Farm sector profitability is forecast to decline for the second straight year, according to the latest report from USDA. Net cash income is forecast at $100.3 billion, down about 21 percent from 2014 levels. Lower crop and livestock receipts are the main drivers of the change in 2015 net cash farm income from 2014, while cash production expenses are projected …
Monsanto Drops Bid for Syngenta
While I heard talk of a “done deal” due to the newest offer from Monsanto to Syngenta in a group of ag media folks this week, Syngenta wasn’t okay with it according to this announcement from Monsanto this morning. Monsanto says it is no longer pursuing the deal. While Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) continues to believe a combination with Syngenta …
What Does Sustainable Mean to the Consumer?
The 2015 NAMA Bootcamp was again held in Kansas City, MO. The event attracts those new to the world of agri-marketing or simply new to the agriculture community. Sustainability and the consumer was one breakout session which discussed how farmers and ranchers can communicate with food connectors and millennials about sustainability. U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) CEO, Randy Krotz, …
Agri-Pulse Open Mic with Robert Johansson of USDA
Agri-Pulse Open Mic this week features USDA Chief Economist Robert Johansson. In this wide-ranging interview, you’ll hear his perspective on any relationship between the drop in equity markets and commodity prices, thoughts on China, Brazil and other countries lowering their currency values, and the implications of the EPA’s upcoming decision on RFS volume standards for US farm income. Click here …
John Deere Reveals 4 Track 9RX Tractor
This morning John Deere revealed a brand new high horsepower tractor – the 9RX. Here it is on the showroom floor of the John Deere Waterloo Tractor, Cab, Assembly Operations facility where it is being built. I recorded the program this morning which features moderator Michelle Rook, WNAX. After years of design, field trials and customer feedback, John Deere introduces …
Many Opinions in GOP Race
Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “Who’s your pick now for GOP candidate?” When you have nearly 20 GOP candidates, you are bound to have many opinions. Our latest ZimmPoll proves that, but one opinion was clear. Donald Trump took the majority of the votes. The rest were scattered. Candidates from both sides had the opportunity to speak at the …
Priority Issues for Missouri Policy Makers
Missouri State Fair’s legislator day brought policy makers together to talk about issues facing not only Missouri farmers and ranchers but about regulation that affects those involved with agriculture across the country. On that list was immigration. We have heard many of the front running political candidates give their opinions, but few have touched on it’s impact on agriculture. Missouri …
MO Farm Bureau Speaks Out Against Over Regulation
The Missouri Farm Bureau has put together interactive maps to give a feel of how the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule that goes into effect this weekend will impact the state. Well over 95% of the state of Missouri will qualify as a water of the U.S. under this rule. I spoke with Blake Hurst, president of the …
BIVI Seminar Highlights FAD Preparedness
Pork industry preparedness for FAD was the first topic on the schedule at the Boehringer Ingelheim North Carolina swine seminar this year – and no, FAD does not mean the latest social trend. “FADs are foreign animal diseases,” said Dr. Lisa Becton with the National Pork Board. “Those are diseases that currently don’t exist in the United States and diseases …
Delapaz Joins Agri-Pulse
Agri-Pulse has a new editorial coordinator. The farm and rural policy news source says Jodi Delapaz is joining the operation. “With such strong audience growth this year, we are pleased to have Jodi join us to continue to build reader and listener engagement,” said Editor Sara Wyant. “We expect her to play a crucial role as we continue to expand …