Top Stories
USDA could regain food aid programs
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman wants two major U.S. foreign food aid programs returned to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Boozman says USDA is better equipped than the State Department to oversee programs built around American agriculture. Boozman hopes to include the change in the next farm bill. However, because the programs currently fall under the State Department, the proposal also requires support from congressional committees outside the Senate Agriculture...
South American Weather and Crop Update (1-21-25)
Some drier weather conditions have entered South America, which is partially responsible for the leap in market prices that we saw today. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the current weather patterns. That dry weather is allowing harvest in...
Upcoming beef reports will signify market trends
While U.S. cattle farmers and ranchers have seen high prices for their livestock, that does translate to increased cost for the consumer. Bernt Nelson, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said there are several upcoming reports that will tell us if...
Potential Canada and Mexico import tariffs and their impact on ag trade
As President Trump takes office for his second term, policy decisions are being made across Washington D.C. that will have wide reaching impacts in the world of agricultural trade. On Monday President Trump announced he is considering enacting 25% tariffs on Canada...
Trump names USDA Undersecretary Nominees
President-elect Donald Trump has announced a slate of undersecretary nominees for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Via social media, Trump announced that he will nominate Richard Fordyce as Agriculture undersecretary for farm production and conservation; Dudley...
New President, same ag issues persist
As President Trump begins another term, America’s agricultural sector faces critical challenges that demand urgent attention. Farmers and ranchers are grappling with labor shortages, trade disputes, and rising costs—issues that have persisted for far too long. These...
Foot-and-mouth disease in Germany could impact pork trade
Despite a 25% decline in production over the past decade, Germany remains a global leader in pork exports, particularly to the rest of the European Union. However, a recent detection of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in a water buffalo herd at a small exotic farm near...
Video
More Ag News
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...
