Top Stories
Trade announcements with China are a positive step forward
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met recently to discuss trade and other topics. This may be a sign that trade tensions are slowly thawing between the United States and China. Faith Parum, an economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said China remains a top trading priority, even after disruptions last year. During recent talks, China and the U.S. agreed to some additional agricultural purchases on top of commitments made last year. Parum said trade...
U.S. Export Sales Report (5-9-24)
A neutral export sales report is favorable to the idea that the USDA will make cuts to U.S. exports in tomorrow’s WASDE report, as both corn and soybeans have fallen behind. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers. McBride said...
Calls for increased ag trade opportunities continue
United States agriculture continues to push for new trade opportunities in 2024. Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, says the Biden administration is taking more action than in past years to increase those opportunities....
Global pork production returning to profitability
A recent Rabobank report says the global pork industry is starting to shift as sow herd numbers begin to plateau after declining for some time. The stabilization is a result of better-than-expected consumption trends coupled with reduced production costs across most...
Renewable propane is a groundbreaking area of bio-based fuels
We have spent a lot of time talking about the renewable fuels marketplace. Whether it is E15, Sustainable Aviation Fuel, or even bio-diesel, we can find solutions to our energy and environmental needs in many ways. As we focus on many of these ag-based products, the...
Slow start to planting could make for an interesting May WASDE
Friday’s upcoming WASDE report is an important one, as it is the first report after the start of planting season. While the beginning of planting season has been slow, analysts are unsure of whether or not any changes will be made by the USDA. Ross Baldwin of...
Interest rates and low prices are still squeezing farmers
Rabobank’s RaboResearch team released its bimonthly North American Agribusiness Review. The report analyzes market conditions and trends in North American agriculture. Roland Fumasi, North American Regional Head of RaboResearch, said interest rates are still squeezing...
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Dry weather forecasted to stick around in Iowa
While the temperatures have been enjoyable lately, the lack of rainfall has been anything but. After experiencing the driest September on record, drought and fire dangers have increased. Justin Glisan, state climatologist for Iowa, said that the drought monitor has...
Dairy market volatility not that surprising
It’s been an up and down ride for the dairy markets lately. Mike North of Ever.ag says there are a lot of reasons behind the price volatility. North says price volatility is not unusual to see at this point in the calendar. He says demand for dairy tends to spike...
East and Gulf Coast ports reopen as strike temporarily ends
On Thursday, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) released a joint statement announcing a temporary end to the work stoppage that shut down the East and Gulf Coast ports earlier in the week. U.S. Meat Export...
Lame duck session seen as last chance to save farm bill
The legislation that would set food and farm policy for the next five years is in limbo, waiting for lawmakers to decide its fate after the election. The latest deadline for the Farm Bill passed unceremoniously at midnight on Sept. 30, without a push from lawmakers to...
2025 Farmer’s Almanac has something for everyone
We have seen it on shelves in various stores for years. The Farmer’s Almanac has a devoted following of people who read it and take its information to heart. Many believe that the information contained is the best estimate of what we can expect throughout the year. It...
