Spring arrives on the calendar tomorrow, but it feels more like late summer in many areas of the country. Areas early week that were shoveling snow in the northern belt could be setting record highs tomorrow and Saturday. Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Minneapolis and Madison, Wisconsin all could set highs after snow earlier in the week. Agronomists say the warm weather should help no-melt …
Agricultural Retailers Association Set Policy Priorities for 2026
The Agricultural Retailers Association has announced their public policy priorities for 2026. According to the ARA, these priorities are “designed to support America’s agricultural retailers, strengthen the nation’s food and input supply chains, and promote science-based, practical policy solutions that keep U.S. agriculture globally competitive.” ARA’s Senior Vice President of Public Policy Richard Gupton said,“ARA’s 2026 policy priorities are built to …
Grain and Livestock Futures Weaker
Grain and livestock futures remain weaker, though we think they’ll be more stable as we move toward Friday. A disappointing February soybean crush number only adds to uncertainty in the soybean complex, President Trump hinting that that March 31st meeting in Beijing could be delayed if China doesn’t help with security in the Strait of Hormuz. A delay in that meeting only delays a …
USDA Releases Domestic and Global Cotton Supply and Demand Outlook For March
USDA has released the Domestic and Global Cotton Supply and Demand Outlook for the month of March. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski explains, “Overall, pretty small changes in cotton both globally and domestically this month. We raised our production forecast for Brazil by 800,000 bales. That’s mainly based on data reported within the country. On the other hand, we lowered …
A Look Within The Peanut Market
Checking on the peanut market this week. Good news for farmers. They do have something offered at buying points. Peanut buying points are reporting that peanut contracts are now available for the 26 peanut crop. Contracts were started out on runners at $415 per ton. The tonnage is not limited. Contract offers for Virginia type peanuts was $425. Some farmers of course need …
Labor Issues at Beef Plant in Colorado Impacting Markets
Labor issues at that JBS beef plant in Colorado plowed an otherwise positive beef trade in our review. Beef packer margins improving here last week. By the way, happy St. Patrick’s Day. The Irish and friends of Irish, heavy consumers of beef and various beverages as well. But spring coming up here at the end of the week, and that consumer demand we …
USDA Announces Award of Grants Connect Local Markets With Farmers
The US Department of Agriculture has announced that over $26.8 million has been awarded to grant projects to connect local markets with farmers. The projects were funded through the Local Agriculture Market Program which includes the Farmers Market Promotion Program, the Regional Food System Partnerships and the Local Food Promotion Project. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said, “Part of …
Peanut Contracts Available For Crop to Be Planted
Peanut buying points are reporting that peanut contracts are available for the new peanut crop. Contracts for runner type peanuts now at $415 per ton. That is for the new crop that is about to be planted. Tonnage is not limited on that number. The contract offers Virginia type peanuts up to $425 per ton. Some farmers need their contracts to secure …
USDA Under Secretary Provides Update on Processing of Farmer Bridge Assistance Payments
Now that Agricultural producers that were eligible for the Farmer Bridge Assistance payments have completed their applications for funds, we sat down with Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce to get an update on the status of these payments. Under Secretary Fordyce said, “ It’s been a big success. You know, we started, we kicked off sign up on …
Alabama Cattlemen’s Convention Features Educational Effort Against Fraud On The Farm
The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Convention featured an educational talk through their General Session focused on “Fighting Fraud on the Farm.” The session featured Amanda Senn, Director of the Alabama Securities Commission, and we spoke with Senn to learn what advice she has for agricultural producers to avoid being scammed. Senn said, “With the ag industry now so connected to the …










