Latest News From ROW CROPS

Hemp Seed Livestock Meal Receives Green Lights On Way to Federal Approval
Hemp Seed Livestock Meal Receives Green Lights On Way to Federal Approval

Wendy Mosher, CEO at New West Genetics and vice president of Hemp Feed Coalition, says this is something that has been in the works for at least four years

A Snapshot of USDA's Surprising January Report in 10 Charts
A Snapshot of USDA's Surprising January Report in 10 Charts

With larger-than-expected yield revisions to both corn and soybeans, it leaves one burning question: which states grew such big yields in 2023? USDA NASS released maps and charts to help answer that.

Are You Ready For the Polar Plunge? Some Areas Could See Temperatures Plummet to Negative 40 Degrees
Are You Ready For the Polar Plunge? Some Areas Could See Temperatures Plummet to Negative 40 Degrees

From 40 degrees above zero earlier this week in parts of the Great Plains to now forecasts for temps to fall 40 degrees below zero, ag meteorologist Drew Lerner says the frigid conditions will be dangerous for livestock.

Next-Gen Spotlight: Matt Adams Created His Niche By Doing Things No One Else Wanted To Do
Next-Gen Spotlight: Matt Adams Created His Niche By Doing Things No One Else Wanted To Do

After years of letting negativity and discouragement hold him back from full-time farming, the first-generation Kentucky farmer decided to take a leap of faith.

Now Is the Time to Pay Attention to the Weather Forecast: Severe Snowstorm Forecasted to Dump Multiple Feet of Snow
Now Is the Time to Pay Attention to the Weather Forecast: Severe Snowstorm Forecasted to Dump Multiple Feet of Snow

Major winter storms are on the way early next week. With the possibility of blizzard conditions to flooding in the southeast, the impact on agriculture could be two-fold: good news for drought but stress to livestock.

The Value of Hay as Fertilizer
The Value of Hay as Fertilizer

This time of year, many producers are feeding cows hay. Have you ever stopped to think about what the dollar value of the nutrients in the hay are worth as fertilizer once they have been processed by the cow?

Look Out Iowa! Cropland Auction Sets Fresh Record in North Dakota
Look Out Iowa! Cropland Auction Sets Fresh Record in North Dakota

North Dakota auction company announces new record-high land sale for cropland in the northeast corner of the state at $17,500 per acre, while in Iowa farmland sales are starting to cool off.

Buckle Up: Dispute Panel Called to Action by US in Mexico’s GMO Corn Ban
Buckle Up: Dispute Panel Called to Action by US in Mexico’s GMO Corn Ban

“Mexico’s decree, which runs counter to scientific findings and is in direct violation of USMCA, is negatively impacting American corn growers,” said Tom Haag, NCGA president.

USTR Comments on USMCA Meetings
USTR Comments on USMCA Meetings

During a bilateral meeting on Thursday, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai discussed with Mexico's Secretary of Economy Tatiana Clouthier various issues concerning energy and biotech corn.

USMCA Up for Debate in Mexico This Week
USMCA Up for Debate in Mexico This Week

Representatives from the U.S., Mexico and Canada will meet in Cancun, Mexico this week to discuss a series of disputes, including Mexican energy and biotech policies and Canadian dairy barriers.

Midwest Rains Not Enough to Break Long-Term Drought, 67% of Corn Still Rooted in Drought
Midwest Rains Not Enough to Break Long-Term Drought, 67% of Corn Still Rooted in Drought

The National Drought Mitigation Center estimates 67% of corn and 60% of soybeans are still considered to be in drought, a slight improvement from last week when drought covered 70% of corn and 63% of soybeans.

Game Changer for Soybeans? USDA Ignites Fireworks in the Markets With Two Major Acreage Surprises
Game Changer for Soybeans? USDA Ignites Fireworks in the Markets With Two Major Acreage Surprises

USDA released a few big surprises in the June acreage report, including a spike in corn acres and a large reduction in soybean acres. The agency also forecasts grain stocks below trade expectations.

High Production Costs Could Weigh on the Ag Economy Through 2024, New Survey of Economists Finds
High Production Costs Could Weigh on the Ag Economy Through 2024, New Survey of Economists Finds

The Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor is a new survey of nearly 50 economists. Most ag economists agree the next 12 months could produce more financial pressure for agriculture, but their views vary depending on commodity.

Drought Watch: 64% of U.S. Corn Crop Now Covered by Drought
Drought Watch: 64% of U.S. Corn Crop Now Covered by Drought

Drought is deepening across the Midwest with 64% of the corn crop and 57% of the soybean crop across the U.S. now covered in drought, a sizable jump in just a week after NASS showed a historic drop in condition ratings.

Drought Concerns Grow as 57% of Corn, 51% of Soybeans in the U.S. Now Considered to Be in Drought
Drought Concerns Grow as 57% of Corn, 51% of Soybeans in the U.S. Now Considered to Be in Drought

Drought continues to deepen its grip across the Corn Belt, with Iowa and Illinois seeing large jumps in the moderate and severe drought categories. Now, more of the U.S. corn and soybean crop is covered in drought.

Drought Watch: Nearly Half of the U.S. Corn Crop is Now Covered in Drought
Drought Watch: Nearly Half of the U.S. Corn Crop is Now Covered in Drought

Last week, 34% of the U.S. corn crop was covered in drought, and this week it jumped to 45%. The second crop conditions ratings of the season from USDA-NASS confirmed dryness is starting to deteriorate crop conditions.

US Moves to Full Blown Trade Dispute with Mexico Over GMO Decree
US Moves to Full Blown Trade Dispute with Mexico Over GMO Decree

“We fundamentally disagree with the position Mexico has taken on the issue of biotechnology, which has been proven to be safe for decades,” said Tom Vilsack, USDA secretary.

Ag Trade Between Russia and China Increased to 153% in April
Ag Trade Between Russia and China Increased to 153% in April

China's exports to Russia reached a record high in April, amounting to $9.6 billion.

Is El Niño to Thank for the Recent Rains in the Drought-Stricken Plains?
Is El Niño to Thank for the Recent Rains in the Drought-Stricken Plains?

Farmers in the Southern Plains are finally starting to see much-needed moisture hit their fields. It may be too late for winter wheat, but it’s a hopeful sign for those needing the rain to even plant summer crops.

Brutal Blast of Cold Set to Bring Widespread Freeze to the Western Corn Belt and Plains
Brutal Blast of Cold Set to Bring Widespread Freeze to the Western Corn Belt and Plains

A late April blast could bring sub-freezing temperatures as far south as northern Texas, sparking growing concerns about the potential damage to winter wheat.

Kansas Winter Wheat Crop Crippled by Drought that Covers 80% of the State
Kansas Winter Wheat Crop Crippled by Drought that Covers 80% of the State

Kansas typically accounts for 25% of the nation's winter wheat production, but ongoing drought is weighing on overall crop conditions. Farmers are now facing the possibility of increased abandonment this year.

U.S. Pork and Beef Exports Contribute Over 13% Estimated Economic Value To Both Corn and Soybeans, Study Finds
U.S. Pork and Beef Exports Contribute Over 13% Estimated Economic Value To Both Corn and Soybeans, Study Finds

U.S. pork and beef exports contributed an estimated total economic impact of 15% per bushel to the value of corn and 13% per bushel to soybeans in 2022, study results find, released by USMEF.

'It Looks Like a War Zone': Texas Farmer Describes Wheat Crop Now Ravaged by Sunday's Derecho and Dust Storm
'It Looks Like a War Zone': Texas Farmer Describes Wheat Crop Now Ravaged by Sunday's Derecho and Dust Storm

Scenes across Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas resemble the Dust Bowl after winds topping 100 mph ravaged the area. Growers are dealing with a dryland wheat crop that could already see abandonment as high as 80%.

2017 Outlook
5 Crop and Livestock Charts to Ponder from USDA’s 10-Year Outlook

What will the next decade hold for your farm? What factors should you use to weigh investments or crop planning?  Here are five trends and data sets to ponder from USDA's latest Agricultural Baseline Projections.

How the $1.7 Trillion Omnibus Spending Package Might Impact Your Operation
How the $1.7 Trillion Omnibus Spending Package Might Impact Your Operation

Text of the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending package was released early Tuesday morning. The Senate will vote first and intends to pass the measure before Thursday, leaving the House no time to demand changes.

Removing China's Domestic Price Trade Barriers: How Would it Impact Ag?
Removing China's Domestic Price Trade Barriers: How Would it Impact Ag?

Although China imported more than $205 billion worth of agricultural products in 2021, including more than $37 billion from the U.S., trade barriers deterred China’s imports from reaching even higher levels.

What You Need to Know About Vilsack's GMO Corn Conversation in Mexico
What You Need to Know About Vilsack's GMO Corn Conversation in Mexico

Vilsack urged Mexico to "find a way forward" and said that if Mexico's plans went unchanged, the U.S. government would be forced to consider all options, including legal action under the USMCA.

EPA Faces Lawsuit for Ethanol’s Impacts on Endangered Species
EPA Faces Lawsuit for Ethanol’s Impacts on Endangered Species

The lawsuit claims the EPA failed to "fully assess" the affect increased corn for ethanol production will have on endangered species, including land conversion and increased fertilizer and pesticide use.

Are Surprisingly Strong Cash Grain Bids Exposing Reality of U.S. Corn Supplies?
Are Surprisingly Strong Cash Grain Bids Exposing Reality of U.S. Corn Supplies?

Strong basis bids are sparking questions about the reality of corn supplies and issues in getting grain to areas of the country that need it. Analysts are watching USDA's Grain Stocks report this week for answers.

You Desperately Need A Game Plan For Locking In Feed Prices This Year; Here's Why
You Desperately Need A Game Plan For Locking In Feed Prices This Year; Here's Why

Commodity prices won't grow less volatile over the next several months. So, what's a potential game plan for locking in feed prices? Friday's market action may be one example of what producers can do to manage risk.

Markets Make Historic Open Sunday as Wheat Tops $13, Soybeans Soar Past $17, Corn Closes in on $8
Markets Make Historic Open Sunday as Wheat Tops $13, Soybeans Soar Past $17, Corn Closes in on $8

Crude oil hit a 13-year high and wheat topped $13. With front-month soybeans soaring past $17, and corn nearing the $8 mark, the crisis in Ukraine means food and fuel inflation fears are also heating up. 

Wheat Price Whiplash to End Week Leaves Producers with One Burning Question
Wheat Price Whiplash to End Week Leaves Producers with One Burning Question

Just as wheat prices hit a new all-time high, the March contract was spooked, as profit taking caused the front-month contract to drop more than 80 cents in minutes. Despite that, the fundamental story hasn't changed.

Soaring SRW Wheat Futures Shatter All-Time High as Crisis in Ukraine Continues
Soaring SRW Wheat Futures Shatter All-Time High as Crisis in Ukraine Continues

Soft Red Winter (SRW) futures hit an all-time high Friday, as consecutive limit up trading days meant wheat prices topped a previous high set in 2008.

winter wheat
Wheat Prices Shoot to 14-Year High on Concerns over Conflict Between Russia and Ukraine

Wheat futures were fueled by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis on Wednesday. As a result, front-month wheat contracts hit daily trading limits and soared to a 14-year high.

Skyrocketing Feed Costs Are Just One of Two Major Headwinds for Livestock Producers this Year
Skyrocketing Feed Costs Are Just One of Two Major Headwinds for Livestock Producers this Year

With uncertainty taking over the grain market, it’s a double whammy for livestock producers who are facing higher feed costs, as inflationary pressures may create more headwinds on the demand side in 2022.

Here's Why the Russia-Ukraine Crisis Creates a Realignment of World Trade
Here's Why the Russia-Ukraine Crisis Creates a Realignment of World Trade

The Russia-Ukraine crisis sent wheat prices skyrocketing 50 cents higher, with corn up 30 cents at one point Thursday. Crude oil also soared above $100 per barrel, hitting the highest level since 2014. 

Will Sustainable Fuel Power Your Farm Equipment In 10 Years?
Will Sustainable Fuel Power Your Farm Equipment In 10 Years?

Wiesemeyer says “you don’t spend some $300 million on these [soybean crushing] plants without a solid foundation of a market in the future.”

  USDA’s January Reports Reveal Hay Stocks Hit a 10-Year Low in December
USDA’s January Reports Reveal Hay Stocks Hit a 10-Year Low in December

Dry conditions in the West have plagued producers for months. And while some recent relief has come in the form of rain, a new USDA report shows just how dire the hay situation is for many livestock producers.

Natural Gas Prices Only Account for 15% of Run-Up in Anhydrous Ammonia Prices, Shows New Texas A&M Study
Natural Gas Prices Only Account for 15% of Run-Up in Anhydrous Ammonia Prices, Shows New Texas A&M Study

The report found nitrogen accounts for more than 50% of fertilizer costs for a corn producer at $117 per acre.

Pests Proved Costly in 2021 with Grasshoppers and Fall Armyworms Wiping Out Entire Fields Across U.S.
Pests Proved Costly in 2021 with Grasshoppers and Fall Armyworms Wiping Out Entire Fields Across U.S.

As drought plagued the West and Plains in 2021, grasshoppers took over many pastures and crops, which demolished grasses and hayfields. In the South and Midwest, fall armyworms were a costly battle for farmers.

Secy. Vilsack Unpacks Build Back Better and What it Means for Ag
Secy. Vilsack Unpacks Build Back Better and What it Means for Ag

On Tuesday, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack rang in on AgriTalk to share agriculture’s angle in the BBB plan with host Chip Flory.

The Heretic Farmer: Jon Stevens’ Big Adios to Mainstream Ag
The Heretic Farmer: Jon Stevens’ Big Adios to Mainstream Ag

Jon Stevens is an agriculture heretic: “Don’t argue with me about the awesome changes I’ve seen on my ground. You can argue with my logic and how I arrived there, but not the results.”

Cattle and Hog Farmers Aren’t the Only Ones to Benefit from U.S. Red Meat Exports
Cattle and Hog Farmers Aren’t the Only Ones to Benefit from U.S. Red Meat Exports

Dean Meyer depends on red meat exports in more ways than one. On his farm near Rock Rapids, Iowa, he grows corn, soybeans, cattle and hogs. A new study backs up why red meat exports help corn and soybean farmers.

Devastating Drought: Texas Farmers Say 2021 Drought Already Rivals 2011
Devastating Drought: Texas Farmers Say 2021 Drought Already Rivals 2011

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows from North Dakota to Texas, all the way west to California, the most severe levels of drought didn’t ease across the U.S. this past week. 

USDA Projects $4.20 Corn, Chief Economist Explains Why
USDA Projects $4.20 Corn, Chief Economist Explains Why

USDA’s Ag Outlook Forum painted a brighter forecast for corn demand this year. While USDA does expect a 7% increase in production, the agency is also forecasting an increase in domestic use, as well as exports.

Looking Past China, What Are the Next Big Ag Trade Moves for Biden Administration?
Looking Past China, What Are the Next Big Ag Trade Moves for Biden Administration?

Trade seems to be taking a back seat in Washington. From COVID-19 recovery to a focus on climate, other issues are taking priority in the new White House. That's not stopping ag groups from pushing for key trade deals.

File Photo: Grain bins.
COVID-19 Raises Governments' Food Security Concerns, Demand for U.S. Crops

COVID-19 outbreaks are increasing governments' food-security concerns, and importers need U.S. corn and soybeans for the first time in a long time to meet demand.

Free Curriculum Brings Ag to Schoolchildren
Free Curriculum Brings Ag to Schoolchildren

Farm Journal Foundation releases e-learning resources to support U.S. educators and families.

Image: Farm Journal
China Books Record Weekly U.S. Beef Purchases, Also Buys U.S. Corn

China made its largest weekly U.S. beef purchases on record last week, followed by its biggest U.S. corn deals in almost a month this week, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data released on Thursday.

Indiana Farmer Matthew Raver and his wife, Britney, both survived COVID-19
Farmer Survives COVID-19, Hopes His Farm Will Too

Indiana farmer survives 12 days of fever, pneumonia, and dehydration due to COVID-19 and he warns others that the fragile and frail aren't the only people at risk.