The weekly Crop Progress report shows little progress in planting the nation’s corn and soybean crops as unrelenting rains continue to inundate much of the corn belt. Corn plantings across the nation increased to 67 percent, compared to 58 percent a week ago and the five-year average of 96 percent. Just 39 percent of estimated soybean acres have been planted, …
Dry Weather, Dry Forecast Worry Wiregrass Corn Producers
Expectations for higher-than-normal May temperatures have Wiregrass corn producers on edge as the spring growing season shapes up to be a dry one. Brandon Dillard, an Alabama Extension regional agent of agronomic crops, said farmers in the area were ahead of the planting schedule earlier in the season. “This was one of the best looking dryland corn crops I’ve seen …
Marketing Assistance Loan Deadlines Approaching
May 31 Deadline for Feed Grains, Upland Cotton, Soybeans and Minor Oilseeds U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Richard Fordyce reminds producers of the May 31 deadline to apply for crop year 2018 marketing assistance loans for feed grains, upland cotton, soybeans and minor oilseeds. “These commodity loans provide short-term financing, allowing producers to meet interim …
Trade War Only Getting Worse for Soy Farmers Fearful for their Future
Confirmation of Tariff Hikes Planned on Chinese Goods another Personal Blow to Growers In what could easily be described as “worst case” for America’s soybean growers, the Trump Administration has confirmed what the industry has feared for months: Heavier tariffs on Chinese goods are planned for Friday, May 10. “This is a predicament for soy growers,” said Davie Stephens, a …
Soybean Growers Unhappy with President Trump’s Comments on Keeping Tariffs in Place under a China Agreement
The American Soybean Association (ASA) is not pleased with recent comments from President Trump that he could leave tariffs in place under an agreement with China. ASA has always considered the lifting of the Section 301 tariffs by the U.S. in exchange for China removing its retaliatory 25 percent tariff on U.S. soybean imports as essential to any initial agreement …
Farm Futures Planting Survey Shows Less Corn Acres than USDA
Farmers indicate they may plant less corn than previously thought by the Department of Agriculture, according to the annual Farm Futures planting survey. The survey of 1,000 producers nationwide says that after planting more soybeans than corn in 2018 for the first time in 35 years, farmers want to return to more normal rotations this spring. However, with the impact …
China to Purchase More U.S. Soybeans
On Friday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced during White House meetings, the Chinese government committed to buy an additional 10 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans. In a tweet, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue wrote: “Hats off to the President (@POTUS) for bringing China to the table. Strategy is working. Show of good faith by the Chinese. Also indications …
USDA Expects Exports to Fall In 2019
The Department of Agriculture is projecting a $1.9 billion drop in exports this year, led by a decline in trade with China. While talks remain ongoing between China and the United States, USDA during its 95th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum Thursday predicted 2019 fiscal year exports at $141.5 billion. USDA Chief Economist Robert Johansson told attendees China is expected to …
2018 Crop Totals
The partial shutdown of the Federal Government delayed reports for some of the final 2018 crop production numbers. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) was not able to release that information in January, but according to Tyron Spearman, NASS did include those numbers in their February report. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Encourages Research into Producers QuestionsJune 5, 2026Cattle Producers Proud of …
Summarizing 2018 Crop Production
USDA has released its summary of the 2018 crop production year. Rod Bain has more details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Encourages Research into Producers QuestionsJune 5, 2026Cattle Producers Proud of Efforts Funded Through the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardMay 29, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funding Crucial For Forage DevelopmentMay 22, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding to Enhance Brahman GeneticsMay …