We know that during the first Trump administration, an aggressive trade policy was implemented. Tariffs and trade wars were the terms most used during that time. One trade battle was fought with our closest neighbors, Mexico and Canada. The old North American Free...
5 Ag Stories
U.S. Export Sales Report (11-7-24)
Strong export sales were reported again this week by the USDA. The hope is that these sales will continue past the week of the election. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers. Recent flash sales have actually lightened up a...
National FFA leadership team has wide variety of farm experience
Thirty-seven candidates vied for the honor of being elected to the 2024-2025 National FFA Leadership Team during the recent National FFA Convention. This year’s team has a wide variety of farm experience, but they all share a common passion for agriculture. Mary...
Soybean markets turning more attention to planting in South America
As harvest wraps up in the United States, oilseed markets are turning more attention to planting progress in South America. USDA Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski says the markets have a new focus. He says oil seed analysts and traders are paying close attention...
Treasury expands foreign land purchase oversight
The U.S. Treasury Department issued a final rule that significantly expands its ability to review real estate transactions by foreign persons near more than 60 military bases across 30 states. The Treasury, as Chair of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United...
Is Ag in a recession? It depends on who you ask
We talked earlier in the week about the October Rural Mainstreet Index numbers being less than stellar. But what does that mean for the Ag industry? It all depends on who you ask. Most economists agree that things are slower and more sideways than in recent years, and...
End of harvest season defined by plentiful rain
Rainy weather has defined the end of harvest season across the state. Northeast Iowa Beck’s Agronomist Lee Koenigsfeld said he’s been getting very consistent rains in his area. Koenigsfeld said beans are fully harvested in his neck of the woods, while corn is nearly...
2024 National FFA Secretary is fueled by his competitive spirit
Thirty-seven candidates vied for the honor of being elected to the 2024-2025 National FFA Leadership Team during the recent National FFA Convention. Luke Jennings of Ohio was elected as the National Secretary, and he said his passion for agriculture started at a very...
Previewing the November WASDE report
The USDA will publish the November WASDE report at 11:00am central time on Friday. The report will provide updated yield estimates and any changes to supply and demand forecasts both domestically and internationally. Jim McCormick, co-founder of AgMarket.net, says...
Farmer sentiment bounces back
October provided a surprising pre-election bounce in farmer sentiment as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer climbed to 115, 27 points above the September index. The biggest driver of the sentiment improvement was an increase in producers’ confidence...