Area residents are encouraged to practice safe weather procedures next week during during Severe Weather Preparedness Week.

Meteorologist Dan Holiday says this is the time of year to implement your plan of action during severe weather events. "It can be in the form of damaging winds or storms or tornados, really anything that could damage your home, vehicle or you. You should know where your safe place is going to be"

Holiday adds the Midwest often sees the most severe weather between late April into early June. "However, by the time we get to mid-March, there are weather ingredients that come together and we can see more significant weather patterns."

Sgt. Shane Hux, with the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop H in St. Joseph, recommends keeping an eye on the weather, especially if you are driving. "The important thing to remember is that severe storms can form very quickly."

Hux says if a tornado is spotted, get into the nearest building as quickly as possible for shelter. Hux emphasizes that drivers should not take shelter under overpasses. "Overpasses are not safe during tornados. Get into a nearby building. However, if you're driving in rural areas and see a funnel cloud, take cover in the nearest ditch and cover your head, but watch for rapidly-rising water."

Hux notes some other tips to help prepare for severe weather:

1. Never attempt to drive through water on the road

2. If you become stuck in water, always move to higher ground if you can safely do so

4. Dial Star 55 to connect with the nearest Troop headquarters

Stay ahead of spring weather during Severe Weather Preparedness Week

A 44-year-old Columbia, Missouri, man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for a multi-state crime spree involving drug trafficking and firearm possession, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Walter Antwine Moore received his 180-month sentence from U.S. District Judge Greg Kays following guilty pleas to drug distribution and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

The legal proceedings consolidated crimes committed across three different jurisdictions between late 2022 and early 2023.

The earliest incident occurred on December 6, 2022, at a casino in Quapaw, Oklahoma. After losing over $1,000 at a blackjack table, Moore became belligerent toward a dealer and made threats involving "yellow police tape and sirens." When Quapaw Marshals attempted a pat-down, Moore reached into his jacket and tried to flee. During a struggle with deputies, a baggie in Moore’s possession burst, scattering 913 blue fentanyl pills across the floor.

A month later, on January 7, 2023, police in St. Joseph, Missouri, responded to a convenience store report of a man stealing potato chips and attempting to sell drugs. Upon searching Moore’s vehicle, officers discovered:

The final confrontation took place on February 10, 2023, at a train station in Kansas City, Missouri. When interdiction detectives questioned Moore upon his arrival, he became confrontational and attempted to run. After being tackled by tactical officers, investigators recovered a cellophane-wrapped bundle nearby containing approximately 2,300 fentanyl pills.

The case was a collaborative effort between the Western District of Missouri and the Northern District of Oklahoma. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the DEA, ATF, the Quapaw Nation Marshals Service, and various regional drug task forces. Moore was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Trey Alford and Adam McConney.

Columbia man gets 15 years after St. Joe, Kansas City, Oklahoma drug busts

Missouri Western State University is reporting a second consecutive year of spring enrollment growth, fueled by a significant rise in student retention and a surge in local freshman enrollment.

According to recent spring census data, the university’s total headcount rose to 3,132 students, a 1.52% increase over the previous year. This growth highlights a sustained upward trend for the institution following several years of strategic reorganization.

The most significant data point in the census was a 5% increase in overall Fall-to-Spring retention. University officials noted that the gains were particularly strong among non-traditional students. Retention for adult learners (ages 25 and older) jumped 7%, while traditional student retention saw a 3% uptick.

“MoWest continues to build meaningful momentum, not only in who is choosing us, but in how well we are supporting students once they arrive,” said Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, president of Missouri Western. She attributed the success to a sharpened focus on the student experience and expanded support initiatives.

The university saw a major influx of new degree-seeking freshmen, with an increase of 126 students compared to last spring. Much of this growth originated locally; Buchanan County student headcount rose by 8.54%, while total enrollment across the university’s entire service region grew by 3.82%.

New student pipelines also showed modest but steady gains. Transfer enrollment increased by 2.9%, and new first-time, first-year students rose by 2.33%.

The enrollment report highlighted several academic programs that are driving current interest. Growth was most notable in healthcare, education, and technology sectors, including:

University leadership credited the alignment of these academic programs with regional workforce demands as a key factor in attracting both traditional and adult learners. As the university looks toward the Fall term, officials say they plan to continue implementing strategic initiatives aimed at expanding regional access and maintaining this upward trajectory.

MWSU reports second consecutive year of spring enrollment growth

For a fifth consecutive year, spring enrollment at Northwest Missouri State University has surpassed 7 ,000 students.  

University President Lance Tatum says it's a testament to the hard work and dedication of the faculty and staff at the university 

“Everyone is very focused on building enrollments and building sustainable enrollments,” Tatum tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “So, to see that there was success again this spring just reassures that we are on the right path.” 

Tatum says the culture developed at Northwest has made the university an attractive spot for students, due to focus on its students 

"I’m really proud of the way in which our staff and faculty have really kind of leveled up to make sure that students who arrive on campus get a great first start in the fall and then choose to continue with us through the spring and beyond,” Tatum says. 

Spring enrollment at Northwest was 7, 674 students.  Among that number there were 4,315 undergraduate students, which marks a 4% increase from the previous year.  

Tatum says there has been a more focused approach on growing that undergraduate population of students on campus in Maryville, by developing new strategies 

"We have invested heavily in our admissions recruiting processes, we’ve brought on new software platforms, we’ve expanded our creative, we’ve increased our exposure and frequency on our social media platforms really focusing on finding the right fit student for Northwest,” Tatum explains.  “And I think that’s really the secret that we’re really focused on, and that is not just quantity of numbers, but finding the right students in terms of Northwest satisfying what they’re trying to accomplish in their collegiate career.” 

With the positive enrollment this year, Northwest saw an 88% retention rate, as well as a 94% persistence rate which tracks students who complete their degree programs.  

Tatum says that 88% is good, but the goal is to be even higher 

"Our goal is to get above 90%, I would love for us to be somewhere in that 90 to 91% range,” Tatum says.  “I think that really shows that we’re recruiting students to Maryville and then they’re choosing to stay beyond that first semester.” 

Tatum is aware that the 90 to 91 percent is a stretch goal and that there are a number of factors that may cause students to leave college between the fall and spring 

"In some cases, students get here, it’s not the place they thought they were coming to for whatever reason, so they leave after their fall semester,” Tatum explains.  “You know there’s financial considerations that sometimes play into this, students miscalculate the amount of cost there is with attending a university, and so they can’t go beyond their first fall semester.” 

Tatum though believes to push the number up is the first step in building the full retention number, in terms of getting first from fall to spring, then your first to second year, and so on.  

Typically, enrollment numbers drop in the spring semester, but Northwest has seen consistent numbers since 2022, when the university had a record of 8,817 students enrolled. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

NWMSU President Tatum thrilled by fifth straight year of positive spring enrollment

KFEQ Morning Sports

Filing opened Tuesday for candidates in Missouri, with eight congressional districts, 17 state Senate races and 163 seats in the Missouri House among the offices on the ballot

U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver was the first candidate to file for office Tuesday in Missouri, showing the 11-term Democratic incumbent will run for re-election despite uncertainty about the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/10/judge-to-decide-whether-missouris-gerrymandered-congressional-map-is-in-effect/">boundaries of the district he represents</a>.

Cleaver, a Kansas City Democrat, became a target when Missouri Republicans, acting at the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/10/after-hearing-from-trump-missouri-gop-muscle-gerrymandered-map-forward-in-state-senate/">urging of President Donald Trump</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/12/gerrymandered-congressional-map-initiative-petitions-limits-sent-to-missouri-governor/">redrew the map</a>&nbsp;for the state’s eight congressional districts during a September special session.

Cleaver’s 5th District, which&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/05/12/missouri-senate-adjourns-early-after-passing-congressional-redistricting-map/">since 2022</a>&nbsp;has included almost all of Kansas City as well as portions of Clay and Jackson counties, now stretches east to Columbia through 14 additional counties. With the prospect of running in a district that now leans heavily Republican, four GOP candidates filed soon after Cleaver completed his paperwork.

Which voters will decide Cleaver’s fate — those in the district drawn last year, or the one that re-elected him in 2024 — is a question pending in state courts and local election authorities.

Cole County Circuit Judge Brian Stumpe is expected to rule soon on whether petitions filed for a referendum on the gerrymandered map mean it is&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/10/judge-to-decide-whether-missouris-gerrymandered-congressional-map-is-in-effect/">not in effect</a>&nbsp;for this year’s election. And local election authorities are checking those petitions to see if there are<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-delays-decision-on-signatures-for-missouri-referendum-on-gerrymandered-map/">&nbsp;sufficient signatures</a>&nbsp;to force a statewide vote.

“Normally, this would be an act of insanity for somebody to file for public office and not know where they’re serving if they should win,” Cleaver said. “But I have no idea what district I’m going to be in.”

Secretary of State Denny Hoskins is telling congressional candidates that the districts drawn last year, which rearranged the boundaries of almost all of the state’s eight districts, are in effect.&nbsp;

“The new Missouri First map was passed by both the House and the Senate, signed by Governor Kehoe, and I’ve been very clear that the new Missouri first map is in effect today,” Hoskins said.

The four Republicans who filed before noon on Tuesday are Sean Smith, a Jackson County legislator who ran against Cleaver in 2024; Taylor Burks, a former Boone County Clerk who made an unsuccessful run&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/08/02/former-tv-anchorman-wins-gop-nomination-in-missouris-4th-congressional-district/">for the 4th Congressional District</a>&nbsp;in 2022 and dropped out after a short-lived run for 3rd District in 2024; Brett Hueffmeier, a Kansas City attorney; and Brad Patty, a retired Army mechanic from Fayette.

Smith took just under 35% of the vote in 2024 and he’s eager to run in the new district.

“It does what we see our competition on the other side do all over the country, and that is to maximize the opportunity in the United States Congress for our side,” Smith said.

Patty said the district is a miniature version of the state.

“This district is a good representation of Missouri. It’s going to have rural counties, and it also has city voters, so I think it is well-mixed,” he said.

Burks, a commander in the Navy Reserve, said in a news release that he’s ready for the challenge.

“Today, we are fighting for America’s soul against career politicians like Emanuel Cleaver who have lost touch with the people they serve,” Burks said.

Cleaver said he is ready for the campaign regardless of its geography.

“My work ethic is not going to change, and neither will my commitment to the voters,” Cleaver said. “If I have to serve the people who live just outside of Columbia and Jefferson City, then I’ll do that.”

The 5th District contenders are among 368 candidates who finished the process at the Missouri secretary of state’s office on Tuesday, with dozens more expected in coming weeks to join the contests that this year include a statewide race for auditor, seven other congressional districts, 17 state Senate races and all 163 seats in the Missouri House.&nbsp;

The line of prospective candidates snaked through the third floor hallways of Hoskins’ Jefferson City office and his staff waived through five candidates at a time to file.

Candidate filing day is the most optimistic day of the election season, state Rep. Bill Harbison, a Republican from Arcadia, said as he waited in line. Everyone who runs believes they can win, he said.

Harbison is seeking his second term and said he’s excited about filing again.

“You’re still energized, you’ve been up for about four hours, and yeah, you’re ready to go,” Harbison said.

It is possible for anyone who files to win, said Hoskins, who won his first race, for a seat in the Missouri House, in 2008. He knocked on every door in the district, he said, and overcame a limited campaign budget.

“When I came through in 2008, I had no idea what I was doing as far as filing for office,” Hoskins said. “​I never knew in 2008 when I filed for state rep, that someday I would be secretary of state.”

Steve Baker of Raymore, a Republican who filed in the Missouri House’s 56th District, is challenging three-term incumbent state Rep. Michael Davis, a Republican from Belton.

When asked why, he did not state any specific reason he feels he can do better than Davis.

Baker said he is a retired Marine and needs to be active.

“I like challenges, and I ran out of challenges since I retired,” he said.

Some candidates in line were there to seek higher office. State Rep. Don Mayhew, a Republican from Crocker, and state Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly, are trying to move to the state Senate in the 16th and 18th districts, respectively.&nbsp;

“You’ve probably seen the work ethic for our Senate for the last month or so, and and in prior years past, a lot of the stuff that we’ve been doing is frozen up because of a lack of moving things along over in the Senate,” Mayhew said. “So hopefully I can jump in there and help things move along.”

Lewis is running for the seat being given up by Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin of Shelbina. Lewis could seek a fourth term in the Missouri House but the Senate seat won’t be on the ballot for another four years, he noted.

“It was either now you’re going to run for Senate or in two years you’re not going to be able to continue to serve,” Lewis said.

Without a race for the U.S. Senate, the only statewide race on the ballot this year is for state auditor. Incumbent Republican State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick is seeking his second term and unseating him will be a big job for either of the two Democrats, Quentin Wilson of St. Louis and Gregory Upchurch of St. Charles, who filed to run against him.

If the gerrymandered map stays in place, the 5th District contest is likely to be the focus of both national parties throughout the fall. And the final result for the 5th District will come in November, when Cleaver faces the survivor of the GOP primary.&nbsp;

The 5th District Republican primary won’t be the only congressional primary with intense competition. In the 1st Congressional District in St. Louis, former U.S.Rep. Cori Bush filed against U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell for a rematch of their 2024 Democratic primary.

In an interview Tuesday, Bush said she blames Bell for the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/04/st-louis-waits-for-aid-as-fema-response-to-missouri-disasters-is-slowest-in-15-years/">slow federal response</a>&nbsp;after a devastating tornado hit St. Louis in May.

Bush, however, saved her harshest criticism for the Republican lawmakers who redrew the congressional map and want to make it harder to pass constitutional amendments by initiative.

“The one thing that pisses me off about that is that these same folks that feel like maybe people didn’t understand, maybe they didn’t didn’t know what they were voting on, but they are in the seat because of that same ballot, and they are not saying that the person didn’t know what they were doing they voted,” Bush said.

This year’s legislative contests will be a big test for Missouri Democrats. They are three seats short of breaking the GOP’s supermajority — two-thirds of all seats — in the Missouri House and two seats away in the Missouri Senate.

There are no incumbents running in 11 of the 17 Senate seats on the ballot, but only two, both GOP seats, are seen as competitive in November.

The 30th District in Springfield, held by state Sen. Lincoln Hough, and the 8th District in Jackson County, held by state Sen. Mike Cierpiot of Lee’s Summit — are seen as the most likely districts to flip.&nbsp;

In Springfield, the 30th District race pits state Rep. Betsy Fogle, a Democrat, against state Rep. Melanie Stinnett, a Republican. In the 8th District, House Speaker Jon Patterson will run in a GOP primary against former state Rep. Dan Stacy. The winner will face state Rep. Kerri Ingle, a Lee’s Summit Democrat.

But the primary could increase the number of new senators in January.

In the 20th District in Greene County, state Sen. Curtis Trent faces a well-funded primary challenge from Lori Rook, who came in third in the statewide primary for state treasurer in 2024. While Trent has $274,000 in his campaign account and another $500,000 in the 417 PAC, Rook opened her campaign with a $100,000 donation from her own funds.

Another southwest Missouri contest has elements of a rematch.

In the 32nd District, covering Jasper and Newton counties, Dr. Ellen Nichols filed in the Republican primary against state Sen. Jill Carter, a Granby Republican.

Nichols, a neurosurgeon, is the wife of former state Sen. Bill White, who lost a 2022 primary to Carter.&nbsp;

Nichols began the race by putting $250,000 of her own money into her campaign account. Carter had $52,000 in her campaign account on Dec. 31 and a PAC associated with her campaign, Show Me Values, was holding $73,000.

The race is not a grudge match to repay Carter for the 2022 primary, Nichols said as she filed.

“I certainly believe that I will be a better Senator than Jill Carter,” Nichols said. “We’ve lost a lot of ground in the sanctity of life over the last four years, and now we’re in a deep hole, and we’re going to have to dig our way out of that. And I lay that in the legislature, especially the Senate.”

Emanuel Cleaver, four Republicans file for Missouri’s gerrymandered 5th District

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for an allege violent crime.

On September 16, 2025 police investigated an incident that had occurred at 12:30a.m. at a residence in the 300 block North 5th in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 A 44 year old woman reported that she was at the residence visiting the suspect when he became angry and physically assaulted her. She later went to the hospital for examination of injuries at which time she notified police.

Just before 1p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 33-year-old Donald E. Harvey III, of Atchison in the 1000 block Main Street on a District Court warrant for aggravated battery and a Leavenworth County warrant for failure to appear in court.&nbsp;

Kansas man accused of violent attack on a woman

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce will host a series of Public Affairs Coffee sessions throughout March, providing a platform for local candidates to address the community ahead of upcoming elections.

The series begins Wednesday, March 4, featuring candidates for the St. Joseph School District Board of Education. The forum will run from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, located at 1201 N. Woodbine Road. Kevin Waltman of Eagle Media will serve as the moderator. For those unable to attend in person, the session will be recorded and broadcast on 680 KFEQ the following day at 9:00 a.m.

A final forum is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, focusing on the St. Joseph City Council candidates and the finalists in the mayoral race. This session will also be held from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. at Stoney Creek. All candidates from their respective races have been invited to participate in these events, which are presented by Farmers State Bank.

Registration is required for all attendees to cover the cost of a full breakfast. The fee is $15 for Chamber members and $20 for the general public. Interested parties can register online at <a target="_blank" href="http://saintjoseph.com">saintjoseph.com</a> or by calling 816-232-4461.

St. Joseph Chamber to host candidate forums in March

North Central Missouri College (NCMC) will join institutions across the United States on Saturday, February 28, 2026, to celebrate the 40th annual National TRIO Day. 

The event honors the achievements of first-generation students, income-eligible individuals, students with disabilities, and veterans, while recognizing the transformative impact of Federal TRIO Programs on higher education.

Established by Congress in 1986, National TRIO Day highlights the importance of educational access and academic persistence. These programs originated from the landmark Higher Education Act, designed to dismantle barriers to postsecondary success. Over the past four decades, TRIO has helped more than six million students nationwide earn college degrees, strengthening the nation through the power of opportunity.

NCMC’s TRIO Programs will mark the milestone with a series of events and recognition ceremonies. These activities aim to bring together students, alumni, campus leaders, and community partners to share success stories and deepen the public’s understanding of the TRIO mission.

“TRIO students are scholars, problem-solvers, community builders, and future leaders, with grit, persistence, and determination,” said Cindy Wells, Director for NCMC Talent Search. Tocarra Williams, Director of NCMC Student Support Services and Upward Bound, added, “National TRIO Day is our opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments, acknowledge their hard work, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring every student has the support and resources to achieve their goals.”

The milestone anniversary serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for equitable access to education. Kimberly Jones, president of the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE), noted that this year honors the millions of alumni who have turned dreams into careers. “As we celebrate this anniversary, we recommit ourselves to protecting and strengthening TRIO so future generations can continue to thrive,” Jones stated.

NCMC Joins nationwide celebration for 40th Annual National TRIO Day

Congressman Sam Graves of Missouri joined U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann of Kansas and Jimmy Panetta of California, who serve as co-chairs of the Congressional FFA Caucus, along with 57 other colleagues to introduce a formal resolution. 

This measure designates the week of February 21 - 28 as National FFA Week. Similar companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Todd Young of Indiana and Chris Coons of Delaware.

Representative Graves highlighted the personal impact the organization had on his development, noting that the leadership skills he gained during high school remain relevant in his current role. He praised the organization for its commitment to providing high-quality agricultural education and fostering personal growth for the next generation of leaders in the industry.

National FFA Advisor Dr. Travis Park described the commemorative week as an opportunity to showcase the collective influence of the organization across the country. He credited the success of the program to the dedication of agricultural teachers, alumni, and various partners who support the student members as they transition into roles as innovators and advocates for the agricultural sector.

The National FFA Organization operates as a congressionally chartered, school-based leadership group. It currently boasts a membership of more than 1,042,245 students across 9,400 local chapters. These chapters are active in all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

As a member of the Congressional FFA Caucus, which consists of more than 60 representatives, Graves and his colleagues work to raise the profile of agricultural education. The caucus focuses on building strong relationships between federal lawmakers and the future leaders of the American food and agriculture industries.

Congressman Sam Graves leads bipartisan effort to designate National FFA Week

St Joseph Restaurant Week is officially here with 29 area eateries participating and bringing some new and fun menu items to area residents. 

St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Director of Communications Kristi Bailey says there are food choices for all times of the day 

"Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, we’re really encouraging people to try somewhere they’ve never gone before or if you have a tried and true, like you love a certain place, try something new on the menu,” Bailey says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “So, we just really encourage people to get out and support these restaurants in what can be a slower time of year.” 

Bailey says the program is the second most popular event held throughout the year, next to Shop St. Joe.  During the week, to get people motivated to go out, Bailey says there will be gift card giveaways on social media 

"Definitely one of the most popular times of the year for our social media engagement, because we started last week on Thursday or Friday doing giveaways,” Bailey explains.  “Each restaurant that’s participating, they give a $25 gift card, so usually I just ask a question kind of related to the restaurant.” 

Bailey says all you have to do is answer the question to be entered to win.  You can also win gift cards in the mornings with Gregg Lynn on JoeTown 107.5 and the afternoons on Q Country 92.7 with Travis Dodge throughout the week.   

Bailey says on top of the gift card giveaways and special menus, there are several special events, many being food related, but also some with educational opportunities. 

"The Den is presenting at Cup of Joe on Wednesday, just to kind of talk about how they got their start, they’re not technically a restaurant of course, but they do a lot of food related events at The Den,” Bailey says.  “And then we have our Business After Hours on Thursday, and that’s at the United Building downtown which is a really cool event space, and that’s free to attend, you don’t have to register, just come out to that.” 

On Friday there will be a happy hour also at The Den and a wine tasting at Cafe Belle Epoque before the week wraps up with a Brunch, Margs, and music event at La Mesa on Saturday.  

St. Joseph Restaurant Week runs through Sunday. You can find more information by clicking <a href="https://www.stjrestaurantweek.com/">HERE</a>.

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

St. Joseph Restaurant Week in full swing encouraging residents to get out and eat

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>

Commodity markets daily recap

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>

U.S. farm groups are urging Congress to move quickly on a new Farm Bill, warning that continued delays could increase uncertainty for producers heading into the 2026 growing season. Commodity organizations say programs covering crop insurance, conservation, nutrition assistance and farm safety nets need long-term stability. Congressional hearings are underway, but farm leaders say producers need clarity well before planting and financing decisions are finalized. 

Agricultural economists note that high input costs, volatile weather and global competition have increased reliance on federal support programs. Farm groups warn that a delayed bill could complicate lending decisions and participation in conservation initiatives. Congressional leaders say negotiations are ongoing but acknowledge challenges in reaching a bipartisan agreement. Farm organizations say timely passage is critical to maintaining confidence in the U.S. farm economy.

Farm groups urge Congress to move quickly on 2026 farm bill

U.S. meat exporters are facing increased pressure overseas as global production rises and price-sensitive buyers look for lower-cost supplies. USDA data show beef and pork exports remain strong by historical standards, but shipments have softened in several key Asian markets. Industry groups say a strong U.S. dollar, higher production costs and growing competition from South America are affecting price competitiveness. 

Export markets are critical to U.S. livestock prices, particularly for cuts less favored by American consumers. The U.S. Meat Export Federation says trade access plays a major role in supporting farm-level returns. Trade officials say ongoing negotiations and market development efforts are focused on maintaining access and expanding demand. Industry leaders warn that continued competition could pressure producer margins if exports slow further.

U.S. meat exports face growing global competition

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

There was very little impactful news for Tuesday to drive prices. Soybean futures appear to have found a comfortable range of liquidity with an early attempt lower rejected by buyers who are still finding optimism in a firm soybean oil market. Meanwhile, corn futures remain sluggish and confined to their February price range with profit-taking in wheat through the week thus far a source of spillover weakness. Outside markets for Tuesday saw recovery in equities after an ugly start to the week on Monday. Energy markets remain generally elevated relative to their 2026 range thus far but are treading this week with the next round of U.S.-Iran negotiations upcoming on Thursday. In other outside market news, President Trump's State of the Union address is Tuesday evening at 8 p.m. CST, and investors will undoubtedly be tuned in to hear comments regarding the U.S. economy, tariff situation, and more.

The live cattle complex continued to trade mixed as it's unclear whether or not an agreement was reached at the JBS packing plant in Greeley, Colorado, to avoid a union plant strike. This uncertainty had the nearby contracts trading slightly lower, while the deferred contracts were trading mildly higher. Still no cash cattle trade has developed, and it's unlikely any trade will surface ahead of Thursday or Friday. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $6.65 ($375.87) and select up $1.79 ($366.10) with a movement of 58 loads (39.59 loads of choice, 4.96 loads of select, zero loads of trim and 13.79 loads of ground beef).

The live cattle complex may have traded mixed, but the feeder cattle contracts found a little more support and were softly to fully higher moving into Tuesday's closing bell. More than anything it seems the market is no longer up against immediate resistance pressure, which is why traders are comfortable to now allow the contracts to push slightly higher.

The lean hog complex maintained with its recent trend and traded solidly higher into Tuesday's close. This morning's pork cutout values were down slightly, but prices were stronger Monday and the market remains far enough away from technical resistance pressure that traders are comfortable advancing the contracts at this point in time.

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Farmers and conservation groups filed a lawsuit last week challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s reapproval of Dicamba herbicide that’s sprayed on genetically-resistant cotton and soybeans. “The re-registration of Dicamba flies in the face of a decade of damning evidence, real-world farming know-how, sound science, and the law,” said George Kimbrell, legal director of the Center for Food Safety and a counsel in the case. “In reality, the Trump administration has once again betrayed farmers and poisoned the environment to pad corporate pesticide profits, so we’ll see them in court.” 

He also said EPA administrator Lee Zeldin’s “hollow promises” that new restrictions on Dicamba will prevent damaging drift to nearby farms and backyard gardens is totally unsupported by the facts or common sense. “Zeldin insists he’s working closely with the Make America Healthy Again movement to make pesticides safer,” said Nathan Donley of the Center for Biological Diversity. “We aren’t fooled.”

Groups sue EPA over Dicamba reapproval

Cattle on feed on February 1 and placements in feedlots declined year-over-year. That’s according to the most recent Cattle on Feed Report. About 11.5 million head of cattle and calves were on feed at the beginning of the month, which the USDA said is down two percent on an annual basis. Placements last month totaled 1.74 million head, down five percent from the same month a year ago. 

The highest marketing level came in the 700–799-pound class, totaling 455,000 head. Under 600 pounds totaled 360,000 head, while 600-699 pounds totaled 365,000 head. Cattle placements between 800-899 pounds totaled 381,000 head. Placements included about 105,000 head weighing 900-999 pounds, and 70,000 head weighing 1,000 pounds or higher. The agency also said marketings of fed cattle in January plunged 13 percent on an annual basis, and other disappearance fell by eight percent to 55,000 head.

Cattle on feed, placements decline

March corn closed unchanged, and May corn was up 1/2 cents. March soybeans closed down 3 1/4 cents and May soybeans were down 3 1/2 cents. March KC wheat closed down 12 1/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 4 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was down 5 cents.

After a sluggish open on Sunday evening and overnight session to begin the new week, row-crop futures caught a bullish spark as the day trade began but eventually saw bullish momentum fade through the session on a lack of rally-sustaining news for Monday. Friday's session was overshadowed by the Supreme Court ruling which struck down President Trump's use of IEEPA in implementing tariffs. Slow GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2025 (due to the government shutdown) as well as sticky inflation received little acknowledgment until Monday's session, with heavy selling in equities to begin the new week and a flow of funds to commodities was at least partially responsible for a recovery from overnight lows before profit-taking again set in. Crude oil futures were steady to slightly lower ahead of the next round of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran scheduled for Thursday.

The live cattle complex was trading lower as traders cautiously enter the new week, hoping fundamental support will again surface and help guide the contracts higher. But throughout Monday's trade the complex traded lower, as caution remains the underlying theme. The pressure seems to stem from a number of different sources, as traders have noted the downturn in the equity markets, are aware of the uptick in the grain complex, and are also mulling around last Friday's Cattle on Feed report. Nevertheless, it seems as though the market will likely keep its mundane attitude into Tuesday. New showlists appear to be mixed, lower in Kansas and Texas, but higher in Nebraska/Colorado. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $1.28 ($367.98) and select up $3.09 ($363.83) with a movement of 51 loads (26.85 loads of choice, 4.38 loads of select, 8.94 loads of trim and 10.48 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle complex was also lower as traders aren't willing to advance the feeder cattle market at a time live cattle contracts are lower and grain prices are seeing a modest bump. And at this point it's very unlikely the market will change its direction and turn higher as a doggish attitude is currently overwhelming the market.

The cattle contracts may be trading lower, but the lean hog complex was keeping with its current trend and continued to trade higher as traders are pleased with the morning uptick in pork demand, and once again aren't up against immediate pressure of hitting technical resistance.

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WASHINGTON&nbsp;– Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran– a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry – today applauded the removal of the lesser prairie-chicken from the&nbsp;Endangered Species Act&nbsp;(ESA) list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), following a ruling by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas:

“The removal of the lesser prairie‑chicken from the endangered and threatened species list is a major win for Kansas farmers, ranchers and rural communities. For years, Kansas producers have worked to protect the bird’s habitat through voluntary, locally‑driven conservation efforts, but the listing’s burdensome federal regulations put severe strain on many Kansas industries.&nbsp;I have worked to oppose the listing of the lesser prairie-chicken for more than a decade, and I applaud today’s decision to remove the listing and continue to support local efforts to promote voluntary solutions that will protect the bird’s habitat without placing unnecessary burdens on our agricultural community.”

Kan. U.S. Senator applauds removal of prairie-chicken from ESA list

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man has been charged with murder for the fatal shooting of a teenage girl late last year in Independence, Missouri.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2813/Phillips-COMP">Eric R. Phillips II</a>, 28,&nbsp;faces 1st Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Abandonment of a Corpse, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2812/PhillipsEric---PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police received a call on November 28, 2025, reporting that an 18-year-old victim had been shot multiple times in a vehicle at a location in Independence earlier that morning. Detectives began using investigative leads to locate the vehicle.&nbsp;

Due to the circumstances, the victim was entered as a missing person in Independence.&nbsp;

Through multiple witness reports and surveillance footage, detectives identified Phillips as the shooter. Detectives determined he shot the victim multiple times while she was in the back of his vehicle in the early morning hours of Nov. 28.&nbsp; Ring camera footage captured the sound of gunshots coming from the location of his vehicle where it had been reported the shooting had occurred, and Phillips was seen in video footage multiple times carrying a firearm.&nbsp;

On November 29, police found the victim deceased in Kansas City. Phillips' cell phone pinged in the area where the victim’s body was located.

A Jackson County judge set Phillips’s bond at $350,000 cash only.&nbsp;

Prosecutors charged the defendant on December 3, 2025, under seal. The case has been unsealed this week.

Phillips is not yet in custody and law enforcement are working to locate him. If you have any information about his whereabouts, please contact police or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers over the phone: 816-474-8477 or online at kccrimestoppers.com.&nbsp;

Wanted suspect chargeed in fatal shooting of Kansas City girl

VP: Largest anti-fraud effort of its kind in Medicaid history

SHAWNE COUNTY—A family pet died in a house fire on Wednesday in Topeka.

Just after 4:30p.m., crews&nbsp;responded to a two-story house fire at 420 SW Woodlawn Avenue in Topeka, according to a media release.

Fire crews encountered heavy smoke coming from the first floor of the residence and initiated an interior fire attack and successfully extinguished the fire.

Fire crews conducted a systematic search of the structure and safely removed two dogs and one cat. Life-saving efforts, including CPR, were administered to one of the dogs, but despite those efforts, the dog did not survive. No occupants were home at the time of the fire.

The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical in nature:&nbsp;&nbsp;Smoke detectors were found in the home.

Family pet dies after fire at Kansas home

BUTLER COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a chase involving a stolen car.

Just after 5:30a.m. Wednesday, a sheriff's deputy running radar observed a Kia passenger car traveling over 90 miles per hour, west bound on US 54 in the area of Santa Fe Lake Road according to Butler County Undersheriff Daimon Cundiff.

The deputy was able to get behind the Kia at the stop light located at Santa Fe Lake Road. The deputy attempted to stop the Kia west of the intersection but the vehicle fled westbound reaching speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour. 

As the pursuit entered Andover, the driver of the Kia ran the red lights on US 54 at both Yorktown and Andover Road. The deputy terminated the pursuit. 

A short time later, the deputy was notified of a crash at the intersection of US 54 and 143rd St. East and responded to the scene. It was found that the Kia was involved in the crash and the driver had fled the scene on foot after side-swiping one vehicle and striking another. 

The occupant of the struck vehicle was transported to a local Wichita hospital with minor injuries. Through investigation it was determined that the Kia had been stolen in El Dorado but had not yet been reported. 

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