As we know, it is hurricane season. And as Mark Oppold reports, many are watching the tropics on a regular basis. One reason why is because if something develops, gasoline prices could be affected.
Best May Ever for U.S. Agricultural Export Values
May was another stellar month for U.S. agricultural export sales. But a story from Gary Crawford looks at whether this year’s agricultural exports reach the record high levels being projected.
War in Ukraine Takes Increasing Toll in Food Inflation, Global Hunger
The warning signs are growing that Russia’s war on Ukraine will increase hunger and mass starvation this fall, especially in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. Arizona Rep. David Schweikert’s fears in March that war in Ukraine would lead to increased hunger and starvation are now being confirmed by news reports and global food groups—warnings that started in …
More Flexibility for Specialty Crop Growers in Crop Insurance Reporting
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced some new crop insurance rules that may help lift one burden that many specialty crop producers have had to deal with. Gary Crawford has more information.
Farmers Received Smaller Share of Price for Fresh Tomatoes in 2021
The farm share of the retail price of fresh, field-grown tomatoes—the ratio of what farmers received to what consumers paid—fell from 43 percent in 2020 to 36 percent in 2021. While the national, monthly average price of such tomatoes at grocery stores fell 11 cents to $1.85 per pound in 2021, the monthly average price received by farmers simultaneously fell …
Farmer Optimism Remains Weak
The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer continued lower in June, down two points to a reading of 97. The barometer’s Index of Future Expectations also dropped, falling five points to a reading of 95, the lowest level since 2016. But producers were slightly more optimistic about their current conditions, as the Index of Current Conditions rose five points to …
USDA-Cost of a Home-Grilled Cheeseburger up from 2021
Grilling season is underway, and the cost of the homemade cheeseburger is going up. That’s today’s This Land of Ours. Home-grilled cheeseburgers, a summer cookout staple, will cost consumers more this summer. USDA’s Economic Research Service says the ingredients for a home-prepared 1/4-pound cheeseburger totaled $2.07 per burger, with ground beef making up the largest cost at $1.20. This represents …
Consumer Confidence in Farmers is High
In a new survey conducted by the Alliance for Food and Farming (AFF), 76% of consumers said they have confidence in farmers to protect produce safety. Government agencies are also trusted by consumers, according to the survey. Despite media reports and public statements to the contrary, 78% percent of survey participants responded they were confident in regulatory systems in place …
Summer Cookout Costing More
The average cost of a summer cookout for ten people is $69.68, which breaks down to less than $7 per person, according to Farm Bureau’s summer marketbasket survey. AFBF Chief Economist Roger Cryan says the overall cost for the cookout is up 17 percent or about $10 from last year, because of several factors. “One of them is the general …
Survey Says Shoppers Want Clearer Meat Labels
The National Chicken Council (NCC) released findings from a recent national survey of Americans regarding consumer attitudes about chicken and plant-based ‘chicken’ alternatives. Survey participants included individuals who consume meat and animal products, along with flexitarians, vegetarians and vegans. The results indicate the majority of Americans want clearer product labeling and separate shopping sections for plant-based products. One in five …