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A Series of Baby Black Swan Events
Published January 2, 2024
Advance Trading Risk Management Advisor Tommy Grisafi describes this past year as a time that was marked by a series of baby black swan events. The smart people will never be able to predict a drone strike on a ship going…What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets
Published January 2, 2024
In today's update on What's Hot, What's Not in the Markets, Martinson Ag Risk Management President Randy Martinson cites the Dow Jones, gold and cattle markets as the most bullish sectors. Corn and soybeans are starting the year on the…The Impact of Prop 12 and Question 3
Published January 1, 2024
Enforcement is now underway for California’s Proposition 12 and Massachusetts’ Question 3. Pork sold in California will have to come from farms that are audited and certified as Prop 12-compliant. The Massachusetts rule is similar, but it also includes pork…U.S. Responds to Container Ship Attack
Published December 31, 2023
Houthi rebels fired on a container ship and attempted to board the vessel over the weekend in the Red Sea. U.S. Central Command said this is the 23rd attack of this kind in the past six weeks. The U.S. responded…#1-Farm Bill Caught Up in Congressional Chaos
Published December 29, 2023
The 2023 farm bill was a casualty of the congressional chaos over the speakership. Once the dust settled and Mike Johnson was elected Speaker, timing became an issue for the farm bill and lawmakers settled for a one-year extension. That’s…#2-Agriculture Becomes Part of Climate Conversation
Published December 29, 2023
Climate and the impact of the food and farming business dominated policy discussions in 2023, becoming the #2 ag story of the year. The Biden Administration offered record funding for climate-smart agriculture practices. Many of the programs are promoted as…#3-Unprecedented Transportation Woes
Published December 29, 2023
RRFN’s third ranked story for the past year is the unprecedented transportation woes facing agricultural shipments. At the end of the year, the Suez Canal and cargo shipments on the Red Sea were facing attacks from militant rebels. Mother Nature…#4-‘Better Than Expected’ Yields
Published December 29, 2023
The 2023 growing season had a late start due to too much moisture. That was followed by a record drought in Minnesota. Despite those conditions, there was a common theme at harvest time. Yields were repeatedly described as ‘better-than-expected.’ The…#5-High Court Rules on Prop 12 Housing Standards
Published December 29, 2023
In a split 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld California’s controversial Prop 12 initiative requiring the pork sold in the state be raised under certain housing standards. The same mandate impacts veal calves and egg-laying hens. This ruling is…