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Grain markets brace for key USDA reports
Grain traders are positioning for one of the most closely watched government report releases of the year as USDA prepares to issue its Planted Acreage and Quarterly Grain Stocks reports on Tuesday. Market analysts say the reports could significantly influence corn, soybean and wheat prices by providing updated estimates of planted acreage and remaining grain supplies. A recent survey by Kluis Commodity Advisors and Successful Farming suggested farmers planted more corn acres and fewer soybean...
Farm costs in 2025
A recent poll asked farmers where they plan to cut costs. Equipment purchases topped the list, but farmers also plan to scale back on fertilizer rates, use more generic products and reduce tillage or field passes. The theme that consumed the crops side of agriculture...
Rollins receives endorsement before today’s Senate appearance
A former Trump administration advisor, Brooke Rollins is awaiting Senate confirmation as the next Secretary of Agriculture. She will be before the Senate today. While her nomination has drawn praise from some conservative circles, many in the agricultural industry...
Keeping a flexible and diverse approach to soil health
When it comes to improving soil health, a diversified approach is often the best approach. Mark Peterson, a row crop farmer out of Stanton and member of the Practical Farmers of Iowa, said it was a journey to figure out the best way to manage some of his land that...
SAF among ag topics at EPA Pick Zeldin’s confirmation hearing
Sustainable aviation fuel was one of the key ag topics discussed during former Congressman Lee Zeldin’s confirmation hearing for next EPA administrator. Senator Jerry Moran and Ag Chair John Boozman helped form a Senate SAF caucus and Moran brought up SAF at EPA...
December egg production down three percent
Egg Production in the United States totaled 9.12 billion during December 2024, down three percent from 2023. Production included 7.83 billion table eggs and 1.29 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.9 billion were broiler-type and 95.9 million were egg-type. The total...
Former FSA Administrator heading back to D.C.
Missouri farmer Richard Fordyce is adding more to his wealth of ag industry experience and heading back to Washington, D.C., as the newly appointed Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation. He served in the first Trump administration as the Farm Service...
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Don’t get too comfortable with the current cattle prices
Both the live and feeder cattle markets are experiencing unprecedented price levels. Those levels won’t last forever, though, so it’s important to maintain a level of caution when navigating the marketplace. Ross Baldwin, hedging strategist at AgMarket.Net, said he...
Examining the operating expense ratio
The operating expense ratio is a tool that farmers can utilize to determine the financial efficiency of their grain farms. Gerald Mashange, an agricultural economist at the University of Illinois, explains how the operating expense ratio is calculated. Mashange says...
Vaccinating birds against HPAI poses trade and logistical challenges
The war on avian influenza may soon include vaccines for birds. However, there are challenges to a nationwide vaccination strategy. USDA is investing significant resources to fight Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, including $100 million into research and development...
Bessent signals optimism as U.S./China trade talks stall in public
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in an interview with CNBC, expressed optimism that “substantial progress” in U.S./China trade negotiations could be achieved in the coming weeks. However, the overall status of talks remains uncertain, with public statements from both...
2025 World Pork Expo right around the corner
The 2025 World Pork Expo is right around the corner, set for early June in Des Moines, Iowa, and it promises to once again bring together pork producers, industry leaders, and ag enthusiasts from across the country. National Pork Producers Council President Duane...
