A Pioneering Moment in American Agriculture In 1873, Illinois farmer Fred Hatch built what is believed to be America’s first version of the modern silo. During this period, grain storage was a persistent challenge for farmers who struggled to keep their harvest safe from spoilage, rot, and rodent damage. Hatch’s creative solution to this problem would set a precedent for …
How the Cargill Brothers Built an Agricultural Empire in Iowa
The Birth of Cargill: From Iowa Grain Storage to Global Agribusiness Surplus Grain Sparks Innovation In the mid-1800s, America’s agricultural landscape was changing rapidly. As grain production soared, farmers across the Midwest began facing an unexpected problem — too much success. With harvests exceeding their personal needs and limited local markets, many were forced to sell crops quickly or risk …
How Wheat Transformed Mid-Atlantic Farming Before the American Revolution
Early Colonial Agriculture and Trade Before 1720, most colonists in the mid-Atlantic region lived through small-scale farming operations that provided both sustenance and a modest income. These family farms were the foundation of early American agriculture, producing enough to feed local communities and export surpluses. To pay for imported manufactured goods from Europe, mid-Atlantic farmers supplied the West Indies with …
Private Crop Report Estimates
USDA Crop Report Suspended, But Private Estimates Offer Insight on Corn and Soybeans Following the recent government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the suspension of its monthly crop report, a key source of market-moving data for farmers, analysts, and traders alike. However, despite the lack of official data, Bottom Line analysts have compiled their own report using …
USDA Wheat Outlook For September 2025
USDA Releases September 2025 Wheat Outlook with Updated Production and Yield Estimates The USDA has released its September 2025 Wheat Outlook, providing updated estimates on wheat acreage, yield, and production. Anthony Prillaman of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) shared the latest data for both Durham wheat and other spring wheat. “Durham wheat planted acreage at nearly 2.19 million acres …
China Trade Discussions Outlook For Ag
Soybean Trade Hopes Rise Despite No Ag Mention in Trump-Xi Call A recent phone call between President Trump and Chinese President Xi has reignited speculation in the grain markets — but notably, agriculture was left out of the discussion. “President Trump made no mention of agriculture during a phone call on trade with Chinese President Xi last month.” While wheat …
The Origins of Conveyor Grain Elevators in 19th Century America
Revolutionizing Grain Storage The 19th century was a period of rapid innovation in American agriculture, with one of the most transformative developments being the conveyor-type grain elevator. These mechanical marvels not only increased efficiency but also reshaped trade routes and commercial hubs across the nation. Buffalo, New York: A Strategic Hub Conveyor-type grain elevators can be traced back to Buffalo, …
Wheat Outlook Shared In August Estimates
August WASDE Lowers U.S. Wheat Production Forecast, But Export Demand Remains Strong The August World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report brings mixed news for the wheat market. While domestic wheat production was revised downward, export demand is showing significant strength heading into the new marketing year. According to Mark Jekinowski, Chair of the World Agricultural Outlook Board, the …
USDA Grain Corn Soybean and Cotton Estimates
USDA Forecasts Record Corn Crop for 2025, Soybean and Cotton Production Down The USDA’s Agricultural Statistics Service has released its highly anticipated crop production forecast for the upcoming year, offering a mixed outlook across major U.S. commodities. The headline news: a record-breaking corn crop is on the horizon. “On corn, corn production for grain is forecast at 16.7 billion bushels. …
Wheat Exports to Rebound in the Year Ahead
U.S. Wheat Exports Forecast to Surge in 2025–2026, Led by Hard Red Winter Wheat The latest data from the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service Export Sales Database shows a significant boost in U.S. wheat exports for the 2025–2026 marketing year, offering a positive outlook for American wheat producers and exporters. “U.S. wheat exports for 2025–2026 are forecast to increase by 25 …










