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Small refinery exemptions offer a mixed bag for U.S. farmers
The Environmental Protection Agency granted 29 Small Refinery Exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard this week. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says the exemptions create a shortfall for biofuels demand by allowing small oil refineries to blend less biofuel into the U.S. fuel supply. While these exemptions would generally result in less demand for American-grown biofuels, EPA pledged to make up the difference in upcoming years. The...
Fertilizer price probe opens as farm margins tighten
The Federal Trade Commission has opened an industrywide investigation into fertilizer prices after sharp increases during spring planting. Reuters reported that FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson said the agency is using civil investigative demands to gather documents and...
USMEF says African Growth and Opportunity Act could help create trade access
The Africa Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA), which was created to incentivize two-way trade between the U.S. and sub-Saharan African countries, allows the president to offer duty-free access to certain nations. However, some of the countries benefitting from AGOA...
Interior official highlights ranchers’ stewardship role
When I was in Washington, D.C. recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Karen Budd-Falen, Associate Deputy Secretary at the Department of the Interior, about several issues affecting western livestock producers. One topic that generated significant discussion was...
Grain markets could see another price rally in June
After making recent highs, the corn and soybeans prices have been somewhat in the red, leading some farmers to wonder if they missed out on potential profits. However, they may have another chance to take advantage of a price rally. Micheal Weidner, director of grain...
U.S. Export Sales Report (5-29-26)
This week’s export sales were on the lower end for both corn and soybeans. However, Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales are still at elevated levels. McBride said that the soybean sales, on the other hand, are still lagging behind. McBride said...
Domestic food trade shows open foreign market opportunities
A recent food trade show in Chicago illustrates the importance of such events in promoting U.S. farm and food goods to customers from across the globe. USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg says that there are other ways to...
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More Ag News
China honoring trade agreement and purchasing U.S. grain
The markets have been trending upward during this shortened trading week. After a rough start to the month, some recent headlines have given the corn and soybeans something to work with. Michael Weidner, director of grain origination and producer strategy at Landus...
June forecast for meat prices
In the latest livestock, dairy, and poultry outlook from USDA, the Department of Agriculture provides the updated meat price forecasts for this month. USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski says the adjustments for cattle were slight. He says the...
Corn and soybean planting near completion nationwide
Most U.S. farmers have nearly finished spring planting as crop conditions remain generally favorable. According to USDA data reported by Successful Farming, 97% of the nation’s corn crop has been planted, while soybean planting is more than 90% complete. Kentucky,...
Check on your tires to minimize equipment downtime
Downtime in the field not only slows you down, but it also hurts your pocket. Regardless of the stage you are in during the growing season, keeping equipment in optimal conditions is crucial for maximizing its use. Greg Jones, the senior manager for field engineering...
Hesitation could hinder screwworm eradication efforts
The effort to prevent New World Screwworm from reestablishing itself in the United States continues on multiple fronts. While officials are expanding the infrastructure needed to combat the pest, animal health experts say success will also depend on vigilance and...
