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Articles by Long-Term Challenge
Thompson On Cotton: Inflation Doesn’t Seem To Be Cooling Down
We entered last week expecting a great deal of market volatility as a host of fundamental and macroeconomic reports were scheduled for release. So it was, after advancing over 200 points ahead of the September WASDE it fell prey to the old buy the rumor, sell the fact idiom. Thus, giving back nearly all these gains to close Friday at 86.44, for a paltry gain of 53 points on the week.
Soil Health Institute and Cargill Partner To Advance Water Stewardship
Morrisville, North Carolina – The Soil Health Institute (SHI) and Cargill are coming together to advance implementation of regenerative agriculture practices through the promotion of water stewardship within agricultural supply chains. This 3-year, $3 million partnership will equip farmers, conservation planners, and sustainability experts across North America with innovative tools to enhance drought resilience, improve soil health, and encourage sustainable water use.
BASF Hosts Roundtable Discussion With Farmers On Cotton At The United Nations Headquarters
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC – Farmers across the globe are working to meet the ever-increasing demand for sustainably grown cotton. True sustainable sourcing of natural fibers can be complex and challenging, which is why BASF Agricultural Solutions brought together a global delegation of farmers from Europe and the United States to ensure their voices are heard and supported.
Macy’s Joins U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol
MEMPHIS, TENN – The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol (“Trust Protocol”) is pleased to announce the membership of Macy’s, Inc. The company represents more than 700 store locations nationwide across three our iconic nameplates, including Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury. Trust Protocol membership will bolster Macy’s efforts in sourcing cotton sustainably, driving positive social and environmental change within the cotton industry and enhancing transparency throughout its supply chain. Macy’s, Inc.
Cash Rents Are Up for 2023, But Will 2024 Be Better?
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) recently released data showing that cash rents for cropland have increased nationwide in 2023. Between 2022 and 2023, the national average for cropland cash rents grew from $148 to $155 per acre – a 4.7% increase. The lowest reported average was in Montana at $35 per acre, compared to the highest in Arizona at $347. Within the corn belt, values increased 5.8% from $223 to $235.
Cotton: World Markets and Trade
The United States exports roughly three-quarters of its cotton production; therefore, reliable data on shipments is the foundation for estimating and forecasting the U.S. cotton balance sheet.
$600,000 Awarded To Communities In “Kubota Hometown Proud” Grants
GRAPEVINE, Texas – Kubota continues its commitment to invest in hometowns across America with its Kubota Hometown Proud community grant program, awarding $600,000 in grants to five deserving communities. Kubota Hometown Proud is an annual grant program that encourages municipalities and nonprofit organizations to partner with their local Kubota dealership to apply for grant funding consideration.
2023 USA Rice Sustainability Award Nominations Open
ARLINGTON, VA — While insiders know U.S.-grown rice is one of the most sustainable and responsibly grown crops in the world, telling that story to those who are unaware is increasingly important. To help recognize the crop’s unique environmental qualities and the men and women who improve rice’s sustainability every day, USA Rice annually presents the Sustainability Award to identify and promote efforts in this area.
USDA: Weekly Cotton Market Review
Spot quotations averaged 80 points lower than the previous week, according to the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Serviceís Cotton and Tobacco Program. Quotations for the base quality of cotton (color 41, leaf 4, staple 34, mike 35-36 and 43-49, strength 27.0-28.9, and uniformity 81.0-81.9) in the seven designated markets averaged 81.72 cents per pound for the week ending Thursday, September 7, 2023.
Tire Inflation Made Easy
Some of the best money I’ve spent in recent years was for a battery-powered air compressor. Instead of loading a 120-volt electric or gas-engine-powered air compressor into the bed of my pickup, or filling and lugging a 7-gal. portable air tank to the field, I now reach behind the seat of my truck to grab an 8-lb. battery-powered air compressor that’s slightly larger than a loaf of bread and fill up a tire to 120 psi of air. The rugged little compressor isn’t fast.
USDA World Agriculture Outlook Board Tours Mid-South Rice Industry
STUTTGART, AR – A delegation of rice experts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently toured the mid-south rice industry for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. As members of the World Agriculture Outlook Board, these USDA employees are instrumental in compiling data and reports including the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report, agricultural baseline projections, and weather impact studies on ag production.
Bennett Trust Women’s Conference set for Oct. 9-10 in Fredericksburg
Women who are making a difference down on the farm or ranch will be the focus of the Bennett Trust Land Stewardship Women’s Conference, according to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service program coordinator. “Girl Power: Texas Female Entrepreneurs” is the conference theme set for Oct. 9-10 at The Inn on Barons Creek, 308 S. Washington St., Fredericksburg. The program addresses the growing number of women making decisions as landowners and operators.
What an El Niño Event Could Mean for Fall Weather
So far, 2023 has been a wild year for weather. Flooding, drought and hail have all made their way into the headlines – not to mention the extreme high and low temperatures seen throughout the seasons. While weather patterns have been anything but predictable this year, Eric Snodgrass, Principal Atmospheric Scientist for Nutrien Ag Solutions, says America’s heartland may start to see wetter weather conditions just in time for fall.
Tyson Foods to Deploy Driverless Trucks in Arkansas
Tyson Foods, Inc., is teaming up with Gatik AI, Inc., in a multi-year collaboration to deploy autonomous, “self-driving” refrigerated box trucks to bolster Tyson routes in Northwest Arkansas. Operating 18 hours a day, trucks will deliver Tyson, Jimmy Dean and BallPark products, among others, to the company’s distribution and storage facilities in the Rogers and Springdale, Ark., areas.
2023 Farm Profits Dip From 2022 Levels
Last week, USDA released its Farm Sector Income Forecast. When adjusted for inflation, net farm income, a broad measure of farm profitability, is expected to decrease $48 billion (25.4%) in 2023 compared with 2022. The forecast from USDA cites two factors contributing to the year-over-year decline: Lower government payments Higher production expenses Compared to 2022, this year’s government payments in aggregate will be 19% lower.
John Deere Acquires Smart Apply Air-Blast Spray Technology
In mid-July John Deere announced its acquisition of Smart Apply. Smart Apply is based in Indianapolis and focused its product development on precision air-blast spraying.
Labor Day Storms ‘Pancake’ Rice on Eve of Harvest
STUTTGART, Ark. — High winds and heavy rain from Labor Day storms that raked across the Arkansas Delta may dampen some of the enthusiasm for the 2023 rice harvest, said Jarrod Hardke, extension rice agronomist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “It was pretty rough in some places, with 1-3 inches of rain and 50-60 mile per hour winds,” he said on Tuesday.
Thompson on Cotton: Music to the Market’s Ears
Last week was a case of bad news for some was good news to others. Hurricane Idalia was expected to take her Category 3 winds east of all but a small portion of the Georgia crop. Instead, upon landfall it veered slightly northward damaging a much larger expanse of the state’s crop. While abroad, China’s economy has slumped to the point its government announced Friday monetary policies would be instituted in an effort to bolster it.
How Have Cropland Values Changed from 2022?
In its August 2023 report, the Kansas City Fed found farmland values eased from a year ago but remained steady at an average increase of 7%. Despite rising input costs and interest rates, farmland continues to be a wise investment opportunity, according to Bruce Sherrick, professor at the University of Illinois. “People sometimes refer to farmland as an investment in gold, plus a coupon,” Sherrick says.
Why Farmers Should Invest More Into Cybersecurity
Agriculture has seen an increase in online threats. Here’s why the sector has become a target, the attacks it faces and five ways it can stay safe from malicious actors. Why Has the Agriculture Sector Become a Target? Agriculture technology (ag tech) has made many daily operations easier and it aids with increasing output. It relies on different devices and software to help with efficiency, yield and profitability. The technology can include computers, robotics, drones, software and vehicles.
San Francisco-Based Firm Launches $250 Million Fund To Invest in Organic Agriculture
Farmland LP, a fund manager specializing in organic agricultural acreage, launched its third farmland fund looking to raise $250 million as that type of investment has produced higher returns than commercial properties by a wide margin over the past year. Commercial properties have returned a negative 6.6% return over the past four quarters, according to the National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries Property Index.
USDA Announces Changes To Whole Farm Revenue Protection And Micro Farm Policies
WASHINGTON, – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it is improving crop insurance options for small and diversified farmers through improvements to the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WRFP) and Micro Farm insurance plans. These updates are part of USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) efforts to increase participation and access to crop insurance.
50-year-old Endangered Species Act Finally Has a Manual for Farmers Thanks to The National Ag Law Center
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A half-century after Richard Nixon signed it into law, the Endangered Species Act now has a user manual to help farmers, thanks to the National Agricultural Law Center. Brigit Rollins, an attorney whose research for center focuses on environmental law, said she saw a significant need in farming for a guide to this historic and wide-ranging piece of legislation.
Farm Bill 2023: Is There Bad Medicine in Base Acres and Reference Prices?
During debate on the Farm Bill in 1956, Senator Clinton Anderson (D-NM), who had been Secretary of Agriculture in the Truman Administration, argued against continuation of the New Deal era parity farm support policy that combined price supports with acreage controls. Senator Anderson stated that continuing the policy was akin to trying to “help the farmer by giving him another dose of the medicine that has made him sick” (Congressional Record, March 9, 1956, at 4288).
USDA Makes $65 Million Available for Conservation Innovation Grants
WASHINGTON, The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of $65 million through two funding opportunities for new tools, approaches, practices and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands through the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program.
California Rice Field Day Heralds Industry’s Remarkable Recovery
BIGGS, CA – For 111 years, the Rice Experiment Station has been delivering outstanding results for California’s rice industry, and hundreds gathered this week for the annual Field Day here for reports on what lies ahead. Kim Gallagher, a graduate of the Rice Leadership Development Program and vice-chair of the California Cooperative Rice Research Foundation (CCRRF), welcomed attendees, highlighting the strong comeback the rice industry is enjoying this year.
Annie’s Project For Women in Agriculture Coming to Amarillo Oct. 2-Nov. 6
The six-week educational workshop specifically tailored toward women in agriculture will be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 6500 Amarillo Boulevard W. Sessions will meet from 5:30-8:30 p.m. every Monday, Oct. 2-Nov. 6. Speaker topics will address five primary agricultural risk areas — financial, human resources, legal, market and production risk. Registration is open to all women and is required at https://tx.ag/anniesprojectamarillo. Only 25 seats are available.
Louisiana Farm to School Conference Set for Oct. 11 in Baton Rouge
(08/30/23) BATON ROUGE, La. — Join Seeds to Success: The Louisiana Farm to School Program for the seventh annual farm to school conference at the Pennington Biomedical Convention Center on Oct. 11, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will emphasize three main components of farm to school: education, school gardens and local food purchasing.
USDA To Make Available $266 Million To Help Farmers And Ranchers Lower Energy Costs
WASHINGTON, – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is awarding $266 million in loans and grants to agriculture producers and rural small businesses to make investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements that will lower their energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen the resilience of their operation.
2023 Cotton Tour Field Day
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) is hosting the 2023 Cotton Tour Field Day at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center to inform local agricultural producers about the latest advances in row crop research and cotton production techniques.
How to Know if Drone Application Will Work for You
Using drones for crop protection application is an exciting new technology for growers and ag retailers alike, but it’s not a blanket solution for every field or farmer. Here are five things to consider before heading to the field: Topography Topography is what can make drone application a better option than ground or plane spraying. Drones are more efficient and can provide better coverage than plane or ground spraying in hilly, oddly shaped fields.
Farm Credit Of New Mexico To Merge With American AgCredit
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The merger of Farm Credit of New Mexico and American AgCredit Farm Credit cooperatives will be effective Oct. 1, 2023, creating one Farm Credit Association with enhanced marketplace stability, increased funding capacity, and better access to technology. The voting stockholders of Farm Credit of New Mexico re-voted for the proposed merger after a reconsideration process established by the Farm Credit Administration (FCA).
New Holland Continues Its Alternative Energy Future with the T4 Electric Power Tractor
Boasting an industry first, New Holland introduces the T4 Electric Power Tractor, which is fully electric and is outfitted with autonomous features. The company says this is ushering in a new tractor class–the Utility Electric.
Rice Leadership Development Program Application Deadline Approaches
ARLINGTON, VA — The Rice Leadership Development Program gives future leaders a comprehensive understanding of the rice industry, with an emphasis on personal development and communication skills. The class attends four one-week sessions over a two-year period that encompasses studies of all aspects of the rice industry through firsthand observations. They also attend seminars and workshops designed to strengthen leadership skills.
USDA: Weekly National Posted Prices for Peanuts
The following prices are effective from Wednesday 08/30/2023 at 12:01 am Eastern Time until midnight Tuesday 09/05/2023. The next announcement is scheduled for Tuesday 09/05/2023 at 3:00 pm Eastern Time. $425.29 per ton for Runner peanuts $413.12 per ton for Spanish peanuts $431.71 per ton for Valencia peanuts $431.71 per ton for Virginia peanuts These NPP are based on the loan rates for 2023-crop peanuts announced on June 1, 2023.
2023 USA Rice Outlook Conference Registration Now Open
ARLINGTON, VA – If rice is any part of your business, you should plan to attend the 2023 USA Rice Outlook Conference this December 6-8 at the family-friendly and beautiful Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, California. Already the largest annual rice-specific event in North America, the space at this year’s Outlook Conference is expected to sell out quickly, and registration opened today.
EPA’s New WOTUS Rules: What Producers Need to Know About
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rules on Tuesday, following a May Supreme Court ruling in Sackett v. EPA, that required EPA to revise the WOTUS definition. “We have worked with EPA to expeditiously develop a rule to incorporate changes required as a result of the Supreme Court’s decision,” said Michael L. Connor, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.
What Is a Carbon Intensity Score?
A provision in the Inflation Reduction Act, Section 45Z, provides biofuel producers (ethanol, biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel) with a tax credit incentive to produce low-emission fuels. (Farm Journal) Here are the FAQs for farmers who are exploring carbon’s next chapter on the farm. What is a carbon intensity (CI) score? Using a set of parameters determined by the Department of Energy, feedstocks for biofuels are measured for energy used to produce the grain. How will a CI score be used?
USDA: Weekly Cotton Market Review
Spot quotations averaged 119 points lower than the previous week, according to the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Serviceís Cotton and Tobacco Program. Quotations for the base quality of cotton (color 41, leaf 4, staple 34, mike 35-36 and 43-49, strength 27.0-28.9, and uniformity 81.0-81.9) in the seven designated markets averaged 80.06 cents per pound for the week ending Thursday, August 24, 2023.
USDA Issues Report Showing Usage Of Aerial imagery On Crops
Use of aerial imagery provided by aircraft, drones, and satellites remains limited on U.S. farms. USDA has tracked adoption of many agricultural production technologies through its annual Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) of U.S. farms. Farmers using drones and aircraft can survey large stretches of farm and ranch land.
USDA Announces $72.9 Million In Grant Funding Awarded For Specialty Crop Producers;
WASHINGTON, — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced $72.9 million awarded to 55 states and territories through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The grant program provides funding to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops and support specialty crop growers through marketing, education, and research.
USDA Releases Cotton and Wool Outlook Report
Cotton harvest. ©Debra L Ferguson The August 2023 Cotton and Wool Outlook report presents and discusses USDA’s latest 2023/24 U.S. and world cotton supply and demand projections. To continue reading, click here Click Here
Missouri Supreme Court Ruling Has Major Impact On Roundup Lawsuit
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner scored another major victory this past week in its defense of Monsanto in ongoing litigation brought by users of the company’s Roundup herbicide, as the Missouri Supreme Court rejected an attempt by plaintiffs to force a trial to be held in the City of St. Louis.
USDA Announces $12.5 Million In Grants To 76 Food And AgTech Innovators
WASHINGTON, – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an investment of over $12.5 million as part of the USDA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The Phase I awards will support 76 small businesses conducting high-quality research that addresses critical scientific challenges and opportunities in agriculture.
USDA Releases Rice Outlook Report
Photo: Texas AgriLife Extension The August 2023 Rice Outlook Report contains the latest forecasts for U.S. and global rice supply, use, and prices. To continue reading article, Click Here
Farmers Need Incentives To Overcome Risks Of Adopting Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices
Change is not easy, especially when it involves financial risk. That’s the situation farmers and ranchers find themselves in when considering innovative, climate-smart agricultural practices. Sure, in the long run, many farmers find that adopting practices like cover crops, no-till and prescribed grazing build soil health and pay off. But, in the short term, when the unknowns—and the bills—pile higher than the knowns, it is no wonder farmers are hesitant to make changes in their operations.
Inflation and Recession Pressures: Is Farmland a Good Investment Right Now?
The Federal Reserve is hosting its Economy Policy Symposium this week, which has all eyes on Jackson Hole Wyoming for further details on inflation, interest rates and if a recession is looming. But would a recession effect your operation the way you think? According to Bruce Sherrick, professor at the University of Illinois, you might not need to worry about what inflation is doing to your farmland values. “Farmland returns are very highly correlated with inflation,” Sherrick says.
Farmers for Tomorrow fundraiser set for Sept. 14 at Center for Arkansas Farms and Food
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Center for Arkansas Farms and Food will hold a fundraising event 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, to support the Farmers for Tomorrow fund, a program to help aspiring farmers start their small farm businesses. Dandelion Heart will provide live music, and Chef Haley O’Brien will prepare heavy hors d’oeuvres using ingredients grown by Center for Arkansas Farms and Food, CAFF, students in Fayetteville.
Farm Bill 2023: Another Perspective on Reference Prices and Base Acres
The calendar continues to countdown towards the scheduled expiration of the 2018 Farm Bill, but there have been no public indications that either the House or Senate Agriculture Committees have resolved the critical commodity policy disputes for reauthorization. This article provides yet another perspective on the reference price and base acre discussion, using a sample farm thought experiment to dissect policy design differences and issues.
USDA: Weekly National Rice Summary
In the south, long and medium grain milled rice steady. Parboiled prices steady. Second heads and Brewers steady. Rice by-products: Rice Bran, Millfeed and Rice Hulls steady. In California, medium grain milled rice steady. Second heads and Brewers steady. Rice by-products: Rice Bran and rice hulls steady. As of August 20, 2023 rice harvest is underway with Louisiana just over 70% and Texas at 60% harvested.
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