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Brazilian soybean harvest underway
With a main global competitor of U.S. soybeans now beginning harvest for this year's crop, what is the outlook for Brazil’s production this season? USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski provides the latest update on the Brazilian growing season. Jekanowski says the three-million-ton month over month increase in Brazilian soybean production is the biggest factor in the 3.1-million-ton rise in global production in the January WASDE report. He adds that Brazil and the United...
Recent rains soaking deep into the soil profile
After one of the driest starts in recorded history for October, the end of the month brought plenty of rain. At this point, the weather is now continuing with a wetter pattern. Justin Glisan, state climatologist for Iowa, gave an update on the latest conditions. Since...
Adding value to the U.S. pork industry through innovation
Research-backed innovation uses technology, consumer trends and cuts to add value to the product. Kevin Sheehan, director of processor engagement at the National Pork Board, said innovation has been very beneficial to the packer side of the industry. Sheehan said...
Tractor manufacturers slow production as demand declines
As farmers struggle with low crop prices, relatively high interest rates and increased input costs, fewer are making big-ticket purchases like tractors, combines and farm implements, resulting in a backlog of inventory across the globe. Machinery manufacturer AGCO has...
What would a major animal disease response look like?
We talk at length about the diseases that affect the livestock industry, whether it is H5N1, PRRS, or BRD. One of the things we have been blessed to not discuss, though, is African Swine Fever (ASF) or any other foreign animal disease (FAD) of that caliber. We know...
South American Weather and Crop Update (11-12-24)
The rainy monsoon season is continuing to bring plenty of moisture to the fields in South America. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the conditions in Brazil and Argentina. McBride said planting progress is continuing at a good pace as well....
Ag exports dropped slightly in FY 2024
Fiscal year 2024 ended September 30th and the final fiscal numbers of the year are now available. Total exports for the year were $174.4 billion dollars, which was slightly better than expectations. However, USDA economist Bart Kenner says export values were still...
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U.S. Export Sales Report (2-6-25)
While the export sales were once again within the range of estimates, they are trending lower, and it will be tough for them to gain back much ground. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers from the USDA. McBride said there were...
Super Bowl snacks brought to you by farmers and ranchers
With the Super Bowl approaching this weekend, it’s important to remember how our favorite gameday snacks will put dollars back into the pockets of U.S. farmers. In fact, the National Chicken Council estimates that 1.47 billion chicken wings will be eaten on Sunday...
Farmers could benefit from biofuels under Trump, industry says
The biofuels industry is closely watching as the White House administration, the EPA, and other agencies start to roll out policies for President Trump’s second term. The Renewable Fuels Association’s Troy Bredenkamp says the ethanol industry is hopeful that the...
Principals modernize Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Iowa State University (ISU) introduced updates to Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy (INRS) today. The three Principals modernized the INRS – the state’s soil...
USDA could come under administration’s new budget focus
The Trump administration has hit the ground running, wasting no time in issuing executive orders and launching aggressive budget investigations across federal agencies. With spending cuts a key priority, no department is off-limits as officials scrutinize budgets and...
