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Revised USDA report schedule released
On Thursday USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service issued an updated release schedule for reports impacted by the recent government shutdown. Lance Honig of the National Agricultural Statistics Service says some of the reports can be released more quickly than others. The October and November agricultural prices report will now be released on December 15th. Honig explains some of the factors behind rescheduling certain USDA reports. The full list of reports and publishing dates is...
Philippines extending lower pork tariff rates through 2024
The U.S. pork industry received good news from a major trading partner as the Philippines will extend reduced tariff rates on imported pork for another year. The rate cuts, which were first implemented in 2021, were set to expire Dec. 31, but will now remain in place...
Farmers and ranchers stepping up to oppose the estate tax
The American Farm Bureau Federation was part of a letter to Congress expressing opposition to the estate tax. Dustin Sherer, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, talked about what was in the letter. “The Family Businesses Estate Tax...
Lawmakers lay out farm bill priorities heading into 2024
Congressional lawmakers will try again to pass a new five-year farm bill in 2024, and some have already made out their New Year’s wish list of what to include. Conservative Republicans Chip Roy of Texas and Iowa’s Chuck Grassley stressed in a recent letter to House...
Exports and holiday treats
USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service wants to remind you that exports are important to those holiday treats you may be enjoying. Whether you bake in North America or the North Pole, those holiday cookies, cakes, and candies are sure to be extra sweet and delicious,...
Remember old Christmas memories as you create new ones
Well, here we are. We finally made it to Christmas 2023. It's hard to believe just how fast this year has already flown by. I feel like we just had Christmas a month or so ago. This year finds me spending the holiday with my mother back in Minnesota. I'm happy to be...
Shipping situation remains bleak in the Panama Canal
Low water levels have not just been a problem for shipping grain on the Mississippi river this year. The Panama Canal has also had its issues as the man-made Lake Gatun which feeds the canal and powers shipping has also dipped to low levels. Lake Gatun is a man-made...
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More Ag News
Finding profits in tight profit margins
Profit margins are always tight for farmers, with some years feeling tighter than others. However, there’s almost always a way to look through those margins and find the best profit levels possible. Chad Hart, Iowa State University professor of economics and ISU...
First quarter of 2024 sees phenomenal pork exports
The U.S. Meat Export Federation says March exports of U.S. pork were steady with last year’s volume but were slightly higher in value, according to data released by USDA. Kelli Wicks, manager of market growth for the National Pork Board, said diversification has been...
NCBA official outlines difficult final stretch for farm bill
House Ag Chair GT Thompson has set a May 23rd markup date for his GOP farm bill proposal, but there is still a long road ahead for the proposal. NCBA’s Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Rivera says she is encouraged that House Ag Chair GT Thompson has...
May WASDE includes an initial U.S. crop assessment
The May World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates report includes USDA’s first assessment of domestic and international supply and demand prospects. The 2024-2025 U.S. corn outlook calls for larger supplies, greater domestic use and exports, and higher ending stocks. The...
Growth Energy CEO Skor gives Ethanol policy update
The news around the ethanol industry has been hopping for the past months. Whether it has been the EPA finally granting eight midwestern states to sell E15 year-round starting in 2025, yet another E15 emergency waiver, or the discussions over Sustainable Aviation Fuel...
