While drought conditions are keeping some growers out of the fields, growers in other parts of the country have made progress on this year’s planting. USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey provides an update on corn planting so far this season. “Getting into the state numbers, Tennessee is showing some remarkable progress again this week. 64 percent of the corn acreage planted, …
Popcorn Through the Ages: From Ancient Origins to American Staple
Popcorn’s story stretches back thousands of years, with origins dating over 9,000 years to what is now Central America. Archaeological evidence shows that early civilizations cultivated maize and discovered that certain kernels would expand and “pop” when exposed to heat. This natural phenomenon made popcorn one of the earliest snack foods in human history, enjoyed long before modern agriculture took …
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 …
BASF Offers Recommendations For Growers Considering A Potential Replant
As growers consider their options this year, BASF is offering recommendations in the event that a replant is considered. We sat down with Kaelin Saul, South Delta Technical Service Representative for BASF, to get her recommendations. Saul said, “Making sure that you not only have a plan C, just in case things go astray, and that’s true for not only, you …
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 …
From Hand-Husking to Horse Power: The Evolution of Corn Harvesting
The Labor of Early Corn Harvesting Coming up on This Land of Ours, it’s the daily Ag History Minute. Mark Oppold brings us a glimpse into the demanding realities of early American agriculture—specifically, the challenge of harvesting corn. Growing corn has long been a cornerstone of American farming, but historically, harvesting it was an entirely different story. Before modern machinery …
Average Planting Dates For Corn Coming Up Soon
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USDA Shares Corn and Cotton Planting Progress for the U.S.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released details on the planting progress for both corn and cotton so far this season. USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey provides an overview on the planting progress for cotton, “In a lot of years, we only see planting progress this early in a couple of states, and Arizona is one of those. They lead the nation, …
Livestock Legacy to Corn Innovation: The Story of Eugene Funk
The Roots of Agricultural Excellence Mark Oppold, in his American Agriculture History Minute, highlights the remarkable journey of Eugene Funk—a figure whose contributions helped shape modern corn production in the United States. Eugene Funk was born into a family deeply rooted in agricultural success. He was the grandson of Isaac Funk, one of the earliest settlers in McLean County, Illinois. …
Review of Agricultural Commodities in First Quarter of 2026
We track 48 commodities on a daily basis at the Bottom Line Report. Grains, livestock, energies, financials, and more. Now with three months in the books as we begin the second quarter, our list showing that energy is clearly leading the way. Heating oil, crude oil, gasoline, and natural gas. One, two, three, and four on that list of 48. But right behind and …










