U.S. hog prices are being supported by strong demand, according to Purdue University economist Chris Hurt. He says pork production is expected to rise by three percent in the first-half …
NAFTA Withdraw Threats Put Transportation Jobs in Jeopardy
Withdraw threats by President Donald Trump regarding the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) are putting transportation jobs at risk. Politico says that thousands of transportation jobs up and down …
Farm Groups Launch ‘Farm Town Strong’ Campaign to Address Rural Opioid Epidemic
As farming communities face mounting challenges with the nation’s opioid epidemic, the nation’s two largest general farm organizations are teaming up to confront the issue. The American Farm Bureau Federation …
Marijuana Operation Seeks Farm Status in Washington State
A Washington State marijuana grower argues his farm should be exempt from the state’s Clean Air Act because it is an agricultural activity. An appeals panel will tour the operation …
Report Shows 2014-15 HPAI Impact
A new report by the Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service found the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the United States was not as big an effect …
USDA Survey Shows Millennials Prefer Fruits, Vegetables
A recent Department of Agriculture report shows that millennials prefer fruits and vegetables over grains and meats. The USDA report analyzed food-buying data by generation. Agri-Pulse reports that millennials spend …
Index Shows Farmer Optimism Increasing
A survey of farmers shows optimism is increasing in the Midwest farm country, despite continued low prices. The latest DTN/The Progressive Farmer Agricultural Confidence Index found increasing optimism, posting an …
2018 Crop Prices Outlook
A University of Illinois economist expects 2018 crop prices to remain below high levels seen earlier this decade due to global inventories. Economist Todd Hubbs explains that global economic growth …
KORUS Talks Set for Washington This Week
The U.S. and South Korea will hold formal trade talks starting Friday regarding the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, known as KORUS. Officials from Korea and the U.S. will meet in …
Thomas Fire: First Estimate of Agricultural Losses Tops $171 Million
As firefighters in Southern California worked to achieve full containment on the Thomas Fire, agricultural officials in Ventura County issued their first estimate of damage to crops and farm structures, …
America Has Plenty of Apples This Winter
Although U.S. production won’t approach record volume, American apple suppliers have plenty to sell in 2018. The U.S. Department of Agriculture projected a national apple volume of 248.7 million bushels. …
Downward Pressure Expected on 2018 Cash Rents
As commodity prices fell over the past few years, many landowners across the country agreed to lower cash rents. The annual LandOwner/Pro Farmer Cash Rent and Values Survey shows a …
USGC Report Says U.S. Corn Harvest Quality was Excellent
The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) issued a report on this year’s corn harvest quality, saying a good growing season resulted in record yields that had very good quality. The report …
Agrium/Potash Corp. Merger Closing on New Year’s Day
Shortly after the Christmas holiday, Agrium and Potash Corp. received a late present in the form of final merger approval. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission clearance was the final hurdle …