Top Stories Articles
Disappointing Yield Prospects Found on Pro Farmer Tour
Published August 26, 2022
Pro Farmer is forecasting a 13.7 billion bushel corn crop and a 4.5 billion bushel soybean crop. The average corn yield is estimated at just over 168 bushels per acre and soybeans are at nearly 52 bushels per acre. The…An “Unusually Large” Interest Rate Hike Expected
Published August 26, 2022
Interest rates are going to continue to increase. Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell made that point during a speech at the annual Jackson Hole, Wyoming economic symposium. Powell didn’t provide any details but said “another unusually large increase” could…Understanding China’s Influence on U.S. Agriculture
Published August 25, 2022
During an export forum in Sioux Falls, the former chief U.S. agricultural trade negotiator, Gregg Doud, touted the success seen in trade with China. "China imports in agriculture almost as much as we export totally to the whole world so that's…Still Waiting on Confirmation of Key Trade Positions
Published August 25, 2022
The nominee for the chief agriculture negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Doug McKalip, met with the Senate Finance Committee in early June. South Dakota Senator John Thune says on September 7 the committee is expected to…Big Picture Trade Agenda Under Construction
Published August 24, 2022
Trade is not seen as a top priority for the Biden administration. In a panel discussion at the Midwest Ag Export Summit, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Foreign Ag Services, Jason Hafemeister, said the big picture agenda for trade is…New Money Needed for ’23 Farm Bill
Published August 24, 2022
Since the 2018 farm bill was enacted, the federal government has spent an additional $60 billion on ad hoc programs, like the Market Facilitation Program, pandemic assistance and disaster relief. Combest, Sell and Associates Managing Partner Tom Sell says none…Influencing Farm Policy
Published August 24, 2022
The Midwest Council on Agriculture was formed one year ago to help shape farm policy. Former House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson is leading this effort. "It's needed because you just can't operate the way you used to," said Peterson.…MN Drought Relief Checks Coming
Published August 23, 2022
Minnesota’s livestock farmers and specialty crop growers who applied for disaster assistance to help with 2021 drought should get checks soon. The Minnesota Agriculture Department says checks are being mailed this week. Minnesota Ag Commissioner Thom Petersen says there’s still…Crop Insurance Agents Wrap Up Prevent Plant Claims
Published August 23, 2022
The spring of 2022 is one Dickey-Marion Insurance Agency President Gene Rode would like to forget. Nearly 20 inches of rain fell from late April to July 1. "Commodity prices were looking nice and yet the farmer's hands were tied…