Top agribusiness, farming, ranching and rural-related news
Import Prices Increasing, Led by Meat and Petroleum
U.S. import prices rose 3 percent in February from the same time last year, the largest 12-month advance since October 2018.
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U.S. Beef Exports to Japan Face Increased Tariffs
According to the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement, Japan has raised tariffs on U.S. beef imports to 38.5 percent for 30 days.
March 1 Cattle Inventory Second Highest on Record
Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 12.0 million head on March 1.
Agribusiness Report: Andy LaVigne
The longest-running farm program in West Texas, the AgriBusiness Report is our daily interview program with decision-makers in the world of Agriculture. Today’s guest is Andy LaVigne with the American Seed Trade Association
Soybean Demand Pushing Domestic Stocks Lower, Prices Higher
Expanded soybean exports, led in part by increased Chinese buying under the United States-China Phase One trade deal, are tightening the availability of U.S. soybeans the current marketing year which ends in August.
Community Banks Applaud Attempt to Level Playing Field
Community banks have long argued that the field is neither fair nor level when talking about agricultural lending in regards to the Farm Credit System.
Chinese Come Out Swinging in First Biden-Era Meeting
Not quite as planned: that might be the American’s response to the first face-to-face meeting between the United States and China.
Agribusiness Report: Senate Finance Committee
The longest-running farm program in West Texas, the AgriBusiness Report is our daily interview program with decision-makers in the world of Agriculture. Today’s guest is
House Passes Farm Workforce Bill Overhauling H-2A Program
The House of Representatives passed the Farm Workforce Modernization Act on Thursday in a bipartisan 247-174 vote. The main goal of the legislation would be to amend the H-2A program for agricultural guest workers, allowing a capped number of visas to allow farmworkers to be available year-round.
Strong Beef Demand Propels Launch of Beef Index
With demand for beef growing around the globe, the CME Group is announcing the rollout of their Boxed Beef Index which reflects the prices paid for Choice and Select beef using the daily cutout values, as defined and reported by USDA.
Strong Agronomic Spring Expected to Benefit Farmer Cooperatives
Barring additional weather shocks, this spring is set up to be a strong agronomic season according to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange Division.
Big Week for U.S. Corn and Sorghum Exports
Exports for last week eclipsed marketing year highs for corn and sorghum while sales increased for all major commodities except soybeans.
Agribusiness Report: Ken McCarty
The longest-running farm program in West Texas, the AgriBusiness Report is our daily interview program with decision-makers in the world of Agriculture. Today’s guest is
National Biodiesel Day Honors Inventor of Diesel Engine
In honor of Rudolf Diesel’s birthday, the renewable fuel industry is celebrating National Biodiesel Day.
Beef/Veal Demand Lifting Producer Price Index Higher
The Producer Price Index for final demand increased one-half of one percent in February according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Congress to Consider True Bipartisan Issue Soon: Infrastructure
Speaking virtually to the American Bankers Association’s Washington Summit this week, West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin praised bankers for their work on the Paycheck Protection Program
Chinese Imports of Sorghum, Driving U.S. Prices Higher
Huge demand from China is driving prices for sorghum in the U.S. higher while lower input costs and exceptional drought tolerance are increasing grower demand.
Agribusiness Report: Tom Vilsack
The longest-running farm program in West Texas, the AgriBusiness Report is our daily interview program with decision-makers in the world of Agriculture. Today’s guest is
Declining Dollar and Fewer Cattle Imports Benefiting Beef
The decline in the value of the dollar has made the U.S. a less desirable target for beef from other beef producing countries.
Despite Challenges in Agriculture, Farm Banks Holding Up
According to the American Bankers Association, farm banks have held up well despite challenges to the agriculture industry since 2014, and problem loan levels have remained modest.
Congress Set to Address Farm Labor Shortage Issue
In recent testimony before Congress, American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall identified the farm workforce as the biggest challenge facing U.S. agriculture. The House may respond this week with the Farm Workforce Modernization Act.
Finding the World’s Most Expensive Cup of Coffee
What is a cup of coffee worth in 2021? Though it’s only $1.50 in Venezuela today, the depreciation of the Bolívar has led to an economic crisis in the socialistic country, driving the price of everything through the roof.
Restaurant Industry Prepares for Perfect Storm for Demand
Could 2021 be the year of the restaurant? After a year of forced closures due to the coronavirus pandemic, many states have either relaxed or simply opened up the restaurant industry for dining again.
U.S. Tractor and Combine Sales Continue to Grow
Farm tractor sales in the U.S. are off to a good start according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.
Record U.S. Soybean Plantings Expected; Record Corn Production
Record large soybean acreage is expected in the United States this year if grower intentions materialize according to Allendale.
Agribusiness Report: Bob Maurer
The longest-running farm program in West Texas, the AgriBusiness Report is our daily interview program with decision-makers in the world of Agriculture. Today’s guest is
U.S. Pork Exports Stumble While Lamb Exports Improve
January pork exports, in volume, slipped 9 percent in January compared to one year ago and export values fell 13 percent according to the latest data from USDA.
Consumer Price Index Showing Signs of Economic Improvement
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 0.4 percent in February on a seasonally adjusted basis after rising 0.3 percent in January, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Agribusiness Report: Kurt Kovarik
The longest-running farm program in West Texas, the AgriBusiness Report is our daily interview program with decision-makers in the world of Agriculture. Today’s guest is
House Agriculture Committee Hearing Focuses on Food Insecurity
Combating hunger was the topic of the latest House Agriculture Committee hearing on Thursday as the issue of food insecurity has been growing at an alarming rate over the past year, with the outbreak of coronavirus.
Former EPA Employee Becomes 16th Administrator of Agency
Agriculture groups are congratulating Michael Regan who was confirmed on Wednesday as the next Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
WTO Trade Barometer Hits Record High on Optimism
After falling sharply during the global pandemic, world services trade appears to be in a recovery phase, according to the latest Services Trade Barometer from the World Trade Organization.
Good Export Sales Report for Most U.S. Commodities
USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service released the latest Weekly Export Sales Report on Thursday which highlighted positive growth in wheat, corn, soybeans, and cotton.
Agribusiness Report: Greg McBride
The longest-running farm program in West Texas, the AgriBusiness Report is our daily interview program with decision-makers in the world of Agriculture. Today’s guest is
COVID-19 and Technology Restrictions, Pressuring Mexican Cotton Industry
As the Mexican government tightens regulations on their domestic commercial farming operations, it’s beginning to hit the cotton industry south of the border.
Bipartisan Legislation Filed to Permanently Repeal “Death Tax”
When the focus of Congress turns to dealing with the national debt, one target will be the Estate Tax.
Agribusiness Report: Rep. Rick Crawford
The longest-running farm program in West Texas, the AgriBusiness Report is our daily interview program with decision-makers in the world of Agriculture. Today’s guest is
Congress Includes Agriculture Relief in $1.9 Trillion Bill
After passing closely on a partisan basis in both chambers of Congress, the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 is set to be signed into law by President Joe Biden.
Court Decrees NWPA, WOTUS Replacement Rule, Effective Nationwide
Last week a federal appeals court reversed the lower court decision to freeze the rule despite an effort by the Biden administration to halt the appeal.
U.S. Red Meat Exports Struggle to Find Traction
U.S. beef and pork exports opened 2021 below the large volumes posted a year ago, according to January data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation.
Agribusiness Report: Zachary Maxwell
The longest-running farm program in West Texas, the AgriBusiness Report is our daily interview program with decision-makers in the world of Agriculture. Today’s guest is
Latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Report Neutral
According to USDA’s latest WASDE Report, white wheat exports are raised on continued strong sales and shipments to China and South Korea.
Administration Releases Trade Policies and Priorities for 2021
Where will the Administration go with its trade agenda over the next four years?
Spring Crop Insurance Prices Favor Soybeans Over Corn
New spring crop insurance prices for corn, cotton, and soybeans are at the highest levels in at least eight years, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.
House and Senate Ag Committees’ Schedule Hearings Thursday
The two committees with jurisdiction over agriculture in Congress will both hold hearings on Thursday of this week.
Agribusiness Report: Rep. Cheri Bustos
The longest-running farm program in West Texas, the AgriBusiness Report is our daily interview program with decision-makers in the world of Agriculture. Today’s guest is
Brazil and European Union Poised to Expand Exports
While the volume of agricultural exports is projected to expand over the next ten years, U.S. exports of major crop and livestock commodities are also expected to face stiff competition from Brazil and the European Union.
Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Overhaul Agriculture’s H-2A Program
A bipartisan group of Representatives have crafted legislation to reform and overhaul the agricultural guestworker program.
Agribusiness Report 3/5: Kaitlynn Glover
The longest-running farm program in West Texas, the AgriBusiness Report is our daily interview program with decision-makers in the world of Agriculture. Today’s guest is
USDA Extending Deadline for Quality Loss Adjustment Program
USDA is extending the deadline for producers interested in applying for the Quality Loss Adjustment Program to April 9.