Here is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest region of Missouri for the week of March 2 - 8.

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

U.S. Route 169 – Shoulder work from County Line Road to Route D, March 3-6.

U.S. Route 136 – Shoulder work from Route M to the Nodaway County line, March 2-6.

I-29 – Pavement repair, northbound at the 110 mile marker, March 4-5. The roadway will be narrowed to one lane with a 14-foot width restriction, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Gene Field Road Bridge –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project through July 2026.

U.S. Route 59/Route 752/Route U – Intersection improvement project through spring 2027.

U.S. Route 169 (Belt Highway) – Traffic signal upgrade project at Messanie Street, through March 8.

U.S. Route 169 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for an intersection improvement project at Southeast Riverside Terrace through mid-July 2026.

Route 759 – Shoulder work from Cedar Street to Lower Lake Road, March 2-6.

Route 10 – Pavement repair and resurfacing project from Route FF to Route C in Ray County, March 2-May 15. The road will be narrowed to one lane with flaggers guiding motorists through the work zone.

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 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 U –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Long Branch Bridge, northwest of Bucklin, beginning March 2-early May for a deck replacement project.

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 JJ –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the West Honey Creek Bridge for a deck replacement project through early April 2026.

Route E –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the West Honey Creek Bridge for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through July 2026.

Route EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 190th Street to 200th Street, March 2, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 205th Street to 210th Street, March 3, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 210th Street to 220th Street, March 4, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 220th Street to 230th Street, March 5-6, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

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 46 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at Marlowe Branch Creek for a bridge replacement project through May 2026.

Planned roadwork for Northwest Missouri, March 2 - 8

Rosecrans Memorial Airport will once again host the Pony Express STOL event on Saturday, May 30, welcoming the National STOL Series back to St. Joseph for its second year. 

Following a successful 2025 debut that drew 35 entrants and approximately 600 spectators, organizers anticipate even higher pilot participation and attendance as the competition evolves into a community staple.

The Pony Express STOL is an aviation fly-in that showcases pilot skill and aircraft performance through a thrilling, head-to-head format. The level of precision on display is remarkable; last year’s champion achieved a combined score of just 86 feet, taking off in 46 feet and landing in 40. To put that into perspective, the total distance is nearly 50 feet shorter than the wingspan of a C-130.

The competition is designed to be a family-friendly experience, featuring a variety of food and refreshment vendors. Organizers are currently planning additional activities to enhance the atmosphere for this year's crowd. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. on May 30, with the official competition beginning at 10:00 a.m.

This is a ticketed event managed by National STOL with local planning provided by the aerial event committee and community sponsors. While Rosecrans Memorial Airport serves as the host and provides operational support, ticket pricing and series information can be found at <a target="_blank" href="https://nationalstol.com/">nationalstol.com</a>. For specific airport-related inquiries, you can call Rosecrans at 816-271-5374.

The Pony Express STOL kicks off a trio of major aviation gatherings at the airport this year. From June 24 - 26, Rosecrans will host Stop 7 of the Women’s Air Race Classic, marking the race’s first-ever visit to St. Joseph. Additionally, the airport is developing a new recurring aviation-themed event for the fall, inspired by the success of the 2022 Warbird Fly-In, with more details expected soon.

Pony Express STOL Returns to Rosecrans: Precision aviation competition set for May 30

It's Tournament Time! With the big tournament going on this month. We are putting your knowledge of college basketball to the test. Take this months quiz and you could win $50 at the end of the month!

March Quiz

(Radio Iowa0 - The Iowa House has passed a bill with new state restrictions on farm implement companies -- so the owners of tractors and combines could repair the diesel exhaust fluid systems on the equipment themselves. 

Republican Representative Derek Wulf of Hudson, who's a farmer, goes even farther, suggesting it could be interpreted to mean the systems could be permanently disabled or removed. The Trump Administration recently announced that under its interpretation of the Clean Air Act, the exhaust systems on diesel powered farm equipment may be disabled -- for repairs -- and manufacturers cannot justify limiting access to tools or software. 

The bill that cleared the Iowa House Monday would require manufacturers to provide free information and software to diagnose and fix diesel exhaust systems. And they'd have to sell both the tools and replacement parts to make the repairs at reduced prices.

Iowa bill lets farmers disable diesel exhaust fluid systems in farm implements

Following weekend airstrikes in Iran, rising crude oil prices could push gasoline costs higher within weeks.

By RAFAEL GARCIA <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/2026/03/economist-forecasts-gas-price-increase-following-iran-attacks.html">K-State News and Communications Services</a> It may be months or even years before the long-term geopolitical ramifications of this weekend's airstrikes in Iran become clear, but a Kansas State University agricultural economist says gas prices are likely to spike in the coming weeks.

<a href="https://www.ageconomics.k-state.edu/about/people/directory/faculty_directory/ibendahl/">Gregg Ibendahl</a>, associate professor of agricultural economics, specializes in agricultural production and finance, especially fuel pricing seasonality and impacts to the ag industry.

As a region, the Middle East is the world's leading producer of oil, and any uncertainty in the stability of the region's governments, economies and shipping capacity has typically resulted in price shocks, Ibendahl said.

Following airstrikes on Saturday that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and subsequent reciprocal strikes, crude oil futures had already risen 8%, from $67 per barrel on Friday to $72 on Monday morning.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/production-economics/prices-and-price-forecasts/what-does-middle-eastern-war-mean-gas-prices">analyzing 20 years of oil and gas price data</a>, Ibendahl found that in the immediate term, gas prices typically go up about 2.4 cents per gallon for every $1 increase in oil's price per barrel.

"Prior to this weekend, U.S. regular gasoline averaged $2.98 per gallon nationally," Ibendahl said. "With the baseline $6 per barrel increase, prices could rise to between $3.10 and $3.16 within a month. Remember too, oil prices rose to $130 per barrel shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, leading to gas prices of $5 per gallon."

Spikes in crude oil prices usually lead to a similar change in gasoline prices in the subsequent week, Ibendahl said. But crucially, crude oil movements can influence pump prices for more than a month, especially when uncertainty remains about the future stability of an oil-producing region.

Ibendahl's forecast, he pointed out, does not take into account other factors, such as extended violence or suspended traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — an Iranian-controlled 21-mile chokepoint through which about 20% of globally traded oil passes.

A shutdown of the strait could lead to oil prices that are well over $100 per barrel, or even more if warfare in the region starts targeting oil production facilities.

At that point, gas prices at the pump quickly start approaching $4 per gallon — or even more, if oil prices follow a similar trajectory to the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"Longer term, the price increase could be 4.2 cents per gallon for every dollar per barrel," Ibendahl said. "While conflict may be occurring in the Persian Gulf, the resulting impact on gas prices will be felt at stations nationwide before the end of the month."

Will gas hit $4? K-State economist breaks down numbers

As Missourians prepare to “spring forward” for daylight saving time on Sunday, March 8, State Fire Marshal Tim Bean is urging residents to use the time change as a vital reminder to audit their home safety equipment.

Daylight saving time officially begins at 2:00 a.m. Sunday, when clocks move forward one hour. According to the State Fire Marshal’s secondary mission of public safety, this seasonal transition serves as the ideal window to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and review family emergency exit strategies.

“Working alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by one-half,” State Fire Marshal Bean said. “As we renovate our homes and children grow up, it’s important to make sure our plans are up to date—and make sure they include an outdoor meeting place.”

Statistics show that approximately half of all home fire deaths occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., a period when most residents are asleep. Because fires can spread rapidly, working smoke alarms provide the early warning necessary for a safe evacuation.

The Fire Marshal’s office recommends that every family member, including children, identify at least two escape routes from every room in their residence.

In addition to fire hazards, officials emphasized the danger of carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless, invisible gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. To ensure year-round protection, the State Fire Marshal’s office issued the following maintenance guidelines:

The Fire Marshal also highlighted the growing national trend of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in e-bikes, scooters, and power tools. Residents are advised to use only manufacturer-approved chargers and to avoid charging devices unattended, overnight, or near exits and combustible materials.

Spring Forward for Safety: State Fire Marshal urges Missourians to check alarms during time change

Having a rulebreaker in a position of power would lead to a fine of up to $100,000 or suspension or revocation of a license, under proposed state rules.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri cannabis regulators want more power to penalize bad actors in the marijuana industry, according to drafts of&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/comment/" target="_blank">proposed rules</a>&nbsp;released last week.

The sweeping revisions to Division of Cannabis Regulation rules also aim to streamline the process for ownership changes, allow publicly traded companies to own cannabis licenses, and establish recall procedures of marijuana products containing unregulated THC.&nbsp;

The proposed guidelines would particularly clarify what happens when there are rule-breakers “exercising a controlling influence” over a facility, said Amy Moore, director of the division that oversees the marijuana program.

“What we are saying in the rule is if a year from now [if the rules are approved] we look at your ownership,” Moore said, “and we see you have someone exercising a controlling influence that you know has done these things, then that is a violation.”

Moore was speaking of the rules’ detailed list of offenses that include selling or distributing unregulated THC, committing theft or other criminal offenses on the job, fraudulently using an agent identification card, tampering with or falsifying video recordings, and refusing to cooperate with a department investigation.&nbsp;

Having a rule-breaker in a position of power would lead to a fine of up to $100,000 or suspension or revocation of a license, according to the rules.

&nbsp;The changes address some of the challenges regulators have encountered with facilities, such as the cases of the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/20/delta-extraction-loses-appeal-of-its-revoked-license-following-missouri-cannabis-recall/">Delta Extraction</a>&nbsp;manufacturing and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/07/the-six-year-saga-of-two-cannabis-facility-licenses/">Red Tractor</a>&nbsp;cultivation facilities.&nbsp;

Nearly a year after the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/16/cannabis-regulators-to-revoke-license-of-missouri-company-at-center-of-recall/">state stripped</a>&nbsp;Robertsville-based Delta Extraction of its license for adding unregulated THC to its products, regulators approved one of the company’s co-owners — AJO LLC — to take over a cultivation and manufacturing facility in Waynesville in May 2024.&nbsp;

Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for the division,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/30/co-owners-of-missouri-company-at-center-of-marijuana-recall-got-greenlight-for-another-license/">told The Independent&nbsp;</a>last year that the rules currently do not prohibit individuals who have had a license revoked from acquiring another license.&nbsp;

The Kansas City owner of Red Tractor pled guilty to two misdemeanor charges for submitting fraudulent documents to cannabis regulators in 2021 to obtain a marijuana cultivation license. Without a felony conviction to make him ineligible, Waggoner retained the two cannabis manufacturing licenses held by his company.

The public can comment on the&nbsp;division’s<a href="https://health.mo.gov/comment/" target="_blank">&nbsp;website</a>&nbsp;until March 10, and regulators will review them and decide whether to formally submit the rules to the Secretary of State’s Office.&nbsp;This is the second time the division has asked for public input on most of these rules, with the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/08/11/missouri-cannabis-regulators-rules-predatory-contracts/">first being in August</a>.

The most-interested parties, the cannabis business owners, are working on submitting feedback to the latest draft, said Jack Cardetti, spokesman for the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association.

When a cannabis facility wants to make a change in ownership that’s more than 50%, they have to fill out a business-change application and get pre-approval to do so.&nbsp;

That process can drag on anywhere from six months to a year, Moore said.

“It has proven, over time, to be so rare that we find a constitutional violation in these things,” Moore said. “It feels like we can do away with a business having to wait any amount of time for our pre-approval.”

Instead, every licensee will submit a report annually that outlines ownership percentage for each entity or individual. Licensees must still seek pre-approval if they’re adding a new owner or an individual who has 10% or more interest, or they’re fully transferring their licenses to another entity.&nbsp;

“I think it is going to be more efficient for us, and definitely more efficient for the businesses,” she said.

A state audit released last week found that the division took an average of 165 days to approve or deny business ownership change requests from submission to final action, based on data the auditor reviewed from 2020 through 2023.

The auditor urged the division to decrease the turnaround time, and Moore feels this will help do that.&nbsp;

“It also allows us to be reviewing more frequently for some and as frequently as you need to for the others,” she said.&nbsp; “I think it’ll be just more efficient government.”&nbsp;

The annual review requirement will also offer an opportunity for regulators to catch rule-breakers in ownership or management positions.

Another place of enforcement is with agent IDs. The rules would require these managers or decision makers to apply for an agent ID, when they previously didn’t need one if they weren’t working inside a facility. People who’ve committed certain offenses wouldn’t be eligible for an agent ID.

The change-business application is another place where regulators will be looking to enforce rules against bad actors. The list of 10 offenses gives applicants a clear idea of what might get an application denied, Moore said.

“It gives everybody fair warning,” Moore said, “that before they get into business relationships and before they get into the application process, what may cause us to say, ‘No’.”

Missouri cannabis regulators target rule-breakers, delays in ownership approval

CALDWELL COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Monday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Ram Transit van driven by a 23-year-old Lee's Summit woman was northbound on a private driver two miles west of Cameron. The van turned west onto old U.S. 36 and into the path of an eastbound 2008 Ram 2500 driven by a 40-year-old Kidder man. The pickup struck the van in the eastbound lane. After impact the pickup traveled off the south side of the road and overturned.&nbsp;

The pickup driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The van driver was not injured. The pikup driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man killed after pickup, van crash

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations&nbsp;

On the evening of April 25, 2025 an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the 200 block North 4th Street, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. The driver, 29-year-old Adrian Duran, was taken into custody for giving the officer false information on his identity. He was subsequently found to be in possession of fentanyl.

On Feb. 28, police arrested Duran in the 700 block North 10th Street on a District Court warrant for possession of fentanyl, interference with law enforcement and defective tail lamps.&nbsp;

Kansas man caught with fentanyl gave police a fake name

Northwest Missouri State University will host a public forum to discuss the mechanics and impact of upcoming Missouri ballot initiatives at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10.

The event, which is free and open to the community, will be held in the second-floor Living Room of the J.W. Jones Student Union.

As Missouri residents prepare for the upcoming midterm elections, the discussion aims to demystify the initiative process. Featured speakers include:

The presentation is co-sponsored by the Northwest Center for Policy and Civic Engagement and Respect Missouri Voters. Organizers say the primary goal is to provide students and local citizens with the tools to navigate complex ballot language and understand the legislative power held by voters.

NWMSU to host public forum on Missouri ballot initiatives March 10

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa D-N-R will hold a series of listening session across the state starting Monday. The D-N-R's Pete Hildreth says they want to get input on proposed changes in hunting and fishing regulations.

He says it gives staff some feedback before formal proposals are submitted to the Natural Resource Commission. Hildreth says input from the from past meetings has led to significant regulation changes.

in the Canada goose seasons, raccoon hunting dates, and antlerless deer quotas. The first session is tonight at 6 at the Waverly Public Library. Hildreth says the complete schedule of meetings is available on the D-N-R's website.

Iowa DNR Holding Input Sessions On Hunting And Fishing Regulations

May corn closed up 3/4 cents and July corn was up 1 1/4 cents. May soybeans closed up 6 1/2 cents and July soybeans were up 6 1/4 cents. May KC wheat closed up 3 1/2 cents, May Chicago wheat was down 3 1/4 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was up 3 1/4 cents.

Row crop futures raced to a strong start following Monday evening's open, bullishly influenced by another 5-6% move in crude oil futures as the U.S. and Israel-Iran war rages on. However, as was the case on Monday, the U.S. Dollar strengthened relative to other currencies, hitting the highest mark since late November before fading slightly through Tuesday's trade. Moreso, soybeans and soybean oil remain well overbought from a technical standpoint, and rally attempts beyond November highs are understandably being met with profit-taking speculative selling and likely producer hedging pressure as well. Still, despite finishing well below daily highs, futures appeared equally stubborn to move drastically lower than even, with several markets setting higher lows as compared to Monday's reversal session and ultimately closing with modest gains on Tuesday. Equity markets were a bearish flagship on Tuesday as well, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down for a third consecutive session, although bouncing from what were almost three-month lows in early trade.

The live cattle complex got back to trading higher as traders seemed to have found some technical support throughout the day's trade. Today's slight uptick in price doesn't mean that the pressures (both external and internal) have merely disappeared, because they haven't, but rather instead that traders believe enough downside regression has been seen in the near term and that it's both acceptable and safe for the complex to trade mildly higher. No cash cattle trade has developed yet. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $6.60 ($387.94) and select up $1.53 ($379.74) with a movement of 54 loads (34.97 loads of choice, 4.66 loads of select, 3.63 loads of trim and 11.11 loads of ground beef).

And in keeping in unison, most of the feeder cattle complex followed the live cattle market's direction and was also trading slightly higher. The live cattle contracts were trading higher in a somewhat stable fashion, but the feeder cattle complex was much more sporadic about its trade this morning, bouncing back and forth throughout the vast majority of the entire session.

And without the support of stronger pork demand, the lean hog complex was trading mixed to lower into Tuesday's closing bell. And at this point, a sideways lower trend is expected to continue in the lean hog complex until fundamental support improves.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/03/03142506/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the “One Farmer, One File” modernization plan, another action designed to put “farmers first” with sweeping technological improvements at the USDA. Speaking during the Commodity Classic, she said USDA’s plan is to create a single, streamlined record that follows farmers, no matter where they go in the USDA system. “The modernization of old, duplicative, wasteful systems has just one goal in mind, which is to improve our customer service so the people we serve are able to farm and feed America and the world,” she said. 

“So, the ‘One Farmer, One File’ prevents our farmers from duplicating tasks while it increases their productivity and time in the field.” Not only will it reduce the administrative burden for farmers, but it will also make program delivery more efficient, save time for USDA staff, and decrease spending on disparate information technology systems. 

USDA launches “One Farmer, One File” initiative

About 180 million metric tons of fertilizers are consumed each year, and Forbes said roughly 55 to 60 million metric tons of urea move through international seaborne trade annually. The Middle East accounts for approximately 40 to 50 percent of that traded volume, and nearly all of those exports have to travel through the Strait of Hormuz. “In other words, more than one-quarter of the globally traded nitrogen fertilizer, and a meaningful share of total nitrogen production, moves through a single maritime choke point that is now threatened by war,” Forbes said. 

What Iran means for global fertilizer markets 

The wheat market led row crops higher on Friday, shaking off an otherwise sluggish week as traders took Thursday's successful hold of chart support, and lack of a deal between the U.S. and Iran as reason enough to halt profit-taking and follow the influence of higher crude oil prices to close the week. Along those lines, there were reports that Thursday's negotiations made some progress, and talks are expected to continue. Meanwhile, the surge in wheat prices positively influenced corn futures as well, which rose for the third straight session while covering technical ground. Soybeans were mixed through much of the session, struggling with resistance and hedging pressure as prices tread among November highs currently, but well supported to the downside by trade optimism and concerning conditions for the Argentine crop and ultimately managing a very strong close for the week. In outside markets, equities moved sharply lower again with the Dow Jones Industrial Average threatening a monthly loss for February, which would be the first monthly loss since April of 2025.

May corn closed up 5 cents and July corn was up 4 3/4 cents. May soybeans closed up 7 1/4 cents and July soybeans were up 6 1/2 cents. May KC wheat closed up 18 1/4 cents, May Chicago wheat was up 17 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was up 14 cents.

Live cattle futures posted active pressure across all futures contracts, with spot month February contracts trading $2 per cwt lower, while other nearby contracts traded $3 to $3.60 per cwt lower. Continued strong pressure in outside markets is adding additional pressure to the entire live cattle complex. Cash cattle markets are starting to improve with light trade reported in parts of Kansas at $244, $5 lower than last week's weighted averages. A few live deals are also being reported in parts of Nebraska. Some bids are now on the table in Texas, but so far, they are being passed. Boxed beef prices are Higher: choice up $1.08 ($378.97) and select up $3.44 ($374.23) with a movement of 48.35 loads (38.87 loads of choice, 2.46 loads of select, no loads of trim and 7.02 loads of ground beef).

Feeder cattle futures were leading the market lower Friday, as buyer support seemed to crack during the Thursday trading session. The overall lack of buying interest stepping into the market during initial trade Friday in outside markets seemed to leave even more pressure flooding into the complex. Spot month contracts held the best at this point with prices over $5 per cwt lower at midday, while other nearby contracts held $7 to $7.50 per cwt losses as traders have not only focusing on outside market pressure, but also a lack of market stability through the entire beef complex at the end of the month.

Lean hog futures once again were the quiet and more stable livestock market of the complex, with prices mixed within a very narrow trading range despite the aggressive selling pressure flooding into both the cattle trade and outside financial markets. April futures continued to trade higher through the morning and heading into midday, with a 30-cent gain developing. The rest of the complex remained slightly under pressure with losses of 5 to 15 cents per cwt holding in most nearby contracts. The overall lack of direction in both pork market technical trade as well as stability in market fundamental direction through late February seems to be a welcome relief compared to the market pressure across other markets.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/02/27140315/web-closing-markets-1.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the imminent disposal of USDA’s South Building and Braddock Place, designed to reduce the real estate footprint of the U.S. Government in the National Capital Region. “This is a long overdue move to protect the American taxpayer dollars from being wasted on expensive real estate inside the Washington, D.C., area when our government should be closer to the producers we serve,” Rollins said. 

“More than 85 percent of the South Building is unoccupied, and there’s a $1.6 million backlog in deferred maintenance.” She also said it’s “unacceptable” to put these costs on the U.S. taxpayer. “We’re being strong stewards of taxpayer dollars while also ensuring top-notch customer service and fulfilling our promise to American farmers,” Rollins added. USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden added that the massive, underutilized real estate footprint wasn’t sustainable in the current USDA budget. 

USDA relocation plans moving forward

The Fertilizer Institute voiced strong support for key conservation, innovation, and nutrient stewardship provisions included in the House Agriculture Committee’s Farm Bill proposal. The organization is grateful that Chairman GT Thompson recognized the important role that nutrient stewardship and conservation technologies play in helping farmers produce abundant, affordable food while protecting natural resources. “These provisions in the draft Farm Bill reflect a practical, science-based approach to strengthening American agriculture,” said Corey Rosenbusch, president and CEO of the Institute. 

Of particular importance to TFI is the inclusion of a clear definition of plant biostimulants, as well as an exclusion to ensure that these innovative, nutrition-based products are not regulated as pesticides. “Incentivizing precision agriculture and enhanced efficiency technologies through conservation programs is a smart investment,” Rosenbusch added. “These tools help farmers get the most out of their applied fertilizer and deliver economic benefits on the farm while enhancing environmental protections.” 

Fertilizer Institute applauds Farm Bill 2.0 

What began as another mixed and dull trade for Wednesday saw soybeans again gain bullish favor by late morning, shaking off overnight lows for the third time this week and very close to challenging November highs on the May contract. Corn futures were also able to move higher for the third time in the past four sessions and back among the highs of the year thus far. Meanwhile, wheat futures continue to slide on profit-taking directly tied to simmering geopolitical concerns ahead of Thursday's continuation of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. Along those lines, crude oil futures were lower for the third straight session, but remain among the highs of 2026 with risk premium baked in. Equity markets continued their recovery of Monday's losses and treasuries were quietly lower.

May corn closed up 3 1/2 cents and July corn was up 2 3/4 cents. May soybeans closed up 9 3/4 cents and July soybeans were up 9 1/4 cents. May KC wheat closed down 2 3/4 cents, May Chicago wheat was down 3 1/2 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was up 1 1/2 cents.

The live cattle complex traded mostly lower into Thursday's closing bell, as the market seems to be holding its breath, unsure what's going to shake out in this week's fed cash cattle market and whether or not a strike is going to happen at JBS's plant in Greeley, Colorado. And with the market nearing resistance pressure, traders are simply unwilling to advance the contracts without further fundamental support. There are bids currently on the table in Nebraska and Texas, but no cattle have traded yet. Asking prices are noted at $388 to $390 in the North and at $250-plus in the South. Boxed beef prices were mixed: choice down $0.24 ($378.99) and select up $3.79 ($370.86) with a movement of 49 loads (28.44 loads of choice, 5.69 loads of select, 4.04 loads of trim and 10.55 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle complex was feeling the full effect of the market's underlying uncertainty as its contracts traded $5.00 to $6.00 lower for the bulk of Thursday's session. Without seeing the live cattle contracts trading higher -- and still no reassurance as to what's going to come of this week's fed cash cattle trade -- the feeder cattle contracts were left to trade sharply lower.

After an impressive seven-day rally, some of the nearby lean hog contracts traded slightly lower into Thursday's closing bell. With pork cutout values down again slightly, traders may be opting to reel back their support of the contracts until the market's fundamentals improve.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/02/26140648/web-closing-markets-1.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

The overall Rural Mainstreet Index dropped below a growth-neutral level of 50.0 for February. That’s according to the most recent monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a ten-state region dependent on agriculture or energy. The region’s overall reading for February fell to 47.9 from 52.0 in January. This marks the 12th time that the index has dropped below growth-neutral since January 2025. “Due to weakness in the farm economy, especially for grain, about 75 percent of bankers support additional Congressional financial support for the agriculture sector,” said Ernie Goss of Creighton University. “They said pullbacks in farm exports during 2025 continue to undermine the regional farm economy.” 

The February survey showed farm loan delinquency rates plateauing at a modest rate of less than 1.5 percent. The Farm and Ranchland Price Index also fell below growth neutral at 45.5. The overall index ranges from 0 to 100, with growth neutral at 50.0.

February Rural Mainstreet Index falls below growth neutral

A new ten percent U.S. tariff on goods from around the world took effect on Tuesday. Meatingplace said a list of tariff exemptions included beef, some fertilizers, and metals like steel and aluminum that are already under Section 232 national security tariffs. The ten percent tariff under Section 122 was announced last week after the Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s widespread use of tariffs, in place since February 2025. “Section 122 only allows tariffs for 150 days without congressional action,” Meatingplace said. “The President had said over the weekend he was raising them to 15 percent, the cap set in Section 122, but Tuesday’s action remained at ten percent.” 

Fertilizers that are exempt from the new import tariffs include urea, ammonium nitrate, UAN, ammonium sulfate, along with DAP, MAP, and others. Ammonia, sulfuric acid, and sulfur are not exempt, unless they are imported via the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Beef, most fertilizers exempt from new tariffs

May corn closed up 3 1/2 cents and July corn was up 2 3/4 cents. May soybeans closed up 9 3/4 cents and July soybeans were up 9 1/4 cents. May KC wheat closed down 2 3/4 cents, May Chicago wheat was down 3 1/2 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was up 1 1/2 cents.

Although we still haven't heard whether or not there will be a union strike at the JBS plant in Greeley, Colorado, traders seemed comfortable advancing the live cattle contracts Wednesday. Still no cash cattle trade has developed and it's most likely trade will be delayed until Friday. If a plant strike does happen in Colorado, then there's a chance prices may trade steady as opposed to higher as not as many cattle would be needed in the immediate future. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $1.92 ($379.35) and select up $0.75 ($366.76) with a movement of 59 loads (34.16 loads of choice, 4.69 loads of select, 8.08 loads of trim and 11.88 loads of ground beef).

Upon seeing the live cattle complex step out and comfortably trade higher, the feeder cattle contracts were logging a sizeable rally ahead of Wednesday's noon hour. Nothing sent the live cattle contracts tumbling lower, the feeder cattle contracts were able to sustain the bulk of their rally into Wednesday's closing bell.

The lean hog complex continued to trade higher, keeping with what is now a seven-day rally as traders continue to drive the market higher upon the technical interest they've recently found. It's been interesting to watch the market's fundamentals play out over the last seven trading days as pork cutout values have been mostly mixed, but packer interest in the cash market has been better.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/02/25140634/web-closing-markets-1.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Police have released the names of the victims in Sunday’s early morning two-vehicle crash at 10th and Quindaro.

Tiera Laster, 30 and Ashli McGough, 37, both residents of Kansas City, Kan., died from their injuries, according to a statement from Kansas City, Kansas Police.

Based on video obtained from the scene, the driver of the eastbound vehicle on Quindaro Boulevard crossed the double yellow line into the west bound lane and struck the vehicle driven by Laster. The driver and sole occupant of the eastbound vehicle and three passengers from Laster’s vehicle remain hospitalized in serious to critical condition.

This incident remains under investigation by the KCKPD Traffic Division. 

Police ID two Kansas women who died in wrong-way crash

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">Sherman Smith</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

LAWRENCE — Attorneys will argue Friday in court over whether a judge should delay enforcement of a state law that invalidates driver’s licenses and birth certificates for those who changed their gender marker and restricts bathroom use based on sex assigned at birth.

Two trans men from Lawrence&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/27/trans-men-file-lawsuit-over-kansas-law-that-restricts-bathroom-use-and-invalidates-drivers-licenses/">filed a lawsuit last week</a>&nbsp;in Douglas County District Court to challenge&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 244</a>, which took effect Feb. 26. The unnamed plaintiffs say the law violates constitutional rights to personal autonomy, privacy, equity, due process and expression, could subject them to harassment and violence, and would jeopardize their mental health and employment.

Attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union and the Philadelphia-based Ballard Spahr law firm, which represent the plaintiffs, appeared by Zoom for a scheduling conference Tuesday in Douglas County District Court with Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach and other attorneys for the state. Journalists from Kansas Reflector and the Kansas City Star and an attorney from the University of Kansas observed the hearing from an otherwise empty courtroom.

Douglas County District Judge James McCabria told attorneys they needed to find a time this week to hold oral arguments on a motion by plaintiffs for a temporary restraining order, which would block enforcement of the law. He set the hearing for Friday afternoon.

McCabria could rule quickly on the motion. He acknowledged a restraining order would be an “extraordinary remedy” for a law that has “broad application.” He noted the ruling would not be “a determination of final merits” in the case, and that he could continue to “weigh things later.”

The plaintiffs in the case are identified in court documents as Daniel Doe and Matthew Moe. During Tuesday’s hearing, the judge questioned Kobach about the use of pseudonyms. Kobach said it wasn’t typical but that he wouldn’t object, “just to make this thing move along.”

McCabria, who was appointed to the bench by Gov. Sam Brownback in 2014, said the use of pseudonyms “raises some questions,” and that he was concerned about the public’s right to know. He said he would wait until Friday to see if a news outlet objects to the plaintiffs’ request to proceed unnamed.

“I do see a reasonable and articulated reason for the request,” McCabria said.

The GOP-led Legislature fast-tracked passage of the law this year while bending rules to avoid public input and silence debate. Every Republican except Emporia Rep. Mark Schreiber voted to pass the law and to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto, despite objections from Democrats about the cost to local governments, harm to transgender people, unclear provisions in the law, and constitutional problems.

Republicans argued, without evidence, that the bathroom provision of the law was necessary to ensure the safety of women. They ignored the reality that the law now requires trans men to use women’s facilities.

The law contains a bounty-style provision that allows individuals who feel “aggrieved” by someone’s bathroom use to sue the individuals for monetary gain. Any public entity that fails to properly police bathrooms could be subject to a $25,000 fine on first offense and $125,000 fines on subsequent offenses.

The Kansas Department of Revenue&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/26/trans-kansans-struggle-with-reality-of-legislatures-cruelty-as-drivers-licenses-are-invalidated/">sent a letter to trans people</a>&nbsp;shortly before the law took effect to inform them their driver’s licenses were invalid. However,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thehandbasket.co/p/kansas-republicans-sb-244-trans-drivers-licenses" target="_blank">independent journalist Marisa Kabas</a>&nbsp;reported&nbsp;<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ejihld4sywvvqwe67cdkn4jq/post/3mfucyhno7s2z" target="_blank">an internal KDOR memo</a>&nbsp;to DMVs says no records have been invalidated.

The memo also says the agency sent a letter to 300 Kansans, although the agency has publicly said 1,700 records were affected.

Zach Denney, a KDOR spokesman, told Kansas Reflector that while the new law invalidates licenses immediately,&nbsp;agency employees must look at each record to determine why the gender marker was changed, as some could have been changed because of data entry errors. He encouraged individuals to check their status on the KDOR website.

“The KDOR driver’s license status check page accurately reflects KDOR’s internal system, and what law enforcement entities will see if they check a license,” he said. “The system is being updated, and as it is, the status check website will reflect changes made within the system.”

Kansas judge orders Friday hearing on whether to tap brakes on anti-trans law

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/mollygibbs/">Molly Gibbs</a>

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley said Monday that President Donald Trump acted within executive powers when he launched an attack with Israel on Iran over the weekend.

Several Democratic senators indicated Monday that they will force a vote on a war powers resolution to bar Trump from taking further military action in the region unless Congress authorizes it. If that vote comes to fruition, Hawley said he will not support it.

“If there’s not a use of ground troops involved, the president has 60 days to conduct operations,” Hawley said.

If the president seeks to add ground troops to the conflict, that would be a different story. To do that, he would need to seek congressional approval, Hawley said. He also noted that he has yet to be briefed by the administration, something he expects to happen Tuesday.

“I hope for a swift conclusion to this in a way that is maximally advantageous for America’s national security (and) that keeps us safe, No. 1,” Hawley said. “No. 2, I want to be briefed … I have no visibility into this at all, and I don’t want to speculate.”

Hawley’s assessment adds to his complicated view of U.S. military action abroad. During Joe Biden’s presidency, Hawley often voiced opposition to increasing the United States’ involvement in foreign conflicts, including giving funding to Ukraine in its struggle against Russia.

More recently, Hawley temporarily broke with his party to vote in favor of a war powers resolution after Trump launched Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela. The war powers resolution would have barred Trump from taking further military action in the region, essentially condemning the operation and checking the president’s actions.

Hawley quickly reversed course and voted against the resolution after he said he received assurances from Secretary of State Marco Rubio that no U.S. troops would be on the ground in Venezuela. In Trump’s so-called Operation Epic Fury, Hawley may not be able to get similar assurances, as the president indicated at one point on Monday that he won’t rule out the use of ground forces.

The U.S. Central Command confirmed Monday that six U.S. service members were killed in Iran’s counter attack on U.S. bases in the region. The U.S.-Israeli strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and is estimated to have killed more than 500 people in the country.

Several Missouri residents are in the region, including groups stuck in the middle of their travels, Hawley said. He urged all Americans in the area to leave the immediately.

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/nation_world/trump-administration-is-in-compliance-with-war-power-statute-hawley-says/article_0f671470-571b-4a4e-a9f9-77df3ec70a6e.html#tncms-source=topstory" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

Missouri’s Josh Hawley defends Trump’s Iran strike, rejects war powers vote

KANSAS CiTY—Law enforcement investigating a weekend homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 21-year-old Jalen S. Gilliam.

Just after 10p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 1300 block of E 76th street in Kansas City, Missouri on a sound of shots call, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

As officers arrived they located two adult male victims inside a vehicle at the intersection of 76th and Lydia. One man, later identified as Gilliam, was suffering from gunshot wounds and officers immediately began performing life saving measures while ordering EMS. Gilliam was transported&nbsp; to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased a short time later. The other male victim sustained non life threatening gun shot wounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the course of the initial investigation officers located a possible subject of interest in a nearby residence. Officers surrounded the house and an Operation 100, a police stand off, was initiated. Trained negotiators and tactical officers were called in to the scene to bring the situation to a peaceful resolution.&nbsp; Police ultimately determined the house was empty.

This is being investigated as a homicide, and no one is in custody at this point. Detectives are still working to determine what led to shots being fired and the victims being struck.&nbsp;

Homicide: Police ID man shot in vehicle in Kansas City 

Subject: Security Alert - Shelter in Place - U.S. Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, (Mar. 3, 2026)

Avoid the Embassy until further notice due to an attack on the facility. We continue to limit non-essential travel to any military installations in the region.

The U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia has issued a shelter in place notification for Jeddah, Riyadh and Dhahran and are limiting non-essential travel to any military installations in the region – we recommend American citizens in the Kingdom to shelter in place immediately.

The U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia continues to monitor the regional situation.

We encourage all travelers to review our most recentSecurity Alerts, review any travel plans in case of disruptions, and make appropriate decisions to keep themselves and their families safe.

We advise all U.S. citizens to maintain a personal safety plan. Crises can happen unexpectedly while traveling or living abroad, and a good plan helps you think through potential scenarios and determine in advance the best course of action.

·      Refer to our website for the latest Security Alerts.

·      Enroll or re-enroll in the Department of State’sSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency.

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