“Trust but Verify”: China’s New Soybean Deal
China’s renewed commitment to purchase millions of tons of U.S. soybeans has farm country buzzing with optimism. But as past trade deals have shown, promises from Beijing don’t always sprout into reality.
The Great Beef Brawl: Cowboys vs. Politicians
Tempers flared across the beef belt last week as news broke that the U.S. may import Argentine beef, and ranchers weren’t having it. What followed felt like an old western saloon brawl between cowboys and politicians, complete with economic punches, market swings, and a whole lot of pride on the line.
What Determines a Farmer’s Crop Choice?
Ever wonder why farmers grow the crops they do? From soil type and climate to markets and processing plants, a wide range of factors influence what ends up in each field.
Cooperation That Grows Communities
October is National Cooperative Month, a time to recognize the organizations that keep rural communities thriving. From providing essential services to marketing crops and supplying inputs, cooperatives embody the power of working together. Their member-owned model ensures that success is shared, making cooperation truly the foundation that grows communities.
How Advances in Crop Genetics Influence Nutrient Management
Advances in crop genetics are transforming how farmers approach nutrient management. Improved seed resilience, higher yield potential, and changing plant behaviors mean that fertility programs must evolve too. As genetics drive progress across the farm, understanding how nutrition supports those genetics is key to maximizing productivity and sustainability
On The Brink: Farm Crisis Fears
Corn growers and specialty crop producers are facing mounting financial pressure as input costs soar and commodity prices drop. With farm aid ramping up and the DOJ investigating antitrust concerns, U.S. agriculture sits on the edge of a potential crisis.
The Farm Bill That Rocked the 80s (and Beyond)
The 1985 Farm Bill wasn’t just another piece of legislation; it reshaped modern agriculture. Born out of the farm crisis, it introduced conservation programs, supply controls, and payment systems that still influence farming today. Forty years later, its legacy continues to spark debate.
New Crop, Old Crop: Making Sense of Grain Markets
If you’ve ever listened to a grain commodities report, you’ve probably heard the terms new crop and old crop. But what do they actually mean, and why do prices vary so much between the two? Using corn as an example, we’ll break down how futures markets, basis, and storage decisions all play a role in grain markets.
Pickin’ Time or Payout Time? The Reality of Fall Harvest
Fall is usually the most exciting season on the farm, but this year rising input costs and declining farmer sentiment are overshadowing the joy of harvest. With corn facing steep losses per acre and overall farm expenses projected to hit record highs, the numbers tell a sobering story for agriculture’s most important season.
When One Calf Costs Four Acres of Corn
Farm prices are on a wild ride. Beef is breaking records while corn is sinking to multi-year lows. Today, it takes roughly the value of four acres of corn to buy just one fed calf. What does this price gap mean for cattlemen, ranchers, and the future of herd expansion?
