Farmer sentiment weakened again in October as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer fell to a reading of 102, down ten points compared to a month earlier. The barometer’s Index of Current Conditions and the Index of Future Expectations both declined. The Current Conditions Index dipped eight points to a reading of 101, while…… MORE
Category Archives: Agriculture News
Another Railroad Workers Union Votes Against Rail Settlement
Another American railroad workers’ union voted against a contract settlement with railroads. More than 300 trade associations covering local, state, and national-level groups wrote to the White House asking for intervention to keep railroads running. The letter to President Biden and officials says, “We’re writing to ask you to help ensure that the tentative agreement…… MORE
Biodiesel Plays a Big Role in California
California released its Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report for 2020 which showed a 16% decrease in transportation carbon emissions. Clean Fuels Alliance America says that success was due in part to increasing the use of biodiesel and renewable diesel. The state’s analysis shows the percentage of biodiesel and renewable diesel in California’s fuel supply grew from…… MORE
Farm Financing Demand Edges Higher
Strong agricultural prices continue to support the farm economy, but the rapid rise in production expenses could pressure profit margins. That’s pushing the demand for farm financing higher. Larger-sized operating loans are continuing to boost farm lending activity. The Kansas City Fed says the volume of non-real estate farm loans increased by more than 10%…… MORE
Enrollment is Open for ARC & PLC Programs
Ag producers can now change their 2023 crop year elections and enroll in the Agricultural Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs for 2023. Signup for the two key safety net programs continues through March 15th. Producers can choose coverage and enroll in ARC-County or PLC, which provides crop-by-crop protection, or ARC-Individual, which protects the…… MORE
National FFA Convention Set To Open
FFA members and supporters from across the country will celebrate agriculture and agricultural education next week during the 95h National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. More than 60,000 FFA members from the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands are expected to participate in the event. Those attending will participate in general convention sessions…… MORE
Avian Flu Poultry Deaths Near U.S. Record
Avian influenza losses are nearing a record in the United States this year, as the virus has infected more wild birds that transmit the disease. A new report from Reuters shows more than 47 million birds have died from infections and culling. The outbreak sparked export bans and lowered egg and turkey production, leading to…… MORE
USDA Opens 2023 Dairy Margin Coverage Program Enrollment
Dairy producers can now enroll for 2023 coverage through the Dairy Margin Coverage Program. The program helps dairy farmers manage changes in milk and feed prices. Enrollment for the program runs through December 7. Last year, USDA’s Farm Service Agency took steps to improve coverage, especially for small and medium sized dairies, including offering a…… MORE
USDA Takes Aim At Salmonella
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service released a proposed regulatory framework for a new strategy to control Salmonella contamination and reduce illnesses from poultry products. The agency will host a virtual public meeting on November 3rd to get input from stakeholders on the framework. The proposed framework has three components: requiring that incoming flocks…… MORE
Labor Department Tightens H-2A Rules
The U.S. Department of Labor issued new rules for hiring H-2A workers that tighten housing and food standards. Industry Update Dot Com also says the new rules clarify that farm associations can be held liable for violations by individual farmers. The new rules canceled a series of broader changes proposed by the Trump administration, some…… MORE
