During testimony on Capitol Hill last week, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a reduction in the agricultural trade deficit and we caught up with Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg to learn more. Under Secretary Lindberg said, “So I have been, since the time I was nominated for this role, highly focused on moving …
Insights Provided on US – UK Trade Deal on Beef Exports By Under Secretary
Trade negotiations have been a main focus of the Trump administration and we caught up with Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg to learn how the trade deal between the United States and the United Kingdom will impact beef producers. Under Secretary Lindberg said, “Yeah, so one of the very first, if not, I think it …
USDA Releases Latest Beef Production and Price Forecasts
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released their latest Beef Production and Price forecasts. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski explains,” Our beef production forecast for this year, we lowered by 20 million pounds. This reflects just the fact that we’re anticipating a little bit lower steer and heifer slaughter, partially offset by higher weights and more cow slaughter. But overall …
Live Cattle and Feeder Cattle Set Record Highs
We’re keeping an eye on live cattle and feeder cattle futures and cash markets here late week. Cattle and feeder cattle futures have set new contract highs this week, both June live cattle and May feeder cattle. Packers still buying cattle. Saturday, last week, feedlots held firm, looking for steady to higher money. Looks like more of the same this week. And the cookout …
War in Iran Impacting Farm Inputs and Outputs
It’s getting difficult in the farming area now. The war in Iran is creating some big issues on freight rates and fuel surcharges, not counting the increases in energy and fueling a spike in fertilizer prices and also cotton because of the rise and they said the price is a polyester. The cotton market is booming again. Inflation risks are elevated which could possibly …
Blockade Of The Strait of Hormuz Impacts
On the surface, President Trump’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz deprives Iran of badly needed oil reserves, millions of dollars in insurance premiums they were collecting to assure safe passage of vessels. But depending on how long the blockade actually lasts, it increases the chance of the Beijing summit already postponed once likely being postponed again. China imports more than 1.5 million barrels …
Mosaic Announces Idling of Mining Activities in Brazil
The Mosaic Company has announced that they will begin the process of idling the Araxa Mining and Chemical Complex as well as idling mining activities at the Patrocinio Complex in Brazil. According to the company, the idling of these facilities is expected to reduce annual phosphate production at Mosaic Fertilizantes by approximately 1 million tons. Bruce Bodine, President and Chief …
Strait of Hormuz Reopening Considerations
Maritime officials say the buildup of ships on either side of the Strait of Hormuz will take months to restore normal traffic when it does open. Reuters reporting there are over 3,000 vessels now in the Gulf area, including over 800 oil tankers. The narrow passage when the Strait does open when it meets the Gulf of Oman like a three-lane highway merging into …
Second Weekly Crop Report Released
The second weekly crop progress report of the season yesterday afternoon. Of course, attention on planting progress for the various crops, but also a lot of attention on the improvement or lack of it for winter wheat. Some of the lowest conditions ever for early in April. Major states like Nebraska, Kansas, and that excellent category still below 10 percent. Even the good percentage …
December Corn Futures Could Indicate Highs
We share interesting data looking at December corn futures. December corn has never set an annual high for the year during the month of March. The high last month, $4.98 and a half. So, history shows producers should expect an annual high over $5, likely within the next 60 to 65 days. Since history also shows December corn seldom sets a new high …










