Author: staff

Soybean emergence is underway across much of the country, with 15 of the 18 top soybean-growing states reporting emergence as of the week ended May 4, 2025. According to USDA’s Crop Progress report released Monday, 7% of the national soybean crop had emerged. That’s ahead of the five-year average of 5%, but slightly behind the 8% reported at this time last year.  Here’s a closer look at the soybean crops in Michigan, North Dakota, and South Dakota where farmers have yet to report soybean emergence. Michigan Despite above-average planting progress, soybean seedlings have yet to break the surface in Michigan,…

According to the USDA’s Crop Progress report released May 5, corn planting progress in the Badger State is behind average, but progress for soybeans is ahead. Here’s a closer look at the numbers and some boots-on-the-ground perspective from an agronomist.  Corn Planting and Emergence As of the latest numbers from USDA, corn planting in Wisconsin jumped 12 percentage points the week ending May 4, reaching 16%. Despite the double-digit increase, that’s still 5 points behind the five-year average. During the first part of the week, growers in the southern half of the state were able to take advantage of dry…

As Texas Agriculture Commissioner and a lifelong rancher, I’ve seen firsthand how technology has transformed our farms and revamped the way we do business. Modern producers now utilize precision agriculture tools to monitor soil conditions, track livestock, optimize irrigation, and manage resources with unprecedented efficiency. To power virtually all of these essential innovations, we require access to Wi-Fi connectivity that relies on unlicensed spectrum. In 2020, President Donald Trump and his Federal Communications Commission made a forward-thinking decision that has proven invaluable for Texas agriculture. By unanimously opening the 6 GHz band for unlicensed use, the FCC vastly expanded the…

Shortly after 9:00 a.m. CT, July corn was up 3¢ at $4.50½ per bushel. July soybeans were 6¼¢ higher at $10.51¼ per bushel. Angie Setzer, partner with Consus Ag Consulting, said, “July corn finally showed signs of life yesterday after relentless selling had it testing the lowest value seen for the contract since early December. Wheat tried to trade higher but again failed, settling near contract lows. Soybeans were stronger though as the U.S. is competitive into the world market out into August, with strength seen in the interior.” July wheat markets were in the red near the open. CBOT…

“DIRECT SHIP!! FRIDAY, 3/14/25!! URGENT SHIPPING! DEAD EQUINES WALKING!” These kinds of emoji-laden posts often start with a heart-wrenching picture and a cry for help — representing just a small sample of the many social media posts marketing horses for kill pens across the U.S. The furor surrounding horse kill pens and slaughter exports isn’t just one of animal welfare — it’s also one of the points of collision for emotion, economy, and ethics. Horses are in a unique space: legally livestock, but emotionally elevated to companion animals by many. And it is this dualism that combines a marketplace of…

By Maximilian Heath BUENOS AIRES, May 8 (Reuters) – Argentina’s Buenos Aires grains exchange on Thursday edged up its forecast for the 2024/25 soybean harvest to 50 million metric tons, up from a prior forecast of 48.6 million tons, saying yields are proving better than previously expected. Argentina is the world’s top supplier of soybean oil and meal. Argentine farmers have now harvested around half of the early batch of soybeans and reported higher-than-expected yields in the South American country’s agricultural heartlands and Cordoba province, the exchange said in a weekly crop report. Soybeans that were sown later in the season, and whose harvest is just beginning, are…

By Leah Douglas WASHINGTON, May 7 (Reuters) – U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said during a hearing in the House of Representatives on Wednesday that new dietary guidelines developed with health secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., will come in “hopefully early fall”. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are released every five years and include recommendations on what to eat for a healthy diet. They also shape federal nutrition programs. The guidelines are drafted by committee members appointed by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services. Some nutrition experts have argued the committee members and resulting guidelines are overly influenced…

By Leah Douglas, Tom Polansek May 7 (Reuters) – Recent actions by President Donald Trump’s administration, including staff cuts at the Food and Drug Administration, have raised questions among consumers about food safety in the United States. Here is an explanation of how food safety inspection works in the U.S., and how Trump administration cuts to some health and safety programs are reshaping those efforts. How Does Food Safety Work? The FDA regulates the safety of 80% of the nation’s food supply, ranging from baby formula to leafy greens and food additives. The USDA regulates the rest, focusing on animal products like meat and eggs.…

During a Thursday press conference, President Donald Trump announced a trade deal between the U.S. and the United Kingdom. The deal involves $5 billion worth of improved market access to products, a White House release said.  The wide-ranging framework leaves in place a 10% tariff on all imports from Britain. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said among the trade barriers eased by the UK as part of the agreement include “ethanol, beef, and machinery, among other products,” ABC reported. “This deal is working out for both countries,” Trump said, adding that  “final details are being written up.” UK’s National Farmers Union…

Earlier today, President Donald Trump and U.S. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a new trade agreement. The deal promises to expand American access to UK markets, particularly for agriculture, energy, and aerospace, while establishing a framework for deeper economic cooperation between the longtime allies. “This is now turning out to be, really, a great deal for both countries,” Trump said during a joint announcement. “Billions of dollars in new market access — especially for our farmers and ranchers. American beef, ethanol, and many other products will now reach British consumers more easily.” The agreement creates a $5 billion export opportunity…