Gas, Ethanol Prices to Soar Amid Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Dan Biofuels/Energy, Economy

Gas and biofuel prices will go even higher amid conflict between Russia and Ukraine, but biofuel leaders argue that corn ethanol will still be cheaper than gasoline and able to meet demand. There’s no arguing that fuel prices go up during war.  “If oil stocks and gasoline stocks tighten as a result of a conflict, yeah, that’s going to pull …

Deere Revenues Up While Net Income Drops in the First Quarter

Dan Economy

Deere and Company reported a net income of $903 million during the company’s first quarter that ended on January 30, or about $2.92 a share. That compares to a net income of $1.224 billion or $3.87 a share for the same time last year. Worldwide net sales and revenues for Deere and Company increased five percent in the first quarter …

Crop Insurance Premium Benefit Available for Cover Crops

Dan Crop Insurance, Economy

Producers who have coverage under most crop insurance policies are eligible for a premium benefit from the USDA if they planted cover crops during the 2022 crop year. Producers must report their cover crop acreage by March 15 if they want to receive the benefit from this year’s Pandemic Cover Crop Program. PCCP helps farmers maintain their cover crop systems …

Florida House Passes $105.3 Billion Spending Plan

Dan Economy, Florida, Legislative

(NSF/TALLAHASSEE/Feb. 16, 2022) — What would be a record $105.3 billion spending plan bolstered by federal stimulus money was approved Wednesday by the Florida House, helping set up negotiations with the Senate on a final budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The House voted 102-14 to approve the proposal (HB 5001), after Democrats objected to shifting $200 million away from …

Ag Tractor Unit Sales Continue Growth Streak Into 2022

Dan Economy

According to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), overall ag tractor sales in the U.S. continued rising into January, while combine harvesters slowed for the month. U.S. total farm tractor sales gained 1.5 percent in January compared to 2021, while U.S. self-propelled combine sales for the month fell 41.4 percent to 205 units sold. The 100 …

USDA Data Tracks Fertilizer Price Increases

Dan Corn, Economy, Field Crops, Specialty Crops, USDA-ERS, Wheat

Data from USDA’s Economic Research Service details the increase in fertilizer prices. Fertilizer represents an average of 36 percent of a farmer’s operating costs for corn, 35 percent for wheat, and 30 percent for sorghum, according to estimates by USDA. Fertilizer prices declined from 2014 through 2017 before a gradual increase in 2019. In late 2021, prices began to spike …