News
ARC May be the Better Option
Published February 22, 2024
Compared to one year ago, corn, soybean, and spring wheat values are down double digits from last year’s spring pricing period for crop insurance. Ihry Insurance Agent Reed Ihry expects most farmers to sign up for the ARC program. "If you're…Smithfield Hog Production Has New President
Published February 22, 2024
Kraig Westerbeek has been named president of the Smithfield Foods swine production operations. Westerbeek started his tenure with Smithfield in 1993. Most recently, he has been the chief development officer for a joint venture between Smithfield, Roeslein Alternative Energy and…Vive Announces Career Advancements
Published February 22, 2024
Vive Crop Protection has added Bruce Ringrose as its director of sustainability and stakeholder relations. Most recently, Ringrose had a similar role at Farmers Edge. Vive Crop Protection has also promoted Jeff Lacrooy to vice president of finance. Lacrooy has…Replacement Heifers Continue to Bring Big Bucks
Published February 22, 2024
Bennett Consulting owner Matt Bennett doesn’t expect a rapid rebuilding of the cattle herd due to the high price of heifers. "They're so expensive and I cannot fault someone who wants to get $1,800 to $2,000 or more for a common…Consumer Demand Evolves
Published February 22, 2024
The potato industry continues to evolve. Northland Potato Associates President Gary Shields says innovation is happening to meet consumer demand. "We've seen a little shift with the yellow potatoes on the market and our reds still are what I would consider…ARC Could be the Best Option
Published February 22, 2024
Soybean and corn prices have been trending lower since last fall. NAU Country Vice President of Farm Services Rich Morrison says the lower commodity prices may favor the ARC program. "The nice thing about the ARC program is that it is…A Fair Amount of Old Crop Wheat and Corn Left to Sell
Published February 22, 2024
Markets can often act like a roller coaster. Innovus Agra President Bret Oelke, who is a farm management consultant, said that is happening now, "but it is all going downhill." Crop insurance pricing is being established this month, but it…Freedom Caucus Wants CR Extension
Published February 22, 2024
The House Freedom Caucus is calling for a year-long extension to the stopgap spending bill. The current continuing resolution to fund the government has deadlines of March 1 and March 8. In a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson, the conservative…Indian Farmers Protest Low Commodity Prices
Published February 22, 2024
European farmers have been demonstrating for weeks, protesting costly regulations. Farmers in India are also going to the streets to demand higher commodity prices. The Indian government has offered to resume negotiations over farm policy, but that was after police…