Commodity Markets Watching Demand Slump and Brazilian Weather Conditions
The commodity markets are paying attention to a couple of key factors influencing price movement. Joe Vaclavik, founder and president of Standard Grain, says there are two things traders are watching. “I think it’s Brazil weather and
Militant Attacks Impacting Red Sea Shipping
Last Friday, the second largest shipping company in the world announced a stoppage of shipments through the Red Sea as a result of militant attacks on ships. Danny Munch, American Farm Bureau Federation Economist, says the attacks
Grassley Sees Turbulent Year for Farm, Spending Bills
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) sees a turbulent year ahead for the farm and spending bills. Grassley accurately predicted the last one-year extension of the farm bill and now says, “If we don’t have a farm bill text
Consumers to Focus on Labels in 2024
The International Food Information Council’s annual food trends forecast predicts consumers will focus more on label claims this year. The report suggests the industry should expect a heightened emphasis on transparent food labeling, empowering shoppers to make
Leaked Snake River Memo Springs Irrigation Concerns
A leaked memo outlining mediation options for Lower Snake River dams has agriculture sounding alarm bells, especially those who rely on the river to irrigate. The solutions seek to improve fish population and reverse effects of hydroelectric
Court Upholds Iowa Agriculture Trespass Laws
The 8th Circuit Court unanimously overruled a District Court and upheld Iowa’s 2019 and 2021 agriculture trespass laws as constitutional this week. After several organizations challenged the new law, the district court concluded that the intent requirement
USDA Reminds Producers of Upcoming Discrimination Financial Assistance Deadline
The Department of Agriculture this week reminded farmers, ranchers and forest landowners that January 13, 2024, is the deadline to apply for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program. The program is made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act,
Grains Council Launches Website Highlighting Sustainability
The U.S. Grains Council just released four new web pages focused on the organization’s sustainability efforts. The web pages provide information and resources on the practices and technologies that contribute to the sustainability of U.S. farms and
U.S. Apricot Production Trends Lower
Data from USDA’s Economic Research Service shows U.S. apricot production is declining significantly. Their production has been decreasing since the 1990s in response to falling U.S. consumption, especially for processed apricots. Commercial production is concentrated on the
Tioga School District Passes Bond
(Tioga, ND) — The Tioga School District has passed its bond vote. Unofficial results show 202 people voted yes and 100 voted no for a twenty-three-point-five-million-dollar bond, surpassing the 60-percent needed to pass. Superintendent Paul Olson says