News
Fed Announces Interest Rate Reduction
Published August 1, 2019
As expected, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter of a percent. This is the first rate cut since 2008. The global economic slowdown and the current trade problems were cited as a reason for the rate adjustment.Conaway: Not Seeking Another Term
Published August 1, 2019
House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Mike Conaway has announced he will not seek reelection in 2020. In a statement, Chairman Collin Peterson praised Conaway. Peterson said Conaway “has been a steadfast champion for America’s farmers and ranchers.” Peterson and Conaway…2Q Income Up for Bunge
Published August 1, 2019
In the second quarter, Bunge reports profits of $214 million. That compares to a loss of $12 million in the same period last year. Bunge officials said its soybean crushing business in South America offset weather-related challenges in North America.Past Due Loans
Published August 1, 2019
Delinquency rates for commercial agricultural loans are at a six-year high. That’s for both real estate and non-real estate loans. According to quarterly data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the number of delinquencies is still quite low. For the…Yield is a Dark Horse for the Grain Markets
Published August 1, 2019
Utterback Marketing president Bob Utterback says the grains could stabilize after this latest selloff as traders wait for the August 12 USDA report. "The burden is on the bear to prove acres will be below 3.5 to 4 million," he…A Later Than Usual Harvest Window
Published August 1, 2019
Elk City, Oklahoma custom combiner David Misener says the harvest window is later than usual due to the late planting last fall. "It's the norm this year. It's not two to three days later than normal, it seems like it's…Senate Ag Hears Feedback on U.S. Grain Standards Act
Published July 31, 2019
The Senate Agriculture Committee discussed re-authorization of the U.S. Grain Standards Act in a hearing on Wednesday. The legislation expires in September 2020. Chairman Pat Roberts was eager to hear what’s working well and what needs improvement. "Maintaining the certainty…Pioneer Agronomy Update from Elite Ag Solutions
Published July 31, 2019
The Red River Farm Network and Pioneer Seeds continue to bring farmers weekly agronomy updates during the growing season. Crops in the Steele, North Dakota area are progressing, with corn tasseling and soybeans reaching full bloom. Elite Ag Solutions owner…Setting Realistic Expectations for China Pork Purchases
Published July 31, 2019
While some market analyst and traders point to a lack of Chinese buying as a reason for low market prices, Loewen and Associates president Pete Loewen says China has been a steady buyer of U.S. products, just not at the…