heat

Temperatures to Rise Soon

Grain traders have shown reluctance to build additional weather premium into futures at this point, but temperatures returning to 100 degrees or more this weekend and into next week can certainly change that. Bottom line analysts say December corn needs consecutive closing over $4.76 to keep the upward momentum in place. August is soybean month, but another forecaster is holding …

irrigation

How Irrigation Revolutionized American Farming

Water has always been one of agriculture’s most valuable resources, but the methods used to deliver it to crops have changed dramatically over time. From ancient civilizations to modern center pivot irrigation systems, the history of irrigation reflects farmers’ constant drive to improve crop production and adapt to challenging growing conditions. According to Mark Oppold’s American Agriculture History Minute, the …

Federal Reserve Board

Federal Reserve Board Concludes Meeting

The Federal Reserve Board concludes their two-day July meeting a week from today, with no move expected in interest rates. CME FedWatch Tool shows an 83% chance the Fed will leave rates unchanged, still a 17% chance of a small rate hike. Now, the Fed doesn’t meet in August. CME, though, is looking for some action at the September 15th-16th …

three revolutions

The Three Revolutions That Transformed American Agriculture

American agriculture has experienced several defining moments that forever changed the way food is produced. According to historians, three major agricultural revolutions dramatically increased productivity, improved efficiency, and laid the foundation for modern farming practices. In this edition of the American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold highlights these three pivotal periods that reshaped American farming—from horse-powered equipment to genetic science. …

membership

ACA Congratulates Counties Who Reached Their Membership Goals

Several counties in Alabama have gone above and beyond in recruiting new membership for the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association. Erin Beasley of the ACA discussed these counties and this achievement. “We want to congratulate the 29 county presidents that we recently had go, what we call over the top in their membership, and the deadline was June 30th, and these 29 …

succession planning

NCBA Launches Succession Planning Module

Starting the conversation of succession planning is never easy. However, it’s an important topic. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has recently released a new resource to help start the discussion. The online learning module aims at guiding families through the steps of transition and helps families create operation-specific succession plans. NCBA President Gene Copenhaver said, “I’ve been through transition discussions …

Mexico

Mexico Removes Pseudorabies Restrictions

Mexico has lifted all remaining pseudorabies-related restrictions on U.S. pork offal, reopening an important export market and relieving a costly bottleneck for the pork industry. The restrictions had been in place since late April after PRV was detected in five Iowa boars and were costing U.S. exporters an estimated $6-7 million per week in lost sales. USMEF Vice President of …

National peanut board

National Peanut Board Plans Upcoming Meeting

The National Peanut Board has announced they will have their board meeting and annual budget setting session July 27th through the 30th at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort in South Carolina. U.S. peanut grower representatives from all over the United States will review the National Peanut Board’s organizational priorities and help shape directions for fiscal year 2027 which starts in …

key ports

Key Ports Shut Down will Affect World Market

It’s taken some time, but world focus shifting from the Strait of Hormuz to what may be a bigger story by the end of the year, the Black Sea area. Ukraine has quietly developed drone technology, but the result’s anything but quiet. As many as 150 Russian-linked ships have been hit since shelling began, shutting down some key ports in …

turnpikes

How America’s First Turnpikes Helped Transform U.S. Agriculture

America’s First Toll Roads Opened New Markets for Farmers When most people think about American agriculture history, turnpike roads probably don’t come to mind. Yet these early transportation projects played a critical role in helping farmers move their products to market and supporting the growth of the young nation’s agricultural economy. In this edition of the American Agriculture History Minute, …