Farm Progress Show Opens in Decatur as Industry Watches Economic Trends and FDA Proposes Orange Juice Rule Change
The Farm Progress Show opens next week in Decatur, Illinois, and all eyes are on how the event will reflect the current state of the ag economy. While show attendance typically isn’t tied to broader economic trends, how much actual business is done on-site may be a different story this year.
“Farm Progress Show opens next week in Decatur, Illinois, and other show officials are watching closely. Attendance at major farm shows historically not connected to the overall ag economy, but how much business will be done this year, another matter.”
With commodity prices fluctuating and input costs remaining high, producers are expected to be more selective about new purchases. According to ag economists, there may be a shift in demand toward specific types of equipment.
“Economists say companies that deal in used equipment and those companies that handle smaller short line equipment will fit better into many producers’ economic positions.”
Other major agricultural expos will be watching the Farm Progress Show for clues about their own events. The spotlight will soon turn to Husker Harvest Days in Nebraska and Sunbelt Ag Expo in Georgia.
“And other major farm shows watching closely, including Husker Harvest Days in Nebraska, Sunbelt Ag Expo right here in Georgia.”
“This is the Bottom Line report.”
In other ag industry news, the FDA has proposed a major change to a regulation that dates back more than six decades. The move could bring much-needed flexibility to orange juice producers.
“FDA proposing an update to a 62-year-old rule that could help orange growers and processors. The agency wants to lower the minimum sugar content required in pasteurized orange juice. Experts say consumers would get a better product with no change in taste.”
If adopted, the proposed rule could support citrus growers and juice processors dealing with crop inconsistencies due to weather, pests, and other pressures — without sacrificing flavor or consumer satisfaction.
Audio Reporting by Mark Oppold for Southeast AgNet.