Brazil’s expansion in corn production over the last decade has made the country a more important competitor in global corn markets, increasing competitive pressure for U.S. producers.

The USDA released its most recent Crop Progress report May 18, the seventh publication of the 2026 growing season.

Total economic returns in 2025 for Illinois beef feeding enterprises exceeded total costs by $35.98 per 100 pounds of beef produced in preliminary findings for farms enrolled in Illinois Farm Business Farm Management (FBFM)