Markets Articles
Lost Information
Published April 11, 2024
NDSU Extension Livestock Economist Tim Petry says the loss of the USDA July Cattle Report is devastating. The decision is happening when the cattle herd is at a 73-year low. "We're in cyclical transition expecting herd rebuilding to begin, but…A Risk for Lenders and Borrowers
Published April 11, 2024
FDIC Supervisory Examiner Joe Koenigsman sees climbing interest rates as a key driver for risk in 2024. "Going from four-and-a-half percent to nine and ten percent on ag loans is a substantial amount." Farmers will need to pay close attention…Farm Income Forecast
Published April 11, 2024
Farm income is expected to remain under pressure this year. "It's still slightly above what would be the longer-term average," said Ty Kreitman, associate economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. "This is primarily driven by lower commodity prices." Kreitman…Trade Trip to India Coming Up
Published April 11, 2024
USDA Undersecretary Alexis Tayler will lead a trade mission to India the week of April 22. North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring will be part of the delegation. Nearly 50 ag groups and agribusinesses will also participate. That list includes…CPI Rises Higher Than Expected
Published April 11, 2024
The Consumer Price Index rose 3.5 percent from one year ago. That’s up considerably from February’s 3.2 percent. It is also the highest rate of inflation since November. There’s speculation this news will force the Federal Reserve to hold off…Lower Sunflower Acres Could Provide Opportunity for Farmers
Published April 10, 2024
National Sunflower Association Executive Director John Sandbakken is not concerned about the lower acreage numbers being reported for sunflowers for this year. "We've had two really large crops in 2022 and 2023. There is still quite a bit of seed…A Lean Year Ahead
Published April 10, 2024
Despite average crop yields, Minnesota farmers had a rough 2023. Northland Community and Technical College Farm Business Management Instructor Betsy Jensen blames rising input costs. "Repairs have almost doubled, land rent has almost doubled, fertilizer has almost doubled and everything…Higher Yield Seeds Selling
Published April 10, 2024
Higher-yield varieties of wheat seeds that can’t be replanted are selling more and more each year over older varieties that can be replanted. According to O’Toole Seed owner Brian O’Toole, more and more farmers are going with certified seed-only varieties…Act of God Contracts Remain Popular
Published April 9, 2024
Act of God contracts are a popular way of reducing yield risk for specialty crops with no futures market. According to National Sunflower Association Executive Director John Sandbakken, Act of God Contracts allow farmers to lock in prices now for…