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Latest outlook on soybean oil
While much of the focus in the USDA WASDE reports centers on row crops such as corn and soybeans, the reports also help provide a snapshot of the situation for various products such as soybean oil. The most recent WASDE report for January helps to detail the current conditions for soybean oil production, supply, and use. That is USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski who says biofuels production played a major role in the changes to this month’s soybean oil numbers....
Holidays can intensify rural mental health challenges
For the 46 million people living in rural America, the holiday season can present added pressures to an already stressful time of year. In addition to higher rates of depression, suicide rates among people in rural areas are 64 to 68 percent higher compared to people...
Christmastime is here
“Christmastime is here.” Those are the opening words to one of my favorite holiday tunes and the theme of the Charlie Brown Christmas Special. It is one of my favorite specials of the season. I will be watching it here today as I celebrate the day. Also, one of the...
Lock in prices now for next year’s crop products
At this time of year, many farmers are making financial plans for the next crop season. It’s a good time to lock in some prices on inputs, especially since we can see some volatility in the global marketplace. Vince Restucci, market segment manager with Valent, said...
Mexico GMO corn ban found to violate USMCA
This year will end on a high note for U.S. corn growers as they take a victory in the trade dispute with Mexico. In February 2023, the Mexican government put out two decrees that dealt with corn imports from the U.S. Dave Salmonsen, senior director of government...
Margins improving for many hog producers
On Monday USDA published the latest quarterly hogs and pigs report. Based on the numbers from the quarterly report, hog producers are maintaining balance between production and demand. USDA livestock analyst, Michael McConnell says that margins improved for producers...
U.S. cattle on feed down slightly
Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 head or more totaled 12 million head on December 1, 2024. That inventory level was slightly below December 1, 2023. Placements in feedlots during November...
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More Ag News
South American Weather and Crop Update (3-12-25)
The weather in South America has once again flipped to a drier cycle, but this will actually be helpful since some areas in Brazil actually received excessive amounts of rain. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather patterns....
Government shutdown would have massive impacts on agriculture
Friday is the deadline to get a government funding bill passed through Congress and to President Trump’s desk to avoid a government shutdown. Emily Buckman, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the duration of a possible...
USDA forecasts for milk production and price projections in 2025
USDA’s Agricultural Outlook Forum helps to provide milk production and price projections, by product and category, for the year ahead. At the recent 2025 Ag Outlook Forum, USDA dairy analyst Peyton Ferrier predicted an overall milk production increase. He says...
Secretary Naig announces 15 Choose Iowa dairy innovation grants
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that 15 Iowa dairy projects have been awarded Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grants. The cost-share grants will help expand on-farm dairy processing and incorporate labor saving technology, both of which will help...
Agriculture in limbo: Farmers grapple with tariff uncertainty
The Trump Administration's back-and-forth actions on tariffs with Canada and Mexico have left the agriculture industry grappling with uncertainty and anxiety. Combined with ongoing tariffs on China and subsequent retaliatory measures, farmers are feeling the squeeze...
