Diesel Fuel Costs Hammering Farmers at Harvest
As farmers head into the fields for harvest, then truck that crop off-farm for sale and processing, they are getting hit hard at the fuel pump. Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, has calculated what an average farm operation might be paying this year over last. "A typical farme...
A New Neighbor in Farm Country
The growth of data centers is creating new opportunities in rural America, but it's also raising questions about land use, infrastructure, and the future of farming. American Farm Bureau Federation economist Bernt Nelson says those conversations are happening at a time when many farmers are facing significant financial...
Dairy Producers Question DMC Performance, USDA to Review
Dairy producers are raising questions about how well the Dairy Margin Coverage program is reflecting current conditions. USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce says farmers told him they're concerned the program isn't triggering as often or as strongly as they expected. "One of th...
USDA Invests $25 Billion to Strengthen Rural Communities
U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Glen R. Smith announced today that Rural Development invested nearly $25 billion in loans and grants in fiscal year 2026. These investments are helping rural communities grow and maintain critical services that families, farmers, and businesses rely o...
Ag Groups Watch Fuel Policy Developments
It's been a week since the meeting between President Trump and President Xi at the White House. Will the recent discussion lead to stronger trade relationships? Representatives from the ethanol and cattle sectors recently voiced what's at stake for U.S. agriculture, zeroing in on fuel. Renewable Fuels Association Presi...
Cattle Numbers Rise, But Supply Challenges Remain
The nation's cattle inventory in feedlots remains larger than a year ago, but a closer look at the latest USDA data shows supplies outside those feedlots continue to tighten. USDA livestock analyst Anthony Fischer has more. "The number of cattle on feed for feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head on Septemb...
Trade Tops the List of Grain Market Drivers
Trade remains one of the biggest influences on grain markets, but shifting global supply patterns and rising production costs are also shaping the outlook for farmers. Garrett Toay, owner of AgTraderTalk, says trade is the top factor he's watching, while input costs remain a key concern for producers. He explains. &quo...
Canada-U.S. Trade Talks in Limbo
As the Canada-U.S. tariff war continues for targeted industry sectors, trade negotiators on both sides of the border have decided to play the waiting game for now. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated late last week that there is no hurry to get back to the table. "President Trump is comfortable where w...
Dry September Deepens Drought Across the Carolinas
So, we had the nor'easter come through this past weekend. We had rain up in the Northeast, but the coast of North Carolina was not spared. Did not see a lot of rain, but you saw a lot of wind and surf damage that took out Highway 12 around the Outer Banks. So, we got State Assistant Climatologist Corey Davis here. Let'...
Brooks Schaffer Market Report for Friday, October 2nd
This is the SFN Market Report with Brooks Schaffer of Palmetto Grain. Reach him at brooks@palmettograin.com or 843-540-4540. It's been a while since USDA chopped our legs out from under us, so I guess we were due. Stocks reports have seen some pretty big surprises the last few years. Most analysts were looking for USDA...