Meat Production, Demand Expected To Increase This Year
Except for beef, U.S. meat production will increase in 2026. At the recent Ag Outlook Forum, USDA livestock analyst Anthony Fischer noted continuing contraction of the nation's beef herd, even with cattle reaching higher weights. "Exports will be up for pork and broilers, down for beef. For beef, exports are expec...
Protecting Crops While Staying More Sustainable
During the 2026 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas, first-time exhibitor VM Agritech launched a new product that means growers don't have to choose between protecting their crops and staying sustainable. Steve Princinsky, the chief operating officer for VM Agritech, talked about their new release. "VM Agritec...
H-2A Workers Are Not Taking Jobs from Americans
Despite the claims by some that H-2A foreign guest workers are taking jobs from American workers, the numbers don't back them up. Kate Tynan, Vice President of the Northwest Horticultural Council, says there are laws that say American workers who want to work on a farm get the first shot at those jobs. "The rules ...
Brooks Schaffer Market Report for Friday, Feb. 27th
Soybeans have recovered from several setbacks this week to keep marching higher. We have seen headlines and rumors on biofuels, but mostly the strength has been driven by rumors of the possibility of more Chinese purchases. The funds continue to add to their long position, pushing the market higher. After the truce wit...
Late February rains provide modest relief amid drought
So, we talked about last week - we were getting rain over the weekend, and also some rain has popped up around the Carolinas. Just yesterday, we got state assistant climatologist Corey Davis here. Corey talked to us about those rain totals that we got last week and some more that we got yesterday as well. "Yeah, K...
Buy One, Sell One: Navigating High Cattle Prices
Cattle producers are currently seeing record profits, but experts warn that there are long-term risks of buying expensive breeding stock right now. Travis Meteer, an Extension Beef Educator with the University of Illinois, says buying a cow at the top of the market now and holding her until the inventory cycle turns is...
A Platform for Plant Pathogen Surveillance
Whether you are a plant pathologist, horticulture greenhouse operator, forest manager or backyard gardener, Nick Grunwald foresees a possible future data source to keep plants healthy and safe. "In 10 years, I foresee a future where we could ask Siri or Alexa, tell me about this pathogen. Where is it found?" ...
Despite Winter Weather, Commodities Still Move on U.S. Rivers
Rivers like the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio all play a critical role in transporting agricultural goods, even in the winter. While navigation continues, heavy river ice can cut travel speeds in half and requires square barge configurations to prevent ice from packing into gaps and hindering steering. Jimmy Cheatham...
A Two-Pronged Plan to Boost Ag Exports and Ag Economy
Agricultural exports. It remains a vital part of the total U.S. economy, with sales projected for 2026 to be at $173 billion. Needless to say, that number could rise by the end of the year if exports increase beyond forecast, like what occurred in 2025. How might that happen? One strategy has a two-pronged approach. Th...
Questions Remain After Trump Tariffs Overturned
Reaction came swiftly after the Supreme Court's Friday 6-3 ruling striking down President Trump's tariffs, but many questions remain. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley expects trade deals made already that boost beef, pork, corn, soybeans, and ethanol to survive. But he's cautious. "I will bet you that a lot of these co...