A new department recently approved by the St. Joseph City Council will help make city services more efficient, while also saving the city some money.  

The new General Services Department centralizes and brings key city functions, such as public works and the street department, under one roof. 

Councilmember at large Jeff Schomburg says one way this helps the city is that by getting these functions under one roof, it helps increase buying power, for things such as each programs fleet of vehicles 

"Thus that saves the city a lot of money, so they can go these people and say hey I’m buying this amount of product, how much discount can you give me for parts and stuff like that,” Schomburg says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “That’s one of the features of it, so there’s so many things that when they do the procurements, where they basically need a product and buy something, this is all going to put it underneath one house.” 

Schomburg says the new department can help each department around the city streamline their work more efficiently, using public works as an example 

“So (Public Works Director) Abe {Forney) will have certain project and certain things he’ll have, and then he’ll feed it over to the General Serv ice Department, they’ll kind of orchestrate that and then feed it back to him,” Schomburg explains.  “So, everybody will be working in tandem.” 

“And then that person in General Services may go back to Abe and say you’ve got to have this, this, and this done by this certain time, this is your deadline, this is when we need to get all this money in and everything is done, so basically it’s helping each department work more efficiently.”

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

New department helps St. Joseph save money and work more efficiently 

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after a weekend arrest.&nbsp;

On Sunday morning, Horton police notified police in Atchison that a suspect wanted on an outstanding Brown County warrant was at a residence in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Police officers located 29-year-old Thomas Pahmahmie at a residence in the 500 block Park Street and he was taken into custody on a Brown County warrant for aggravated kidnapping, attempted murder in the second degree, aggravated battery, aggravated domestic battery, and criminal threat.&nbsp; Pahmahmie has previous convictions for aggravated battery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas felon jailed for alleged kidnapping, attempted murder

Alabama Street, Route 752, is open as of 4 PM Monday, with stage 1 of the project to rework to junctions of Route U, 752, and 59 now complete.

Alabama/752 has been realigned with Highway 59/Lake Avenue, as well as adding right turn lanes onto and off of Alabama Street.

Highway 59 has been adjusted for upcoming work, the lanes narrowed and jogged to the east.

Stages 2 and 3 of the project are set to begin soon, though no exact date was given. An access road to businesses west of 59 is in planning, as well as the realignment of Route U onto 59. After that, crews are set to widen Highway 59 and realign Valley Street.

MoDOT's traffic impact estimates are still pending for these next stages.

Work on the restructuring began last April.

Alabama Street Reopened

The City of St. Joseph says East Lake Boulevard, between I-229 and King Hill, will be closed Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 7:00am - Friday, Feb. 13, at 4:00 p.m.

The closure is for water infrastructure repairs by Jackson Plumbing in coordination with Missouri American Water.

 Traffic will be detoured east to S. 11th Street Road, north on S. 11th Street Road to west on Atchison Street, and back on to King Hill Avenue.&nbsp;

Section of East Lake Blvd. to close Feb. 11 - 13 for water infrastructure repairs

On Feb. 6, United States Senator Jerry Moran held a press conference at Elwood City Hall to announce that the Elwood Police Department has been awarded $402,000 in federal funding.

Information from the City of Elwood says the funding will be used to replace two patrol vehicles that are nearing the end of their service life, as well as to replace patrol radios that are no longer serviceable. 

The funding will also allow for the replacement of body-worn camera and in-car dash camera systems in all department vehicles.

The City of Elwood says the investment will help ensure officers have reliable equipment and technology necessary to continue providing professional, effective law enforcement services to the Elwood community.

Elwood Police Department secures $402K in federal funding

Here is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of Feb. 9 - 15.

Route C – Utility work at County Road 190, Feb. 4-13.

Interstate 29 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;to all thru traffic between Route 6 (northbound Exit 43) and I-229/Route 71 (Exit 56B) for the demolition of the Gene Field Road Bridge, 6 p.m. Feb.7 through 5 a.m. Feb. 9. Traffic will be detoured onto I-229.

Gene Field Road Bridge –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;due to damage from being struck by an oversized load. The project was awarded to Clarkson Construction Company.&nbsp;

Route 752 (Alabama Street) –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;from U.S. Route 59 to Sherman Street for an intersection improvement project through February 2026.&nbsp;

Route D – Bridge replacement project at the Shoal Creek Bridge through March 2026. The roadway may be narrowed to one lane.

Route PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Mid-Fork Chariton River Overflow Bridge for replacement projects through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through March 2026.

Route KK –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Puzzle Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through mid-March 2026.

Route O –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Bee Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.

Route KK –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Little Chariton River Bridge for a deck replacement project through March 2026.

Route K –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Route U to NW Prairie View Road, Feb. 11, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Route BB –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Route TT to Vow Avenue, Feb. 9, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Route BB –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement at 110th Street, Feb. 10, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

I-29 – Bridge maintenance southbound at the 86.6 mile marker, Feb. 9-13.

Route 11 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Badger Creek Bridge, north of New Boston, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through May 2026.

Route 139 -&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Parson Creek Bridge, north of Meadville, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through May 2026.

Route K –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the North Fork Crooked Creek Bridge for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.

Route PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the West Locust Creek Bridge through June 2026, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.

Route T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the East Locust Creek bridge due to deterioration. The bridge is scheduled to be replaced in the spring of 2026 through the Northwest Bridge Bundle.

Route W –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement at the West Fork Grand River Bridge through mid-February 2026.

There may be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT says inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work.

Planned roadwork for Northwest Missouri, Feb. 9 - 15

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/sawyerbess/">Sawyer Bess</a>

A bill that would lower the minimum wage for minors was pitched by its sponsor last week as a way to help small businesses and young workers.

The legislation would create a separate minimum wage for those under age 18 who are employed in Missouri. The new minimum wage rate for minors would be $12.30 per hour, down from the state rate of $15 per hour.

The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Joe Nicola, a Republican from Grain Valley, is aiming to protect both small businesses and teen workers, as he has seen a decrease of teen employment in his district.

“Labor is often the single largest expense when wages rise too quickly,” Nicola said. “Owners are forced to make hard choices, reduce hours, raise prices, automate jobs like installing kiosks instead of having teens employed or stop hiring inexperienced workers altogether.”

Missouri’s minimum wage has nearly doubled in the past decade, increasing from $7.65 in 2016 to $15 in 2026.

Nicola said the bill takes into account that entry-level jobs are “fundamentally different” from adult employment and that Missouri’s wage laws should remain fair.

“These are entry level positions that require training, supervision, patience from employers,” Nicola said.

David Overfelt, president of the Missouri Retailers Association, and Dan Shaul, the executive state director for the Missouri Grocers Association and president of Midwest Retail and Grocery Alliance spoke in support of the bill.

Those opposed said age discrimination should not be legislated in Missouri and that some families rely on teenagers’ wages.

A member of the public testified that, when he was a youth worker, his family depended on his paycheck after the death of his father. He found it insulting to say that lower wages would be in his best interest.

Jake Hummel, president of Missouri AFL-CIO, said the bill would be creating a two-tiered system. The lower wage would also make it harder for teens to afford the costs of living given they already face higher car insurance prices.

Hummel said that Missouri’s relatively high minimum wage attracts out-of-state employees.

“I’m kind of excited to hear that the citizens of Kansas are coming over for employment in the state of Missouri to pay taxes here in the state,” Hummel said. “And last I checked, we were trying to attract workers to Missouri, not do the opposite.”

Nicola rebutted by saying that the out-of-state minors would be working jobs that Missouri minors could instead have.

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/bill-would-lower-minimum-wage-for-minors-in-missouri/article_b7a00aa6-da28-4a1c-b8cb-e2842dc84b1e.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

Bill seeks to lower the minimum wage for minors in Missouri

Its the time of year to buy Girl Scout cookies and beginning this week, troops will have booths set up around the area.

Dr. Rochelle Parker, CEO for Girl Scouts of NE Kansas and NW Missouri, says a booth will be set up Wednesday at Castle Bridge Event Center beginning at 5:00 p.m.  Then on Thursday and Friday, booths will be located at Hyvee in St. Joseph. And on Valentine's Day, a booth will be set up at Texas Roadhouse from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. "Its going to be a fun week, they will be everywhere.," says Parker.

If anyone is unable to shop at a booth, Girl Scouts offer online ordering. "Our next free shipping weekend is Feb 21 and 22. You have to buy a minimum of four packages to qualify for free shipping," says Parker.

The Girl Scout website can be <a href="https://www.gsksmo.org/">found here</a>.

Parker says, locally, Girl Scout troops set their own financial goals, with cookie sales being one of the biggest fundraisers of the year. "They're looking at costs to attend camp in the summer, trips they have planned, and membership dues."

Parker adds that a new cookie flavor is available this year. ""Its called an Exploremore, which is a rocky road inspired sandwich cookie. If you like rocky road ice cream, you'll like these cookies. It also makes a good crumble for desserts."

Girl Scouts of NE Kansas and NW Missouri covers 47 counties throughout the region from St. Joseph to Topeka.

Support Girl Scouts at cookie booths this week

KFEQ Morning Sports

The joint investigation has roots in a civil jury finding that Torch Electronics, the biggest player in the market, pushed competitors out of locations by offering illegal games. The FBI, IRS and other federal agencies are reportedly involved&nbsp;

BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

A state and federal investigation of “illegal” slot machines is looking at how “billions” flow from Missourians to the companies that own the games, Attorney General Catherine Hanaway told a legislative committee Thursday.

The state, at the request of federal investigators, joined the probe that has its roots in a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/07/torch-lured-business-in-missouri-with-illegal-video-games-federal-jury-finds/">federal civil court case</a>&nbsp;where a jury found the games offered by Wildwood-based Torch Electronics are illegal gambling devices, Hanaway said.

“We are investigating what the operators of (of the games) are doing, how their money is flowing, where they have locations, how many machines, so then we can go in with some enforcement action,” Hanaway said to the Missouri House Budget Committee.

Hanaway’s comments come as the House prepares to&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB2989&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">debate a bill</a>&nbsp;to authorize the Missouri Lottery to license and tax similar machines known as video lottery terminals, or VLTs. The bill, with support and opposition that crosses party lines, survived a 6-5 vote Wednesday in the House Rules-Legislative Committee in part because one opponent was absent.

“Whatever you all do as a legislature to regulate them, then we’ll enforce that law,” Hanaway told the committee. “But right now it’s illegal, so I’m going to be going after them.”

The cooperative investigation began on an initiative from federal agencies, Hanaway said in response to questioning from state Rep. Betsy Fogle of Springfield, the ranking Democrat on the committee.

“They came in and said, ‘here’s what we’re doing. Are you doing anything?’,” Hanaway said. “We said ‘yes we are and we would love to work together.’ So now we’re working together.”

There is no accurate count of the number of games owned by Torch or other similar vendors in the state. Some estimates have ranged up to 25,000 machines.

Torch spokesman Gregg Keller said in a text that the company has not been contacted by state or federal investigators.

“But if we ever are, we will continue to do what we have always done: cooperate fully with law-enforcement and the Legislature to pass and enforce fair regulation for everyone in the industry,” Keller said. “Right now, we are focused on helping pass Rep. Hardwick and Sen. Bean’s VLT bill currently before the Legislature.”

The U.S. Attorney’s office for the Eastern District of Missouri did not respond to an email about the investigation.

Games provided to retailers by Torch and its competitors are unregulated by the state, and no reports exist showing how much money is being spent on the games by consumers.&nbsp;

The state’s 13 casinos, which must report monthly totals for taxation, reported about $17 billion in bets at slot machines in each of the past three fiscal years, with just over 90% returned to players.

By law, slot machines in casinos must return at least 80% of the money bet as prizes. Casino profits are taxed at 21%, bringing in $364 million for public schools in the most recent fiscal year.

Financial records obtained for the federal trial showed that Torch games pulled in $32 million from 2017 to 2023 at 20 locations, with about 100 machines. Torch split $11 million with retailers, leaving about 65% for prizes.

Hanaway said she does not have a moral objection to the games.&nbsp;

“My concern is that they are all going on in the state, unregulated, bringing in billions of dollars, and that we are going to, if we continue to allow them to just openly ignore the law and just sort of flagrantly believe that they can operate in these illegal circumstances, that we’re going to get real organized crime in the state,” Hanaway said.

For nearly 10 years, games the owners claim are legal have been installed in retail locations including bars, convenience stores and fraternal halls. Efforts to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/09/14/few-charges-result-from-scores-of-missouri-highway-patrol-gambling-investigations/">prosecute the companies</a>&nbsp;that own the game have largely failed because local prosecutors refuse to file charges in most cases investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol&nbsp;

Hanaway said the FBI, the IRS and other federal agencies with jurisdiction over financial matters are part of the investigation because of “money laundering and banking” questions.

Torch has used high-profile lobbyists, large political donations, contacts with prosecutors and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/02/10/missouri-company-accused-of-illegal-gambling-has-sued-the-state/">lawsuits against enforcement agencies</a>&nbsp;to protect its market. In 2023, Hanaway’s predecessor, Andrew Bailey, pulled out of defending the patrol in a lawsuit filed by Torch after&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/01/missouri-ag-faces-criticism-for-dropping-out-of-gambling-lawsuit-against-highway-patrol/">accepting $14,000 in contributions</a>&nbsp;for his campaign and another $12,000 for his PAC from committees funded by Torch.

Last year,&nbsp; the company contributed just under $600,000 to seven political action committees controlled by its chief lobbyist, former Missouri House Speaker Steve Tilley. It contributed another $60,000 directly, with $25,000 to House Speaker Jon Patterson’s PAC supporting his bid for a seat in the state Senate, Missouri Alliance PAC, and $10,000 to State Treasurer Vivek Malek’s PAC, American Promise.

Committee members on Thursday wanted to know why local prosecutors have not been more active in fighting the machines.&nbsp;

“The owners of the (games) just came in with overwhelming force,” Hanaway said. “They brought in the best lawyers in the world and just put more resources on it than a local prosecutor could respond with.”

Only one felony prosecution has&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/10/07/smashed-machines-put-emphatic-end-on-missouri-illegal-gambling-case/">resulted in a conviction</a>. There has been a misdemeanor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/cases/newHeader.do?inputVO.caseNumber=20AB-CR03465&amp;inputVO.courtId=SMPDB0004_CT20#charges" target="_blank">possession of a gambling device case</a>&nbsp;pending in Franklin County against James McNutt, owner of the convenience store chain Midwest Petroleum, since November 2020.

In an interview with The Independent, Hanaway said her office has concurrent jurisdiction with county prosecutors on gambling laws, and can better withstand being “overwhelmed” by&nbsp; “very expensive lawyering.”

The delays are evidence of the lopsided fight, she said.

“If we have some combined resources in the (attorney general’s) office with the county prosecutors and maybe even the feds, it’s going to be a fairer fight,” Hanaway said.

In an interview, Fogle noted that her hometown, Springfield, has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2025/10/08/judge-sides-with-springfield-in-torch-electronics-vlt-ban-lawsuit/86581506007/?gnt-cfr=1&amp;gca-cat=pp&amp;gca-ds=override" target="_blank">banned Torch’s machines</a>&nbsp;and similar games as a public nuisance.&nbsp;

“There was a lot of information that I wouldn’t expect her to be able to share publicly if there are ongoing investigations, but I was pleased to see that she was in coordination with the federal government to crack down on these illegal machines,” Fogle said.

The games targeted by Hanaway are labeled as “no chance gaming” by the operators and have successfully eluded a definitive prosecution. The only felony conviction, in Platte County, was not appealed.

After years of being stymied by casino lobbyists and Torch’s political strength, video lottery proponents think this is the year for passage. The state will need billions in revenue if Republicans want to keep Gov. Mike Kehoe’s promise to eliminate the state income tax.

Replacing the untaxed and unregulated games with machines licensed by the state, with mandatory 80% payouts, would bring in&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/fiscal/fispdf/6459H.03C.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">about $350 million in revenue</a>&nbsp;within two years, according to official estimates.

The bill sponsored by state Rep. Bill Hardwick, a Republican from Dixon, passed the last stop on the way to a floor debate, the Rules committee, only because the vice chairman, state Rep. Don Mayhew, a Republican from Crocker, was absent.

In an interview, Mayhew said his presence would not have mattered because there were other members, who he would not name, willing to change their vote to get the bill through.&nbsp;

Mayhew and Hardwick are opponents in the GOP primary in the 16th Senate District in August.

“I hate the bill,” Mayhew said. “I hate everything about the bill. Now, in the past, I have supported VLTs, but it was always under the idea that the current things were going to go away.”

The two-year allowance before existing games could not operate is too long, he said.

A bill authorizing video lottery&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/bill-legalizing-video-lottery-games-narrowly-passes-missouri-house/">narrowly passed the House</a>&nbsp;last year. Fogle, who said she will oppose the bill when it is up for debate, said the lobbying effort is intense and the divisions don’t follow party lines.

“There was a lot of strong arming going on (last year), and I would anticipate that to happen again this year,” Fogle said.

Last year’s bill died in the state Senate. If the House does pass it, Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin said Thursday, it will get a chilly reception in the upper chamber.

The discussion about making illegal activities legal too often focuses on the financial benefits of taxation, O’Laughlin said.

“In the short time that I’ve been here, it just seems like we have talked about so many marijuana and gambling bills, and we’re going to tax those, and they’re going to pay for veterans and education and do all of these great things,” O’Laughlin said. “But no one talks about the societal cost of it and what it does to people and their families, and that’s kind of my concern.”

Note: Gregg Keller is not related to the author of this article.

Missouri AG: State and feds are investigating ‘illegal’ slot machines

All lanes of Interstate 29 in Buchanan County are now open. 

Contractors from Clarkson Construction Company, working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, reopened the interstate ahead of schedule at 7 p.m. on Sunday.&nbsp; The interstate was originally scheduled to reopen at 5 a.m. on Monday,.

The closure allowed the contractor to demolish the Gene Field Road Bridge. The bridge replacement project is anticipated to be complete by July 2026.

Overnight lane closures on I-29 below the bridge may occur between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. throughout project construction. A 10.6-foot width restriction will be in place.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

I-29 open ahead of schedule following Gene Field Bridge destruction 

March corn closed down 1 1/2 cents per bushel at $4.28 3/4 and May Corn closed down 1 3/4 cents per bushel at $4.37 and March soybeans closed down 4 1/2 cents at $11.10 3/4 and May soybeans were down 3 3/4 cents at $11.25. March KC wheat closed down 2 1/2 cents at $5.28 3/4, March Chicago wheat was down 1 cent at $5.28 3/4 and MIAX March Minneapolis wheat was up 0.01 cents at $5.7050.

Grain and soybean markets fell Monday, led by soybeans and soymeal as the Argentine rain outlook has brightened and soy premiums in South America fell, making the U.S. less competitive. Soybean oil bucked the bearish trend and rallied along with crude oil.

The livestock complex headed into Monday's noon hour with a mixed tone, as traders desired to push the contracts higher, but needed to see more fundamental support before they would confidently do so. New showlists are higher in Texas, Kansas and mostly steady in Nebraska/Colorado.

The live cattle complex was taking a mixed approach to Monday's noon hour as the market continued to desire to trade higher -- but traders need to see continued fundamental support and reassurance before they'll likely push the market up to or beyond resistance thresholds.

Upon establishing what seems to be a new top last week in the lean hog complex, the market continued to trade lower today as traders question if there's enough support to challenge that new threshold.&nbsp;

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/12/15204004/30001.mp3">Click HERE for Audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

Modern Ag Alliance issued a report on the state of the American farmer, showing that agriculture is facing one of its most challenging periods in a generation. The report said economic pressures and activist campaigns against modern agriculture have created conditions where even the most resilient operations are feeling the strain. 

These pressures extend well beyond the farm gate, giving price instability across the economy for the food, fuel, and fiber that depend on agricultural production. The report shows farmers face profitability challenges, with only about half the farmers expected to be profitable in the past year. Commodity prices have dropped as high as 58 percent since 2022, and cost increases like labor and tariff-related expenses continue climbing. Farm bankruptcies have seen a 60 percent year-over-year increase, surpassing the 2024 total by mid-2025. 

They also said regulatory uncertainty and disconnected policymakers are making a difficult situation even harder.

Modern Ag Alliance Issues a Report on the Modern Farmer

Boehringer Ingelheim announced that the Food and Drug Administration has issued an Emergency Use Authorization for using IVOMEC (Ivermectin) 1% Injection for preventing infestations of New World Screwworm in cattle. 

Under the Authorization, Ivermectin 1% is usable for the prevention of infestations caused by NWS larvae when administered within 24 hours of birth, at the time of castration, or at the appearance of a wound in cattle. It’s not usable in female dairy cattle producing milk for human consumption and calves that will be processed for veal. 

Based on the available scientific evidence, the FDA determined that there is no adequate, approved, and available alternative to the product for preventing NWS in certain cattle at these critical intervention points. “Protecting the health and well-being of livestock is at the core of our mission,” said Steve Boren, the vice president of U.S. livestock for Boehringer Ingelheim.

BIVI Secures Emergency Authorization for NWS Medication

The USDA’s Economic Research Service forecasts that net farm income, a broad measure of profitability in the agricultural economy, is forecast to drop by 0.7 percent to $153.4 billion in 2026 compared to last year. When adjusted for inflation, net farm income is projected to decrease by $4.1 billion or 2.6 percent. Reuters said that the drop comes despite near-record government payments, which will make up almost 29 percent of producers’ bottom line. 

“Agency data said without those government payments, net farm income would drop almost 12 percent to $109.1 billion,” Reuters said. “Government payments are doing a lot of the work to support crop producers.” 

The USDA forecast said producers will receive $30.5 billion in direct support in 2025 and $44.3 billion in 2026, excluding additional payouts from federal crop insurance indemnities. “We haven’t seen these levels since 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 upheaval and trade disruptions during President Donald Trump’s first term,” Reuters added.

Farm Income Will Fall in 2026

March corn closed down 4 3/4 cents and May corn was down 4 1/4 cents. March soybeans closed up 3 cents and May soybeans were up 2 3/4 cents. March KC wheat closed down 7 1/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 5 1/2 cents, March MIAX Minneapolis wheat was down 1 1/2 cents.

Soybeans continued their recent bullish burst for much of Friday morning, before sellers became very active and ultimately erased roughly 25 cents of value, sending prices well off daily highs. Traders were clearly uncomfortable carrying recent length into the weekend and saw reason to book some profits. Moreso, traders may be starting to lose patience and wish to see some export sales to follow up President Trump's very bullish Wednesday trade comments, with the daily flash sales page from USDA quiet both Thursday and Friday to close the week. Meanwhile, selling drove corn and wheat futures lower, negatively influencing soybeans as well. Traders are preparing for next week's WASDE report which will very likely reiterate January's findings of multi-year highs in U.S. grain reserves.&nbsp;

What a breath-holding last couple of days it's been for the cattle complex! Thursday, the market experienced a sharp sell-off as traders were nervous about the union strike at the JBS packing plant in Greely, Colorado, which consequently sent the live cattle complex tumbling mostly $5.00 lower. But the fast-paced environment of the marketplace seems to have moved past that headline and traders were again fixated on the market's strong fundamental strength as they were pleased to note the uptick in boxed beef prices and even more pleased to see fed cash cattle prices trading higher.&nbsp;

The feeder cattle complex was enjoying a healthy rally as well as the market is currently trading $6.00 to $7.00 higher into Friday's noon hour. Support came from the uptick in fed cash cattle prices to the additional fundamental support of stronger boxed beef prices and, of course, the technical confidence of saw the live cattle contracts scaling higher as well.

The lean hog contracts were enjoying a mild rally into Friday's noon hour as the market was merely chopping sideways into the noon hour. If the market weren't up against immediate resistance thresholds, then there was a chance that it would potentially still be trading robustly higher. But with technical fatigue setting in and midday pork cutout values down softly, traders have deemed the safest bet ahead of the weekend is a mild rally as opposed to an aggressive one.&nbsp;

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/23205559/30001.mp3">Click HERE for Audio</a>

A bipartisan group of former leaders of America’s major agricultural commodity organizations and biofuels organizations, farmer leaders, and former USDA officials issued a stark warning to Congress and the Trump administration. 

In a&nbsp;<a href="https://eu-assets.contentstack.com/v3/assets/bltdd43779342bd9107/blt439cb71bf2dc05d5/69834b24c397d881044bb0ed/Farm_Leader_Letter_to_House_and_Senate_Ag_020326_with_Media_Advisory.pdf">letter</a>, they outlined the deteriorating state of the farm economy, calling current conditions a potential “widespread collapse of American agriculture.” &nbsp;The letter was signed by Harold Wolle (WOOL-lee), former NCGA President, Bob Dineen, the past president of the Renewable Fuels Association, Jim Mulhern, the former President of the National Milk Producers Federation, and many others.

The letter proposes many solutions, including immediately exempting all farm inputs from tariffs and repealing tariffs that are disrupting agricultural export markets. Other solutions include passing year-round E15 legislation, a new farm bill, and encouraging the administration to quickly complete a review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement. They’re also asking for Trade Promotion Authority for the administration and new farm labor reform.

Former Ag Leaders Warn of Farm Economy in Crisis

The CattleFax Outlook Seminar, held as a part of CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee, said there are signals showing changes ahead in 2026. The U.S. cattle and beef industry enters 2026 with strong but volatile market conditions, as historically tight cattle supplies, record-setting beef demand, and elevated policy and weather uncertainty continue to support prices, even as markets appear to be near cyclical highs. 

“Tight inventories and exceptional demand remain the dominant forces shaping the market,” said Mike Murphy, CattleFax Chief Operating Officer. “However, producer demographics, high input costs, and policy uncertainty point to a slow and measured expansion phase.” 

The Outlook Seminar’s weather forecast is calling for a transition out of La Niña. In the near-term, drought risks remain elevated across the Southern U.S. and Central Plains, with a 70 percent chance of intensification. A neutral spring setup may help distribute moisture more evenly, though lingering La Niña effects could limit precipitation in the West.&nbsp;

Will the Cattle Cycle Turn in 2026?

March corn closed up 5 1/2 cents and May corn was up 6 cents. March soybeans closed up 20 cents and May soybeans were up 21 1/4 cents. March KC wheat closed up 8 1/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was up 8 1/2 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was up 5 1/2 cents.

The soybean market continued to set a bullish tone across row-crop futures Thursday, following President Trump's comments on Wednesday that China may look to extend their old-crop purchase goal for U.S. soybeans by an additional 8 million metric tons (mmt) above the previous 12 mmt. There are obviously a lot of question marks regarding how feasible this is but for now the market is reflecting added demand potential with a 45-50 cent move over the past two sessions. Corn and wheat markets were able to join soybeans with higher prices as well on Thursday, despite being a little more subdued in their rallying efforts. Outside markets on Thursday were mostly a negative influence on ag futures, with lower energy markets after Iran and U.S. officials did agree to move forward with planned negotiations in Oman on Friday. The U.S. dollar was firmer for the fifth time in the past seven sessions, and equity markets moved lower as trade has turned sideways over the past month.

Live cattle futures quickly backed away from part of early week gains Thursday. Losses of $4 to $5 per cwt were seen at midday, creating some concern that additional sharp losses may continue to develop over the coming days. The news focus seems to be pointed to the processing reduction seen in the JBS Greeley plant based on reported impending strikes at the plant. The likelihood that this will have a major impact on overall industry processing capacity beyond a few days is limited given the current structure of the market and current overall company and industry availability. This industry is not beyond rerouting trucks to other plants or companies in order to sustain needs and capacity levels. But watching daily slaughter rates through the month of February will help give an indicator of overall capacity levels. Firm pressure in outside markets and weaker beef values cannot be downplayed in the hesitancy for futures buyers to step into a market which very well could have run out of oxygen at current price levels. Cash cattle markets are still sluggish with a few bids on the table in parts of Iowa, and a major packer has offered to "call in" for $378 in eastern Nebraska. Packer inquiry should continue to improve as the day progresses, but significant trade volume will likely be delayed until later today and/or Friday. Boxed beef prices are lower: choice down $0.82 ($367.20) and select down $1.08 ($361.01) with a movement of 48.79 loads (38.54 loads of choice, 4.14 loads of select, zero loads of trim and 6.11 loads of ground beef).

Feeder cattle futures were leading the market lower Thursday. This market move seems like a general reversal to early week buyer support that flooded the market during trade Monday and Tuesday. The news cycle focus in the market seems to be centered on the developing strike at the JBS plant in Greeley, but this move is likely much more focused on the ability to sustain additional buyer support at current price levels. Nearby futures have rallied nearly $70 per cwt since the November low, creating a generally unchecked upward market surge within the entire cattle market. This lack of small to moderate corrections can make any market vulnerable, including the cattle market which is focusing on tight supplies. In comparison to the wild shifts seen last fall, these swings seem generally tame. But it does create significant uncertainty given how lightly traded the feeder cattle market remains with generally light volume.

Lean hog futures had been the quiet market through the entire livestock complex Thursday. Spot February futures were leading the market lower with light pressure, while very narrow losses are seen through the rest of the contracts. The continued upward move higher in nearby futures since hitting seasonal lows in November have continued to move prices well above the 40-day moving average. Recent volatility in cattle trade seems to have lost its short-term impact on hog traders at this moment as traders continue to look for continued strong demand support as 2026 develops. At current price levels and comparative price relationships to beef, the pork industry seems well insulated to potential economic pressure that may develop over the coming weeks and months.

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Groups representing fuel retailers across America expressed serious concerns with the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. The associations say that 45Z is a giant step backward for American biofuel policy. NATSO, representing truck stops and travel plazas, SIGMA, America’s leading fuel marketers, and the National Association of Convenience Stores are urging Congress and the Administration to support simpler biofuel policies that would quickly reinvigorate biodiesel consumption and higher ethanol blends while enhancing the economy and energy market security.

 “The transition away from the Biodiesel Tax Credit to the 45Z production credit instituted a catastrophic decline in biofuels consumption that hurts the economy,” said NACS Deputy General Counsel Matt Durand. “Congress can fix it by bringing back the Biodiesel Tax Credit, which has a proven track record of delivering lower prices to consumers while benefiting farmers and biofuel producers.” 

Fuel retailers express concerns about 45Z guidelines

March corn closed up 1 cent and May corn was up 1 1/4 cents. March soybeans closed up 26 1/2 cents and May soybeans were up 27 1/2 cents. March KC wheat closed down 4 1/2 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 2 cents, March MIAX Minneapolis wheat was down 2 1/4 cents.

What began as a fairly mundane session at midweek quickly became volatile following a midmorning social media post from President Trump, stating he had spoken with China's President Xi and hailed the conversation and general relationship with China as great, while pointing to increased soybean trade as a result. This obviously tripped headline driven algorithms to go on a buying spree across all soybean product markets, while providing positive influence on corn and wheat markets as well, though the latter would not sustain a move higher.

It's been another prosperous morning for the livestock complex as all three of the markets are trading fully higher into Wednesday's noon hour. Still no cash cattle trade has developed, but it's assumed prices will be higher again this week as the board's been incredibly supportive and market's fundamentals point to higher prices as market-ready supplies of cattle are thin.

The live cattle complex continued to rally aggressively into Wednesday's noon hour as the market is robustly supported by strong fundamentals. Aside from last week's bullish Cattle Inventory report, and the rally seen in last week's fed cash cattle market, the market knows market-ready supplies of cattle are thin right now and fed cash cattle prices are likely to continue to scale higher through at the least the first quarter of the year.&nbsp;

It's a full-fledged break-out day for the lean hog complex as the spot April contract scales to new contract highs as demand has been plentiful and the market isn't fearful of grinding higher.

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BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSK I</a><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Republicans preliminarily approved a symbolic resolution honoring the late conservative figure Charlie Kirk following an hourlong debate with Democrats on the House floor in a war of words over free speech and Kirk’s legacy.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/scr1615/" target="_blank">Senate Concurrent Resolution 1615</a>&nbsp;seeks to establish Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day on Oct. 14, 2026, Kirk’s birthday, and every Oct. 14 thereafter in Kansas. It was sponsored by Senate Republicans,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/28/kansas-senate-president-denounces-democrats-for-out-of-context-bs-comments-on-charlie-kirk/">passing that chamber</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 28 in a 30-9 vote along party lines.

Republican Rep. Megan Steele of Manhattan championed the resolution Monday in the House, praising Kirk’s unflinching commitment to free speech, open debate and family values. Democrats saw Kirk’s legacy differently, and they took Monday’s debate as an opportunity to question Republicans’ support for a controversial figure who was known for publicly making racist, sexist and bigoted remarks.

Since Kirk was&nbsp;<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2025/09/10/charlie-kirk-shot-during-event-at-utah-valley-university/" target="_blank">shot and killed on Sep. 10</a>&nbsp;while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, his reputation has become more complicated with Americans disagreeing over how he should be remembered. The debate in the Kansas House was only the latest example. Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA, a conservative nonprofit that hosts debates, which are often fodder for viral videos.

“His movement and his passion for truth and faith, family and liberty does not stop here,” Steele said.

Rep. Emil Bergquist, a Park City Republican, said Kirk represented the values of respectful discourse and debate. He said he was proud to vote in favor of the resolution, not because it idolized any one person but because it reminded him of his close-held belief of speaking up for what is right.

Democrats spent the hourlong debate illustrating their opposition to the resolution. They took particular issue with Kirk’s history of comments denigrating racial and religious groups, specifically Black people and Catholics.

Rep. Mari-Lynn Poskin, a Leawood Democrat, twice attempted to amend the resolution, modifying language to specify that Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day will only be commemorated in 2026 and adding language to bolster the definition of free speech. Both amendments failed.

Rep. Brooklynne Mosley, a Lawrence Democrat, rattled off income, hunger and health care statistics. She criticized Republicans for spending time on such a resolution instead of passing legislation to help their constituents.

Rep. Ford Carr, a Wichita Democrat, attempted to add Malcolm X as an honoree on Oct. 14.

Carr noted the irony in Republicans honoring free speech when&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/05/31/kansas-republicans-admonish-black-lawmaker-his-response-not-my-job-to-protect-your-feelings/">leadership formally reprimanded him</a>&nbsp;three years earlier for remarks on the House floor.

Carr, who is Black, used the term “house Negro” during a debate, indirectly referring to a fellow Black Democrat.

“Where was the freedom of speech on that day?” he asked.

The Legislature hasn’t historically embraced open discussions of racism within the body. Carr also was&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/25/at-tense-hearing-kansas-house-panel-reviews-evidence-in-complaint-against-outspoken-lawmaker/">formally investigated last year</a>&nbsp;after Republican Rep. Leah Howell of Derby filed a complaint against him for indecorous behavior. The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/09/kansas-house-committee-punts-punishment-for-democratic-rep-ford-carr-opting-for-admonishment/">results of the investigation</a>&nbsp;were inconclusive. In 2015, Republicans filed a complaint against Kansas City, Kansas, Democratic Rep. Valdenia Winn, who is also Black, after she called a bill racist and sexist.

While Carr presented his amendment Monday, Steele refused his request to stand for a question from him. She had previously answered questions about the resolution’s format and contents from a white Democrat.

“That should tell you all you need to know,” Carr said. “Freedom of speech, yet she doesn’t want to speak.”

After that comment, Rep. Steven Howe, a Salina Republican, accused Carr of impugning Steele’s motives, an approach used by Republicans to halt perceived discordant comments, largely from Democrats.

Steele then challenged the germaneness of Carr’s amendment, questioning its relevance.

A rules committee made up of a handful of legislators from both parties decided it was, indeed, germane.

But that didn’t guarantee Carr’s amendment would make headway.

“I think this fits perfectly,” Carr said.

Both Malcom X and Kirk challenged the world with their speech, he said.

“They stretched and pushed the barrier with the things that they said, and, in the end, their lives were both ended with a gunshot,” he said.

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