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International interest in biofuels continues to rise
Biofuels are a major part of the discourse surrounding agriculture and United States farm policy and generate headlines year-round. While ethanol and other renewable fuels often feature heavily in domestic ag discussions, what is the rest of the world's relationship with biofuels? Doug Berven, vice president of corporate affairs for POET, says that biofuels are quickly gaining in popularity in many international markets. While there are many success stories for biofuels gaining momentum around...
Former Ag Secretary Vilsack sees opportunity for farm policy under split government
With Democrats gaining a majority in the House and Senate and a Republican-led executive branch, the next congressional session will host a divided government. The ag industry is hoping to still see a focus on farm policy as farmers continue to deal with a tough farm...
U.S. soybean farmers face higher input costs than Brazilian producers
U.S. soybean farmers spend considerably more per acre on production inputs than their counterparts in Brazil, according to a new Farmdoc daily report. The report estimates total input costs average 616 dollars per acre in the United States, compared with 416 dollars...
Farm financial concerns temper improving farmer confidence
Farmer confidence improved slightly in October, but concerns about farm finances continue to weigh on producers as they evaluate their financial performance and prepare for another growing season. The latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer shows some...
El Nino could impact potential crop yields in Brazil
The long-term demand picture for U.S. grain is raising some concerns, as we won’t have many guarantees once China finishes its purchases of U.S. soybeans. If Brazil ends up having the bumper crop that many analysts are expecting, that could make demand for U.S. grain...
Updating Iowa’s corn harvest progress
While Iowa was delayed in starting harvest this year due to rain and wet conditions, farmers have made up significant ground in recent weeks. However, Iowa still lags behind the national corn harvest pace which has almost caught up to the five-year average. That is...
Renewable fuels group backs EPA plan to restore RFS volumes
The Renewable Fuels Association is supporting an EPA proposal to restore renewable fuel volumes lost through small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard. At a hearing Wednesday, RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper said the agency should reallocate all...
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Public data provides insights on pork demand
The National Pork Board aims to improve demand globally, and that commitment includes economists’ analysis of publicly available data. Lee Schulz, chief economist with EA Risk (formerly Ever.Ag), talks about risk and macroeconomic sensitivity across domestic and...
Report questions funding behind campaign opposing Save Our Bacon
A new RealClearInvestigations (RCI) report is raising questions about the funding and leadership behind a multimillion-dollar campaign opposing the Save Our Bacon provision in the farm bill. The proposal would address California’s Proposition 12, which sets animal...
Small financial decisions matter as farm margins tighten
With high input costs and tighter profit margins continuing to challenge agricultural producers, farmers are being encouraged to take a closer look at their financial management strategies. Agricultural economist Dr. David Kohl says maintaining profitability in...
U.S. Export Sales Report (11-5-26)
While this week’s export sales were better than what we’ve seen recently, concerns over long-term market demand have the commodities needing more. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales performed well this week. McBride said the sales were good...
Business and housing investments in rural America
Small businesses and housing opportunities in rural America are part of the portfolio of USDA Rural Development and its mission to support expanded rural economic development and quality of life. USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Glen Smith says investments...
