An agricultural economist says farmers need Washington D.C. to get back to work. Dr. John Newton says, “There’s no shortage of challenges facing agriculture.” Newton returned to American Farm Bureau Federation to serve as its Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis. Newton says right now, it is the tale of two very different…… Continue Reading
Cattle futures under pressure to start the week
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live cattle were sharply lower, and feeders were locked limit down on technical liquidation and concerns about the impact of increased beef and cattle imports. December live cattle closed $6.75 lower at $227.17 and February live cattle closed $9.42 lower at $224. November feeder cattle closed $13.75 lower at $338.45…… Continue Reading
Ag groups back U.S. investigation into China’s phase one trade deal shortfalls
The U.S. ag industry is welcoming the U.S. Trade Representative’s Section 301 investigation of the phase one trade deal with China. Kam Quarles is the CEO of the National Potato Council. “A number of commitments were made certainly for our industry. They weren’t fulfilled and I think the administration is just trying to get…… Continue Reading
Western Illinois University students see growing career opportunities in ag
A long-time professor at Western Illinois University says the agriculture industry is craving talented, driven individuals in its workforce. Mark Hoge, who also coaches WIU’s livestock judging team, tells Brownfield, “We have so many talented students that are going above and beyond. The problem is we don’t have enough of them.” He says, “Since…… Continue Reading
Minnesota Soybean Growers hopeful as U.S.-China trade deal nears completion
A leader with the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association is optimistic the trade framework between the U.S. and China will result in the Chinese resuming purchases of U.S. soybeans. Ryan Mackenthun serves as vice president and farms near Brownton. “We’ve seen these tariffs take hold like two and a half years in the past, so to…… Continue Reading
Ag economist: a new U.S.-China deal needs stronger enforcement, clear ag purchase targets
Frayne Olson, a grain marketing economist with North Dakota State University Extension, says more details and stronger enforcement mechanisms are needed in any new trade agreement between the U.S. and China. “You know the Chinese are going to want flexibility on what they buy, how much they buy and when they buy it, but we…… Continue Reading
Without October cattle on feed data, economist says industry lacks insight for expansion strategies
An ag economist says the loss of the October Cattle on Feed report hits at a critical decision-making time for the industry. University of Tennessee’s Charley Martinez says many producers are contemplating herd expansion. “Do I go buy a bred heifer,” he says. “Should I raise my own replacements? What is the price expectation of…… Continue Reading
Who’s Left On ‘The Road’? See Who Was Eliminated After Ep. 2
This list of singers on ‘The Road’ will be updated weekly to reflect who was eliminated. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Bacon: U.S. needs to invest in trade programs to reclaim lost ag markets
A member of the House Ag Committee says increasing funding for trade promotion programs could help expand markets for U.S. commodities. “We want to open up more trade doors and we’re going to put a lot of money behind it.” Congressman Don Bacon, a Republican from Nebraska, says the growing deficit is extremely alarming.…… Continue Reading
‘The Road’ Episode 2 Totally Ignored the Elephant in the Room
Britnee Kellogg is the 40-year-old mom from Arizona who alluded to not being able to move to Nashville because of a child custody agreement. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
