ranked by net after haul, best first (ties break to the shorter haul, then higher cash). Net is the cash bid minus the cost to truck it there. Patronage is money a co-op pays back on the bushels you deliver, often a few cents a bushel.
Local cash bids, as of 2026-09-23.
Grain and Livestock, corn, soybeans, wheat, cattleCal's Grain Call: Price a portion of 140,000 bu corn at $5.17/bu via POET Lake Crystal (a recommendation, see the factors).Corn: Grain in the bin is 2025 old crop corn; in September it prices on the old crop September board. Soybeans: Grain in the bin is 2025 old crop soybean; in September it prices on the old crop September board. Your whole farm money: about $1,055,892 net across your farm at today's board price. (32% of costs still estimated) Likely range $418,681 to $1,374,499: revenue is real, some costs are still estimated. This is your complete-budget whole-farm net from the one farm-total writer, not the field boxes added up.
Source: CME livestock futures. Cal's Market ReadOvernight, corn slipped about 7 cents; and beans slipped about 8 cents. Recent trend, over the last 5 sessions, corn has firmed and beans have firmed. That is the backdrop your cash bid is moving against. Here is our read on why. Cutting the other way, demand still reads firm per Tri-State Neighbor: Weather jumps hot, cold, wet, dry. Honest truth, the tape does not hand us one clean reason today, so take this as our best read, not gospel. Stocks are steady going into the open, S&P futures close to flat. A calm Wall Street is what your banker likes to see, it keeps the rate and input-cost backdrop behind your operating note quiet for another day. Cal Wall Street, yesterday's close
WHY IT MATTERS FOR YOUR FIELDS Decision DeliveredYour decisions for today and the week ahead:
What to Watch Today
From Cal's News DeskThe 10 stories that moved across the wires since yesterday's Brief, sourced, dated, and verifiable. Each one carries Cal's review, the same one the news page shows, with a link to read it straight from the source. 1. Dairy Management Inc. names Corey Scott president and CEO
Dairy Management Inc. has named Corey Scott as its next president and CEO, succeeding Barbara O'Brien. Scott currently serves as president and CEO of Midwest Dairy and has led the dairy checkoff across a 10-state region since 2024. The region represents 41.8 million consumers and more than 3,600 dairy farm families. Before joining Midwest Dairy, Scott was vice president of sales and marketing for Athian and held leadership positions with Land O'Lakes for more than 15 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in agriculture business and an executive MBA from the University of Minnesota.
Read the full article. Agri-Pulse, Tue Sep 22, 2026 7:05 PM CT 2. SDSU Extension to Host Annie's Project for Specialty Crop Producers
SDSU Extension is hosting a six-week virtual program for specialty crop producers to improve their business skills and risk management strategies. Designed specifically for fruit, flower, and vegetable farmers, the program includes expert insight, peer support, and practical education on topics such as business structures, marketing strategies, production planning, financial decision making, legal considerations, and human resource management. The sessions will be live via Zoom on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 9 p.m. (CDT) on Nov. 2-Dec. 7, 2026, and participants are asked to attend all six meetings to gain the full benefit of the curriculum. Registration is $50 and covers program materials and access to all sessions. To register, visit extension.sdstate.edu/events and search "annie". The program is modeled after Annie's Project, which is designed for women in agriculture, but it is open to all interested in agricultural business. This program provides a network of specialty crop producers to connect, share experiences, and learn from peers who understand the realities of working in a dynamic and demanding industry. For more information, contact Kristine Lang or Lorna Saboe-Wounded Head.
Read the full article. Morning Ag Clips, Tue Sep 22, 2026 8:32 PM CT 3. USDA Opens 2026 ARC/PLC Enrollment as 30 Million Acres Enter the Safety Net
The USDA has opened enrollment for the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2026 crop year. This expansion adds millions of new base acres nationwide. The update accounts for structural shifts in American agriculture over the past 20 years, including changes in crop rotations and previously untracked acres on livestock and dairy operations. Farmers can now purchase Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) or Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) crop insurance policies regardless of whether they elect ARC or PLC. Multi-year contracts ended in 2025, and producers must sign a new contract by December 11, 2026 to receive program payments. For assistance with decision-making, contact your local FSA county office, university extension specialist, or crop insurance agent.
Read the full article. Hoosier Ag Today, Tue Sep 22, 2026 6:20 PM CT 4. DFA CEO: dairy sustainability work can continue despite USDA directive
DFA CEO Dennis Rodenbaugh expressed mixed feelings about the USDA directive preventing checkoff dollars from funding certain climate and sustainability initiatives. He believes that farmers need a way to measure their environmental impact, capture value through carbon credits, and contribute to their bottom line in revenue. Rodenbaugh also mentioned the importance of environmental governance frameworks in preserving dairy milk's identity as alternatives have come to market. While he is not panicked, he noted that there are other avenues for sustainability work in the dairy industry.
Read the full article. Brownfield Ag News, Tue Sep 22, 2026 4:13 PM CT 5. Supreme Court declines to intervene in surrogate baby custody battle
The Supreme Court has ruled against getting involved in a contentious surrogate baby custody case between a California couple and the woman who gave birth to their son. The court denied an emergency request made by McKenna West, an Alaska nurse who sought to block the recognition of Omar Ahmed and Nausheen Gilkar as legal parents of the baby. Justice Elena Kagan, who handles emergency cases from California, did not offer any explanation for her decision.
Read the full article. Washington Examiner, Tue Sep 22, 2026 7:34 PM CT 6. Weather jumps hot, cold, wet, dry
August brought extreme weather fluctuations to Wisconsin, including heat and cold snaps, heavy rainfall and drought, which impacted corn harvest and harmful algal blooms. The Wisconsin State Climatology Office's Bridgette Mason and Edward Hopkins are assistant state climatologists, while Amanda Latham is the climate outreach specialist and Steve Vavrus is the state climatologist. Figure 1 shows August's average temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. While most of the state averaged between 65 and 70 degrees, some locations experienced significant deviations from this range. The extreme weather events highlight the importance of monitoring and adapting to changing climate conditions to ensure agricultural productivity and maintain water quality.
Read the full article. Tri-State Neighbor, Wed Sep 23, 2026 1:00 AM CT 7. Off-highway Vehicles Are Handy But Dangerous, Safety Specialists Say
Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are widely used in North Dakota for various tasks but their operation is often underestimated. In 2024, OHV crashes resulted in three deaths and 72 injuries in the state. From 2019 to 2024, there were 2,577 deaths related to OHVs in the US. The UTVs and ATVs included in this category can reach speeds of 70 miles per hour and weigh over 1,000 pounds. These vehicles are not designed for paved roads and often lack safety equipment required for cars and trucks. Head injuries, broken bones, and crush injuries are the most commonly reported crash outcomes. The North Dakota Century Code prohibits the operation of OHVs on paved roads. Farmers using OHVs on non-paved roads should be extra cautious as these vehicles may not be visible to other drivers and could result in accidents.
Read the full article. Morning Ag Clips, Tue Sep 22, 2026 8:41 PM CT 8. Wyffels Wednesday: Scouting Stalk Quality Crucial as Harvest Nears
Wyffels Hybrids, an independent family-owned seed corn brand, has become the fastest-growing in the Corn Belt this season and recently expanded into Western Indiana. This growing season has been marked by wide weather swings, which provided valuable insight as Wyffels evaluated performance across new territory. With solid genetics in the field, the lineup of products has handled late-season pressure exceptionally well. However, growers must stay vigilant with in-field scouting rather than judging standability from the cab to ensure cornfields are ready for harvest. Wyffels recommends prioritizing fields that show vulnerability and staying diligent in making sure they are pushed up on the harvest schedule. To learn more about hybrid performance and scouting recommendations, visit wyffels.com.
Read the full article. Hoosier Ag Today, Tue Sep 22, 2026 7:26 PM CT 9. Seventh poultry H5N1 HPAI case in Iowa announced
Iowa has announced its seventh case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a backyard flock in Boone County. This marks the first time H5N1 HPAI has been detected in Iowa since 2015. Meanwhile, the Hightower Report notes that the U.S. dollar's recent rally and the decline of the lean hog index are putting additional pressure on the agricultural market.
Read the full article. Tri-State Neighbor, Tue Sep 22, 2026 5:14 PM CT 10. Ohio Ag Weather and Forecast, September 23, 2026
Ohio Ag Weather and Forecast, September 23, 2026: No change in the forecast for today, with a damp and cloudy Wednesday with scattered light showers and drizzle expected. A tenth to half an inch of rain is possible over about 75% of the state through this evening. The weather clears out overnight, and then the pattern gets better going forward. Temps will stay below normal due to the clouds and moisture. Tomorrow, clouds give way to sun, and warmer temperatures work in as we move through the weekend and first half of next week. Sunshine is expected for the weekend, while the second half of next week stays warm and turns humid. Plentiful moisture is coming together and falling apart over the Great Plains and western corn belt throughout the week, but nothing is projected to hold together long enough to reach Ohio until Friday the 2nd. Scattered showers and storms are expected on Friday, with secondary moisture for Saturday and Sunday. The combined rain potential for these two-and-a-half days should be around .25 to 1 with 80% coverage. Behind this system, clouds give way to sunshine again, but another cooler push is projected for the 5th through the 8th. A massive storm complex is brewing in the Great Plains for midweek that week, which is expected to bring significant rains back to the eastern corn belt by Friday the 9th or into the following weekend. MI Farm AI: Keep an eye on the weather forecast as it continues to develop over the coming days and weeks. Stay informed about any potential storms or precipitation that could impact your crops and business.
Read the full article. Ohio Country Journal, Tue Sep 22, 2026 4:04 PM CT Around the WorldThe world news moving your markets this morning, the same read from Cal's desk that runs on your dashboard. Global Wheat Prices Surge as Russia-Ukraine War Hits Exports1. Global wheat buyers face higher costs due to Russia-Ukraine war. 2. Asia, the Middle East, and Africa are among the importers affected by supply disruptions. 3. Benchmark Chicago futures have climbed 40% from June lows. 4. Russian wheat exports are declining while Ukraine's shipments are half of last September's levels. 5. Some importers are seeking alternatives to Black Sea supplies, but some still have leeway. 6. Prices for Black Sea wheat from Romania and Australian Premium White wheat are around 25% higher than before the shipping crisis. globalbankingandfinance.com (via world wire). Read the full story.Local ObituariesWe note the passing of neighbors across your area, gathered from the local papers this morning. Our thoughts are with their families. Deanna JanovskyMankato Free Press obituaries. Read the full obituary.Alaine HoffmanMankato Free Press obituaries. Read the full obituary.Jane McConnellMankato Free Press obituaries. Read the full obituary.Koberg, JeanetteMankato Free Press obituaries. Read the full obituary.Richard WalkerMankato Free Press obituaries. Read the full obituary.Delmer GoebelMankato Free Press obituaries. Read the full obituary.Cal's ReceiptCal's Receipt is the running ledger of every call this desk made for your farm, what was at stake, whether you followed it, and what it actually saved (or cost). Append-only, and every dollar cites its source. You will find it on your farm Dashboard, on the Farm Services desk. Open the Dashboard from the button at the bottom of this Brief. Today in Farm SafetyKnow your overhead clearance before you raise an auger, an elevator, or a grain truck bed. Contact with a power line is often instantly fatal. If equipment does touch a line, stay on the machine and call for help, do not step off unless fire forces you, then jump clear with feet together and shuffle away. Source: Safe Electricity; National Ag Safety Database. Cal The Coffee ShopToday in Farm History, Federal Aid Road Act 1916On July 11, 1916, the Federal Aid Road Act provided the first federal matching funds for state highway construction, $75 million over five years. Better farm-to-market roads meant Midwest grain reached the elevator in trucks instead of horse-drawn wagons by the 1920s. Source: Federal Highway Administration historical archive; USDA history office. [CAL'S QUIZ]
Ford Model T launched in 1908 at $850. What was it down to by 1925?
(a) $110
(b) $260
(c) $430
(d) $610
Answer at the bottom of the Brief. [CAL'S JOKE]
Two neighbors share a fence line. One has fixed it 47 times. The other has fixed it once. The farmer said, "That count seems lopsided." His wife said, "It's been lopsided since 1979. We're not changing it now."
The MI Farm AI Desk
Cal "Corn-Bread" Halvorsen, your AI Agronomist and Editor in Chief Quiz Answer(b) $260. By 1925 over 15 million had been built. The Model T was the first car most American farmers could afford, and its chassis became the backbone of countless home-built farm pickups and grain wagons. Source: Smithsonian National Museum of American History; The Henry Ford archive.
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The MI Farm Brief is the independent daily farm intelligence brief that earns zero when you buy inputs. Cal "Corn-Bread" Halvorsen is the editorial persona of the MI Farm AI desk, the AI-orchestrated production team that produces this Brief every working morning. The Monthly Receipt is signed by the Founder, MI Farm AI. Honest. Independent. Loyal. Transparent. The HILT Covenant.*
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The independent farm intelligence brief that earns zero when you buy inputs.
Signed by Cal "Corn-Bread" Halvorsen, Editor in Chief, The MI Farm AI Desk.
Signed by Cal "Corn-Bread" Halvorsen, Editor in Chief, The MI Farm AI Desk.