Agriculture

The Association of Equipment Manufactures says the outlook for the construction and agriculture equipment industries is bright despite challenges. AEM Board Chair Bob Crain says “although there’s developing issues that could impact our industry, we feel optimistic that COVID’s retreat means a greater return to normalcy on our farms, in our factories, and in our homes.” Crain, who is also senior vice president of customer experience at AGCO, says supply […]

The USDA has increased its outlook for U.S. rice ending stocks, while leaving cotton unchanged from February. Rice ending stocks are projected at 34.5 million hundredweight, 1 million more than a month ago following a reduction in the export guess. The average farm price is estimated at $15.90 per hundredweight, up $.20. There were no changes to the domestic balance sheet for cotton, with an average estimated farm price for […]

Ohio Farm Bureau members are backing a bill that would help the next generation of farmers by removing barriers to entry and exit.   Ross County Farm Bureau President Kaitlyn Meeker, a grain farmer from southern Ohio, says the bill would provide an incentive for owners who sell land or ag assets to beginning farmers. “It really bridges the gap between young farmers and older farmers,” she says. “It can […]

U.S. ethanol production and stocks both moved higher last week. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production averaged 1.028 million barrels a day, up 31,000 on the week and 90,000 on the year. Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development says margins moved higher last week, encouraging production, and the USDA says Midwest cash ethanol prices were higher. The Renewable Fuels Association says net inputs by refiners and […]

A market analyst warns farmers not to get caught up in how high corn and soybean prices might go. Angie Setzer with Consus ROI tells Brownfield it’s not worth trying to outguess the market. “Because they can go higher than we ever thought possible. But I’ve heard that numerous times in my career, and I can tell you that when it feels like we have to continue that next leg […]

The USDA has tightened the domestic balance sheets for corn and soybeans, while raising wheat ending stocks slightly. Corn came out at 1.44 billion bushels, down 100 million from February due to increased expectations for ethanol use and export demand. The average farm price is estimated at $5.65, up $.20. Soybeans are seen at 285 million bushels, 40 million less than last month on a higher export projection. The average […]

McDonald’s is recognizing the importance of Michigan as part of Food and Agriculture Month in the state. The restaurant chain sourced more than $142 million of product from Michigan in 2020 including apples, beef, blueberries, corn, eggs, lettuce, milk, pork, pickles, soybeans, and sugar. George Quackenbush with the Michigan Beef Industry Commission tells Brownfield that includes 11 million pounds of beef which he says is certified through the checkoff’s Beef […]

Lawmakers in Washington have come to an agreement on fiscal 2022 spending to replace the continuing resolution that expires next week. The $1.5 trillion package gives a six percent increase to the agriculture section which also includes the Food and Drug Administration and Commodities Futures Trading Commission. USDA has $1 million earmarked for a cattle contract library pilot which many in the industry have been calling for to increase price […]