Farmer sentiment continues to weaken, as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer declined again in July. The barometer fell 11 points to 135 from June, a reading that resulted from U.S. farmers’ weaker perceptions of both current conditions and future expectations. The July Current Conditions Index dropped 17 points…

At the 40th International Sweetener Symposium, U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden spoke about what he called the Trump administration’s commitment to advancing a stronger future for American agriculture. Speaking before a packed room of sugarbeet and sugarcane growers, trade officials, and industry leaders in Traverse City, Michigan,…

This summer, a farmer came up to me and said, “I thought you were crazy to sell new-crop corn, soybeans, and wheat ahead in January and February.” He said he hesitated, but he followed my advice. “Now, I wish I would have done more,” he said. I admit, I haven’t…

By Joshua Haiar A bipartisan group of U.S. senators, including Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., introduced legislation recently to improve a federal conservation program with changes, including a higher maximum annual payment for landowners. The Conservation Reserve Program pays farmers and ranchers to remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production, and maintain…

By Marcela Ayres, Bernardo Caram, and Lisandra Paraguassu BRASILIA, Aug 4 (Reuters) – Brazil’s government has set aside for now plans for direct retaliation against steep U.S. tariffs taking effect this week, focusing instead on a relief package for industries hit hardest by the levies, sources familiar with the strategy said. Wide-ranging exemptions granted in U.S.…

According to the latest Crop Protection Network map, positive cases of tar spot have been reported in 13 of the top 18 corn growing states. Additional cases have been reported in Georgia, Maryland, and New York. First reported in the Corn Belt in 2015, 18 U.S. states have a history…