In a recent interview with Laura Trump on Fox News, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins emphasized the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to limit foreign ownership of American farmland, especially by adversarial nations like China. The move reflects a broader commitment to protecting U.S. food security, national defense, and rural communities. “We will never have an America first unless we’re …
Taking Cotton from Seed to Shirt
Magnolia Loom: Revolutionizing the Cotton Industry with Georgia Grown and Sewn Apparel A Family Business Brings Traceable, Sustainable Cotton Clothing from the Field to the Shirt Magnolia Loom’s Story: A Vision to Support Georgia Agriculture Magnolia Loom, a Georgia-based cotton apparel brand, has been making waves in the fashion and agriculture sectors since its inception. Founded by Zeke Chapman, the …
USMEF President Reviews Exports of Pork and Beef in June
June Beef and Pork Exports: USMEF Highlights Growth in Latin America Despite China Challenges The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) released its latest June beef and pork export data, revealing contrasting trends between the two proteins. While U.S. pork exports saw notable growth, beef exports declined, primarily due to limited market access in key destinations like China. According to USMEF …
Uncertainty Hits Agribusiness Profits
Crop Traders and Ag Equipment Manufacturers Hit Hard by Biofuel Policy Uncertainty and Trade Tensions Major crop trading companies and agricultural equipment manufacturers are reporting multi-year lows in second-quarter profits, driven by persistent uncertainty around U.S. biofuel policy and intensifying global trade tensions. The financial pressure is being felt across the ag sector, with companies like ADM, Bunge, Cargill, AGCO …
White House Warned of Fertilizer Crisis Impacting U.S. Farmers
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has issued a stark warning to the White House, highlighting the growing economic crisis facing corn producers across the country. In a formal letter, the NCGA detailed how rising fertilizer prices, compounded by low corn prices and trade uncertainty, are creating a dangerous situation for rural America. The letter states: “Unfortunately, the combination of …
USDA Reports Multi-Year Lows for Cattle and Hay Production in Drought Conditions
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is reporting a notable improvement in drought conditions affecting cattle and hay production as the country enters August. In a recent update, USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey highlighted how reduced drought pressure is benefiting both sectors—particularly across the Great Plains, a region heavily dependent on grazing and forage. “Cattle and hay numbers for the month …
Cattle Industry Reaction to USTR 301 Investigation of Brazil
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated a Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s unfair trade practices, with a sharp focus on agricultural products—especially beef. Southeast AgNet’s Dale Sandlin sat down with Kent Backus, Executive Director of Government Affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), to discuss the implications for the U.S. cattle industry and the broader …
Dissent on Fed Rate Change Unlikely
Fed Likely to Hold Rates Steady, Despite Potential Dissent As the Federal Reserve Board prepares to conclude its latest policy meeting, expectations are high that interest rates will remain unchanged. However, this anticipated outcome is not without controversy within the board itself. According to market indicators such as the CME FedWatch Tool, there is a 96 to 97 percent probability …
Total Use of Peanuts Higher This Year
Peanut Market Strong Despite Dry Conditions, USDA Predicts Increased Use and Stock Levels The U.S. peanut industry remains in a favorable position according to the latest USDA estimates, with strong demand projections and the largest stockpile in two decades. However, timely rainfall is still needed to ensure crop development remains on track. Peanut Crop Holding Steady, But Rain Needed As …
Watching Cattle and Grain in Final Days Trading in July
Cattle Markets Climb While Grains Struggle in July Trading Live and Feeder Cattle Among Top Gainers as Month Closes As July trading draws to a close, live and feeder cattle are finishing the month strong, according to the latest commodity update from Southeast AgNet’s Bottom Line Report. With only two trading days remaining, both live cattle and feeder cattle are …