agricultural economy

Bloomberg writers Breanna T Bradham, Kim Chipman, and Fabiana Batista reported on Tuesday that, "Corn futures surged above $7 a bushel for the first time in more than eight years as lack of rainfall in Brazil added to supply concerns."

Bloomberg writers Kim Chipman and Dominic Carey reported on Monday that, "U.S. corn farmers are planting at the fastest pace since 2015, a move that could finally bring some relief to a market that’s battling tight supplies."

Reuters writer Tom Polansek reported last week that, "A surge to eight-year highs in U.S. corn and soybean prices is boosting farmers' incomes and their demand for land, tractors and tools."

Bloomberg writer Kim Chipman reported earlier this week that, "Corn’s stunning price rally is getting an extra boost as more U.S. drivers return to the open road."

Bloomberg writers Kim Chipman and Megan Durisin reported this week that, "A crop rally in the U.S. is making essential food commodities dramatically more expensive, and the costs could soon spill over onto grocery store shelves."

In an update earlier this month from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City (“Farm Lending Remains Muted in Early 2021“), Nathan Kauffman and Ty Kreitman stated that, "Farm loan demand remained muted at commercial banks in the first quarter of…

Bloomberg writers Megan Durisin and Deirdre Hipwell reported on Friday that, "Corn, wheat, soybeans, vegetable oils: A small handful of commodities form the backbone of much of the world’s diet and they’re dramatically more expensive, flashing alarm signals for global…

Bloomberg writers Kim Chipman and Breanna T Bradham reported on Thursday that, "Corn extended its ascent to the highest in almost eight years, leading a rally in crop futures on bets that voracious Chinese demand, rebounding economies and adverse weather…

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve Board released its April 2021 Beige Book update, a summary of commentary on current economic conditions by Federal Reserve District. The report included several observations pertaining to the U.S. agricultural economy.

Last week, Politico writers Zack Colman, Liz Crampton and Helena Bottemiller Evich reported that, "The Biden administration's ambitious plan to create a multibillion-dollar bank to help pay farmers to capture carbon from the atmosphere is running into surprising skepticism, challenging…

In an update this week from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City ("Farm Lending Pullback Continues"), Cortney Cowley and Ty Kreitman stated that, "Agricultural debt at commercial banks eased further at the end of 2020, and loan repayment problems moderated…

A news release on Friday from the University of Missouri indicated that, "Farm income could decline in 2021, in spite of large increases in the value of crop and livestock sales, according to the latest analysis of national and global…

On Thursday, the Senate Agriculture Committee held a policy hearing on climate change issues ("Farmers and Foresters: Opportunities to Lead in Tackling Climate Change").

Late last month, Bloomberg News reported that, "China’s farm ministry is touting a complete recovery in pig numbers from the ravages of African swine fever by the middle of the year. Fresh outbreaks of the virus and other lethal pig…

Late last week, Bloomberg writers Megan Durisin and Agnieszka de Sousa reported that, "The surge in food prices that’s eating into consumer budgets and hitting some of the poorest nations shows few signs of abating."

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve Board released its February 2021 Beige Book update, a summary of commentary on current economic conditions by Federal Reserve District. The report included several observations pertaining to the U.S. agricultural economy.

The USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released several reports over the past few weeks that provide helpful insight into segments of the U.S. agricultural economy and farm sector.  Today's update highlights some of these reports, which include details on…

Writing on the front page of Saturday's Des Moines Register, Donnelle Eller reported that, "U.S. and Iowa farmers need new sources of income, and the work producers need to do to battle climate change can help provide it, newly sworn-in U.S.…

Reuters writer Tom Polansek reported on Tuesday that, "The U.S. Senate on Tuesday confirmed Tom Vilsack to head the Department of Agriculture, returning the former Iowa governor to the job he held under ex-President Barack Obama."

Speaking on Thursday at USDA’s virtual Agricultural Outlook Forum, USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer provided a broad outlook for U.S. agriculture.  Today’s update provides an overview of key aspects of Dr. Meyer’s presentation.