Top Stories
It’s still too risky to ship fertilizer globally
The Strait of Hormuz has become a major focus in global markets as disruptions have created bottlenecks that are driving input costs even higher. Josh Linville, vice president of fertilizer for StoneX, said it doesn’t matter if the strait is declared open or closed- what does matter is whether or not ships are going through it. Linville said these aren’t the highest fertilizer prices we’ve ever seen, but the main problem stems from the fact that the grain prices don’t reflect the inflated...
Applications open for $2,500 renewable Iowa Farm Bureau scholarship
High school students who plan to pursue an agricultural major or minor after their 2024 graduation are encouraged to apply for Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s $2,500 scholarship. Awarded to 27 students, this scholarship is renewable for four years, up to $10,000. “The...
Midwest Dairy promoting milk sales at Dollar General stores
Midwest Dairy and Dollar General have joined together for a new promotional effort to increase demand for dairy products and build trust with consumers. Martha Kemper, vice president of dairy experience with Midwest Dairy, said the partnership is a unique and exciting...
Increased borrowing for land purchases expected in 2024
It is often said that farmers are “asset-rich and cash poor.” Nowhere is this more obvious than when it comes to land. It is the most important asset that a farmer has. Without land, nothing else can be accomplished, whether it is grain or livestock production. It is...
Like humans, cattle perform best with low stress
Cattle are very similar to humans in some regards- they prefer having a set routine, and they are much less productive when they are stressed. And especially when it comes to cattle production, several simultaneous stressors can have an exponentially worse effect on...
South American Weather and Crop Update (12-12-23)
Last week’s WASDE saw cuts to Brazil’s production and no changes to Argentina, and the nearby forecasts back up those decisions. Argentina is getting plenty of rain, but key areas of Brazil are still thirsty for moisture. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave...
Ag exports, imports down in 2023 as values declined
Last year inflation and higher values led to increases in both export and import numbers. USDA Economist Bart Kenner tells USDA Radio that 2023 has seen a different trend through the first ten months of the year. Kenner says ag imports are down by 2%, while exports...
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More Ag News
Farm Credit offers industry-leading expertise for swine producers
Swine producers are coming off of some of the roughest market conditions in the last quarter of a century, but there’s some optimism for this year. Regardless, there will always be some risk to navigate in order to market your product. Chris Ford, vice president of...
Mexico’s new President vows commitment to USMCA
Mexico has a new president, and that could have implications for U.S. farm trade and the number one foreign market for exports. On Monday Claudia Sheinbaum was elected president of Mexico, she is the first woman president in Mexico’s history. Claudia Sheinbaum is the...
Groups respond positively to new USDA rule on competition
Several agricultural groups responded positively to USDA’s release of the Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems proposed rule. The National Farmers Union says the rule addresses abuses by the poultry industry of broiler chicken producers under...
U.S. Wheat harvest off to early start
When we have been looking at the markets that have had the strongest runs lately, wheat is at the top of that list. The volatility has been very interesting to watch as many outside factors are weighing on the markets. A lot of it is linked to Mother Nature. Whether...
AFBF Young Farmer and Rancher Chair stresses need for farm bill
An American Farm Bureau Federation young farmer testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee’s subcommittee on commodities, risk management and trade. Kevin Lussier, Chair of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmer and Rancher Committee, says he spoke...
