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Grain markets monitoring three major headlines
The ag marketplace has been all over the place recently. This week alone saw double-digit moves in both positive and negative directions for corn and soybeans, with both markets finishing the week higher. There are a few major news factors that have led to this heightened volatility. Bill Moore of PRICE Futures Group said there’s a lot of hope that a peace treaty can finally be reached with Iran. Moore said the markets are also anticipating the May WASDE report, which will offer the first good...
Analysis: corn futures fall more than 30% in 2023
Grain futures ended 2023 significantly in the red, with corn futures suffering their biggest yearly drop in a decade, according to a new analysis by the University of Illinois' Farm Policy website. Wheat and soybeans also posted steep declines in 2024 following bumper...
Mixed potential for 2024 U.S. red meat exports
The forecast is mixed for U.S. red meat export potential in 2024. Erin Borror, vice president of economic analysis with the U.S. Meat Export Federation, said the numbers look better for U.S. pork. “On the pork side, it's been really strong growth or even a rebound in...
Farmers for Soil Health initiative receives big boost from USDA
About a year ago we heard about a partnership between the soy, corn, and pork industries called the Farmers for Soil Health initiative. Producers were going to work together to increase the number of acres using cover crops and increase the adoption of several...
Using grazing practices to develop wildlife habitat
Grazing management is an underutilized skill among cattle producers, but it’s also a skill that can provide some great ROI. Grazing has always been vital to the ecosystem of the Midwest, and with just a little extra management, farmers can reap the benefits of...
AFBF details 2024 priorities ahead of annual convention
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has a myriad of policy priorities for the new year. AFBF President Zippy Duvall said the top priority is getting a Farm Bill passed in 2024. “Well, it's critical that Congress pass a bipartisan farm bill early this year,”...
Trait technology provides solutions during the growing season
Depending on what a grower is looking for they can choose a corn trait that is more resistant to particular herbicides or provides protection against certain types of insects says Erica Strittmatter, a corn traits marketing lead for Bayer. Strittmatter says that...
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Devastating flash floods hitting northern Iowa & southern Minnesota
It is hard to believe that areas of the country that were in historical droughts just a few months ago are now having everything washed away with historical flooding. Over the past few days and weeks, heavy rains have been pounding ground that has already become...
Ethanol industry eyeing 2025 Clean Fuel Tax Credit for SAF
The ethanol industry is keeping a close eye on the pending Treasury Department Clean Fuel Tax Credit, a key for sustainable aviation fuel after a just-finished credit quickly expires. Renewable Fuels Association’s Troy Bredenkamp said the now final 45 B tax credit for...
International Longshoreman’s Association contract talks at standstill
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), which represents workers at ports throughout the East and Gulf Coasts, recently canceled contract talks with terminal operators represented by the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). The current five-year labor...
U.S. cattle herd contraction continues
The June USDA Cattle on Feed report was published on Friday June 21st and is considered somewhat bearish when compared to the industry’s pre-report estimates. The June USDA Cattle on Feed report did not feature any big surprises, but the placements number was up...
Gov. Reynolds requests expedited Presidential Disaster Declaration for Iowa flooding
Gov. Kim Reynolds has requested an expedited Presidential Disaster Declaration for Iowa counties where significant damage was sustained from severe storms and widespread flooding that occurred on June 21 and continuing. The letter requests activation of the Federal...
