News
Three Ag Groups to Co-Locate
Published April 15, 2020
CropLife America, The Fertilizer Institute and the Agricultural Retailers Association plan to co-locate offices in Arlington, Virginia next year. Each group will remain independent, but will share common services.Waiting for China Demand to Show Up
Published April 15, 2020
Many grain traders are waiting for China demand to show up. While China has been buying small amounts from the U.S., Van Ahn and Company chief financial officer Kristi Van Ahn says China continues to buy large quantities from South…Study Estimates COVID-19 Cattle Industry Losses at $13.6 Billion
Published April 15, 2020
Cattle industry losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are estimated to reach $13.6 billion. That’s according to a study by Oklahoma State University to help USDA allocate CARES Act relief funds to cattle producers. The study shows cow-calf…MN Lawmakers Pass Fourth Coronavirus Relief Bill
Published April 14, 2020
Minnesota lawmakers passed a fourth coronavirus relief package on Tuesday. There are a few key pieces for agriculture included in this coronavirus relief package. Senate Agriculture, Rural Development and Housing Finance Chair Torrey Westrom explains the bill temporarily extends the…Packing Plant Closures Impact Local Producers
Published April 14, 2020
The closing of the Smithfield Foods plant in Sioux Falls has been felt throughout the swine industry. "Let's face it, the last few years in animal agriculture have not been great." said Bob Thaler, swine specialist, South Dakota State University…Poor Ethanol Margins Continue
Published April 14, 2020
Ethanol margins remain extremely poor with Reformulated Gasoline Blendstock for Oxygen Blending gasoline prices continuing to trade at a discount to ethanol prices. Kluis Commodities market analyst Jacob Burks says the ethanol market has been severely scarred. "There are still…Traders Compare Impact of Packing Plant Shutdowns
Published April 14, 2020
According to Summit Commodities market analyst Tim Marsh, having the Smithfield Foods pork plant in South Dakota shut down is comparable to having the beef plant in Kansas shut down last summer. Marsh says the difference is the current prices.…AgCountry Farm Credit Services Can Access SBA Loans
Published April 14, 2020
AgCountry Farm Credit Services now has access to the Small Business Administration’s portal to administer the Paycheck Protection Program loans. "We have links to the applications on our website. We are encouraging farmers to download an application, fill it out…March Tractor Sales Decline
Published April 14, 2020
A report from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers says the sales of all two-wheel drive tractors is down 15.6 percent in March from one year ago. High horsepower tractor sales are down 18 percent and four-wheel drive tractor sales are…