Markets

USDA considers crop report change

Fri, 25 May 2012 19:47:00 +0000

USDA will seek public input before it decides whether to change the release times of market-moving reports on farm data now that futures markets are open nearly around the clock.

Small dairies struggling to stay afloat

Fri, 25 May 2012 19:28:00 +0000

“The day of the small farms, I think, is gone,” said Steve MacLaren, 54. “A lot of people are going to hold on as long as they can, but we decided not to. Why struggle on it any longer?”

Europe jumps into agricultural tire market

Fri, 25 May 2012 13:19:00 +0000

Rising sales of U.S. farm equipment has increased the demand for ag tires. A company that has been around in Europe for decades has decided to step into that market with a new plant in Charles City, Iowa. Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Mitas CEO Jaroslav Cechura discussed the new entry at a grand opening ceremony for the $52 million plant.

Summer gas prices at mercy of tense Middle East

Wed, 23 May 2012 20:36:00 +0000

Jessica Merzdorf, Purdue University

Gas prices this summer could stay steady provided that an already-tense Middle East doesn't flare up. As always, the political situation in the Middle East and U.S. relations with Iran will play a large part in what motorists pay for gasoline.

Beef industry making any money?

Wed, 23 May 2012 18:02:00 +0000

Is anybody actually making money in the beef industry right now?

Audio File:

beef.MP3

Trading halt when USDA issues crop reports?

Tue, 22 May 2012 19:50:00 +0000

R.J. O'Brien & Associates

A major brokerage firm is recommending a halt in trading on the 15 days a year when the USDA issues comprehensive reports on crop production, acreage and quarterly stocks.

Dairy industry may see higher prices in 2013

Tue, 22 May 2012 19:18:00 +0000

In agriculture more production usually means lower prices for producers, but for one set of producers that rule may not hold true next year.

Audio File:

dairy operators.MP3

Mexican trade policy could hinder consumer choice

Tue, 22 May 2012 18:47:00 +0000

Mexican poultry meat producers accuse U.S. of dumping chicken meat

Ross Korves, Truth About Trade and Technology

Mexican poultry meat producers accuse U.S. producers of “dumping” chicken meat (selling below U.S. selling prices) into the Mexican market. The Mexican government has proposed import duties of 63-130 percent on leg quarters. The duties will force up the price of chicken in Mexico to the benefit of Mexican producers who brought the case to the government.

Let’s expand the Trans Pacific Partnership

Tue, 22 May 2012 18:40:00 +0000

Dean Kleckner, Truth About Trade & Technology

TPP is an economic-stimulus package that doesn’t require the federal government to spend more money (and go deeper into debt). It simply creates opportunities for American businesses to reach customers in other countries. The TPP is a potential trade alliance that would make it easier for members to buy and sell goods and services. Negotiations currently involve nine countries: the United States, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.

California wine grape industry gaining strength

Tue, 22 May 2012 14:05:00 +0000

Dennis Pollock

California’s total shipments to the U.S. market in 2011 were 6 percent greater than the year before. California sold more packaged exports than ever thanks to a weak U.S. dollar and limited foreign supplies. But there were no incentives to move wine out of California in bulk. Four wineries — E&J Gallo, the Wine Group, Trinchero and Delicato — accounted for 75 percent of all the growth in the market last year.