Markets Articles
Trade Enforcement is a Priority
Published February 16, 2024
At the Ag Outlook Forum, U.S. Trade Ambassador Katherine Tai briefly touched on trade breakthroughs, but spent more time on the enforcement of existing trade deals. The Mexican ban on biotech corn imports was at the top of that list…Tupper: Too Little Competition
Published February 16, 2024
Less than 20 percent of the fed cattle are sold on the spot cash market. However, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association President Justin Tupper said those 20 percent set the base price for the other 80 percent of cattle sold under an…A Growing Middle Class Increases Protein Demand
Published February 16, 2024
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack moderated an Ag Outlook Forum featuring the U.S. trade ambassadors to Vietnam and the Philippines. Both countries have a very young population with a rising middle class. Ambassador Marc Knapper said Vietnam wants more high-value food…Trade Ambassador Participates in USGC Conference
Published February 16, 2024
USTR Chief Agricultural Negotiator Doug McKalip was in Guatemala for the U.S. Grains Council International Marketing Conference. During his time in the country, McKalip also met with government leaders from within the new Guatemala government. Biotechnology's role in sustainability and…Cost of Capital Influencing Cattle Herd Expansion
Published February 16, 2024
Cattle prices are up with the shrinking cow herd. American Farm Bureau Federation Livestock Economist Bernt Nelson said that makes it more expensive for farmers and ranchers to expand. Higher interest rates are also an issue. "The cost of capital is…A Push for Crop Insurance Premium Support
Published February 16, 2024
The Midwest Council on Agriculture is promoting a plan to provide more premium support for crop insurance at the 80 and 85 percent levels of coverage. AgCountry Farm Credit Services Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs Howard Olson…Despite Downturn, Farmers Remain in Good Financial Position
Published February 16, 2024
Net farm income hit a high in 2022. It dropped off 26 percent this past year. Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City Senior Vice President Nathan Kauffman said profits will also be thinner this year. "Despite this expected decline in…Supply Chain Fixes
Published February 15, 2024
The agricultural supply chain has suffered in recent years. "When over half of what is produced in the soybean industry is exported, we've got to have a transportation system that is cost-effective and reliable," explained Mike Steenhoek, executive director, Soy…Ag Outlook Forum: Margins to be Squeezed in ’24
Published February 15, 2024
At its 100th Annual Ag Outlook Forum, USDA estimated corn acreage at 91 million acres and soybeans at 87.5 million acres. If realized, corn acreage would be down 3.6 percent from last year and soybeans would be down nearly four…