The Department of Agriculture (USDA) expects to send payments to farmers after the Labor Day holiday as part of a trade relief package. The $12 billion package is intended for farmers who have been affected by foreign tariffs on U.S. farm products, all in retaliation to President Trump’s trade agenda. A USDA spokesperson confirmed to the Hagstrom Report the department …
USDA Expected to Announce Trade Relief Package Friday
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expected to release further details of its trade relief package Friday. The aid package previously announced by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue will provide $12 billion in assistance to farmers hurt by President Trump’s trade agenda. Agri-Pulse reports that sources involved with the process say the payment rate for soybean farmers has been preliminarily proposed …
Commodity Prices Have Landowners Searching for Additional Income
Low commodity prices have landowners searching for alternative incomes, according to Farmers National Company. The company says this is especially true as farmers head into harvest of the 2018 crops with current prices impacted by trade issues. In some states, landowners have also been facing increased costs due to rising property tax bills. For owners who have the right type …
Rural Mainstreet Index Rises
The Rural Mainstreet Index climbed above growth neutral this month. The monthly survey of bank CEO’s in ten Midwestern states climbed to 54.8 from 53.8 in July. The index ranges between 0 and 100 with 50.0 representing growth neutral. Organizer Ernie Goss of Creighton University says the survey shows expansion of the economy outside of agriculture, but adds “the negative …
Survey: Commodity Prices Impacting Ag Retailers
A recent survey shows agriculture retailers are feeling the burden of fluctuating commodity prices. Low commodity prices and a volatile market stemming from trade concerns are on the minds of retailers, according to the survey published by Proagrica. 65 percent of respondents are feeling financial pressure due to fluctuating commodity pricing and competition. Elsewhere, 68 percent felt that enhanced management …
Farm Milk Prices May Increase Next Year
Dairy producers could see higher milk prices and improved margins next year. Gary Crawford has the story. Farm Milk Prices May Increase Next Year Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Major Role In Applied Beef Cattle ResearchOctober 17, 2025FCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term Research ProjectsOctober 10, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Advances Forage ResearchOctober 3, 2025
Ag Lenders Worried About Farmers
Depressed commodity prices, poor weather, and trade war ramifications aren’t just worrying for the nation’s farmers. The second quarter Agriculture Credit Conditions Survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis says ag bankers are worried as well. The report, which covers April through June, says farm income, spending on capital equipment, and household purchases all decreased. Nearly half of the …
Trump: “Farmers Are Doing Well”
President Trump spoke recently during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, saying farmers are starting to prosper. However, a Bloomberg article says the numbers tell a different story. “I hear they’re starting to do well in spite of everything,” the President said during comments from the meeting. “They’re selling corn, they’re selling soybeans, they’re selling everything, at levels that …
Tractor, Combine Sales, Posting Strong Numbers
Overall U.S. sales of tractors and combines continued to post strong numbers, led by combines and four-wheel-drive tractors, according to the July 2018 report from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. July U.S. sales of combines gained 37 percent compared to last year, with year-to-date growth of nearly 24 percent compared to last year’s January-July numbers. U.S. sales of four-wheel-drive tractors …
Dairy Revenue Protection Insurance Details
Last week, it was announced that local crop insurance agents will soon have a new product for dairy producers that covers unexpected declines in quarterly milk sales receipts. Risk Management Agency (RMA) Administrator Martin Barbre explains how the new Dairy Revenue Protection Insurance product will work. Dairy Revenue Protection Insurance Details Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Major Role In …