Self-propelled combine sales continued to increase in the U.S. while total farm tractor unit sales declined in July. The latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) says overall unit sales of U.S. combines rose almost 11 percent compared to July 2022, while tractor sales dropped five percent. The tractor decline was driven largely by the softness in the smaller horsepower …
Study Shows Positive Economic Impact of Soil Health
A new study links soil health and farm profitability. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The Soil Health Institute (SHI) and the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) announced the results of a nationwide study showing how improving soil health can improve a farmer’s profitability. The study shows farmers can build resilience across a diversity of soil types, …
RMA Asks for Input on Prevented Plant Coverage
Farmers have the chance to voice their thoughts on a USDA program. The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is gathering feedback on possible changes to prevented planting crop insurance coverage. According to the RMA, prevented planting provisions in insurance policies can provide valuable coverage when extreme weather conditions prevent expected plantings. The agency is hosting virtual and in-person listening sessions …
NASS Releases 2023 Land Values Summary
The U.S. farm real estate value, a measurement of the value of all land and buildings on farms, averaged $4,080 per acre for 2023. That’s up $280 per acre, or 7.4 percent, from 2022. The U.S. cropland value averaged $5,460 per acre, an increase of $410 per acre, or 8.1 percent, from the previous year. The U.S. pasture value averaged …
Resurgence in State Fair Attendance
Many State Fairs across the country have been seeing a resurgence in attendance. Mark Oppold has more details.
Smithfield Foods Closing 35 Missouri Hog Farms
We told you earlier this week that Tyson Foods had announced the planned closure of four of their chicken processing facilities in the U.S. Now, Smithfield Foods has announced they will close 35 hog farm operations in Missouri. According to a state-required workforce adjustment notification, 92 employees would be affected by the closures slated for this month. Murphy Brown LLC, …
Private Estimates Coming in Ahead of August Crop Report
A variety of private estimates concerning row crops are coming in this week just ahead of the August Crop Report. Mark Oppold has a look at what some are expecting.
Tyson Foods to Close Four Chicken Facilities
Tyson Foods Monday announced the planned closure of four chicken processing facilities in the U.S. They will close facilities in North Little Rock, Arkansas, Corydon, Indiana, Dexter, Missouri and Noel, Missouri. The company will shift production to other facilities and cease operations at the impacted locations in the first half of fiscal year 2024. Donnie King, Tyson Foods President and …
Looking Ahead at August Crop Report
The USDA August crop report comes out later this week and some are already looking ahead and what may it may show. Mark Oppold notes there could be some surprises in the corn numbers.
Fertilizer Prices Continue Dropping from Peak Levels in 2022
After reaching historic highs in 2022, prices for major fertilizers have trended consistently lower since then. Farmdoc Daily from the University of Illinois says supply and demand fundamentals, as well as some resolution of the ongoing impacts of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, were contributing factors. Fertilizer prices peaked during the second quarter of 2022, when anhydrous ammonia reached $1,635 per ton …