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U.S. soybeans set for first shipment to China since May
Two cargo ships were headed for port terminals near New Orleans, Louisiana, this week to load the first shipments of U.S. soybeans to China since May. That’s according to a shipping schedule seen by Reuters. A third ship was heading to a Texas Gulf Coast terminal to be loaded with Chinese-bound U.S. sorghum in the coming days. That’s the first American shipment of the feed grain to China since the middle of March. China has booked almost two million metric tons of U.S. soybeans and a smaller...
Chief Ag Negotiator says Ag Trade “has gone well” the past years
The ups and downs of trade these past few years have been at the forefront of the market prices, and the Ag economy. We have enjoyed higher prices for our goods, but that also means that our goods are expensive on the global market, and we are having to fight for our...
Overcoming trade barriers to expand U.S. beef trade
U.S. Agricultural Negotiator Doug McKalip told the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association at the group’s CattleCon 24 that doing away with non-tariff trade barriers means that face-to-face talks need to happen with some of the U.S.' biggest trading partners. McKalip...
U.S. Export Sales Report (2-9-24)
A lot of the buzz yesterday was focused on the February WASDE, but we saw the release of the weekly export sales as well. Now, the report didn’t contain any real market movers, but it’s still important to keep an eye on the export situation. Allendale commodity broker...
Farmers encouraged to attend Iowa Farm Bureau’s conference
Beginning farmers know the substantial initial investment it takes to farm, and those who currently farm are facing a projected 25% cut in their net farm income compared to last year. These situations have prompted interest in niche opportunities that require less...
Net farm income forecasted to see a record-setting decrease in 2024
The Economic Research Service forecasts that farm income will decrease by 25 percent in 2024. Danny Munch, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said it’s the largest year-to-year dollar decrease in net farm income on record. Munch said there are two...
Be mindful of mycotoxin risks in feed grains
After the weather challenges we saw during the 2023 growing season, we need to be vigilant about the quality of the grain we feed our livestock. Different weather patterns bring different risks. The folks at Alltech have completed their analysis of the 2023 harvest...
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More Ag News
“Ring of fire” weather will keep Iowa hot and humid
Seems like this week’s hot temperatures were just a taste of what’s in store for next week. Iowa State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan said next week is supposed to have high temperatures and plenty of rainfall due to a “ring of fire” weather configuration. Glisan...
The importance of agronomy at the U.S. Open
Professional Golf's U.S. Open took place last week at North Carolina's famed Pinehurst Resort and Country Club. But it's not just a matter of the world's best golfers showing up and taking a few swings. Years of course preparation take place in the lead up to the...
Grassley questions increased used cooking oil imports
There is a lot on the line for the future of biofuels as United States farmers are hopeful that demand for biofuels continues to climb with U.S. crops helping to provide the feedstock to help power U.S. trucks and cars. However, one of the issues standing in the way...
First USDA trade mission dedicated to indigenous products
Alexis Taylor, USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, is in Vancouver, Canada, for a first-of-its-kind trade mission. The mission is intended to develop export markets for Tribal and Native Hawaiian businesses and products. “This historic...
Don’t hold your breath on a new Farm Bill in 2024
The lines are in the sand and the differences are glaring as we approach what could be one of the greatest exercises in futility the federal government has seen in quite some time. Of course, we are talking about the Farm Bill, which seems to carry all the optimism of...
