The grain trade looks to have found some support levels that look to hold longer term. Looking at the grain trade today, December corn holding the 5.15 level or better into next week. November soybeans 12.75 or better. And looking at the wheat trade in Chicago, December 7.18 or better. Elsewhere, that VIX or fear index on Wall Street, back …
Joseph Dart and the Birth of the Grain Elevator
How Buffalo Helped Transform the Grain Trade The movement of grain from farms to markets has always depended on transportation and efficient handling systems. In the early 1840s, a major innovation emerged in Buffalo, New York, that would dramatically change the way grain was moved, stored and loaded onto ships. The story of the modern grain elevator can be traced …
U.S. Supply and Demand Estimates for Corn
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released its September supply and demand estimates, providing an updated look at the nation’s corn outlook. In this report, World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair, Mark Jekanowski discusses the latest changes in the domestic corn balance sheet. “Looking ahead to the new marketing year, reduction in yield by about 2.2 bushels per acre, and it …
Étienne de Boré: The Pioneer Behind Louisiana’s Granulated Sugar
A Little-Known Figure in American Agriculture American agricultural history is filled with innovators whose contributions helped shape regional economies and agricultural industries. One of those lesser-known figures is Étienne de BorĂ©, remembered for his role in the early development of Louisiana’s sugar industry. Born in 1741 in a small village along the Mississippi River in what is now Illinois, de …
Reasons You Should Consider Cover Crops
Cover crops can do more than protect soil between growing seasons. USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce explains some of the ways farmers are putting cover crops to work on their operations. “A cover crop is a crop that’s planted after the cash crop is harvested. They’re species of plants that introduce plant biodiversity into the soil, …
Endowment helps benefit the Southeast Peanut Industry
University of Georgia’s peanut team, research and extension endowment continues to provide support for research, education, and extension outreach that directly affects peanut farmers in Georgia and even in the southeast. Established in 2013, an initial $100,000 contribution was provided by the Georgia Federal State Inspection Service. This is an endowment that’s created to provide a permanent source of funding …
CME FedWatch Updates
Last Wednesday, CME’s FedWatch tool showed a 60% chance of a quarter-point rate hike by the Fed this week. Since then, an almost uninterrupted rise in energy prices and lower trends on Wall Street has that percentage now at 88% chance of a quarter-point hike today, an analyst suggesting another quarter-point hike by December. In the grain trade, rain chances …
Upcoming Peanut Festivals
There’s a big day in September. It’s September the 13th. It’s better known as National Peanut Day. It honors the versatility and the rich heritage of peanuts, which are a beloved snack in America. The National Peanut Day is a chance to work some peanuts into a healthy diet or used anyway as a tasty lunchbox snack or in a …
Cattle Reports
Bottom line, livestock analysts keeping an eye on cattle futures early week, finding support from the recent lows. October live cattle at two and a half week highs and they have their sights set on levels above 221-222, highs that would be from early in August. Breaking the heat back in the plains is certainly helpful, although the heat remains …
E.T. York: Advancing American Agriculture from the Classroom
A Leader Who Helped Shape Modern Agriculture American agriculture has been advanced by farmers, scientists, inventors and researchers—but some of the most influential contributors never farmed or developed an invention in a laboratory. E.T. York was one of those individuals. Born in Alabama in 1922, York built a career around agricultural education, administration and public policy. Through his work in …










