Top Agriculture News

SC Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers has just returned from a trade mission to Cuba. Commissioner, tell us about this trip. Yes, Mike, I’m back from a trip to Cuba with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. Cuba is opening up more to international trade and relationships, and agriculture will be a big […]

This is the Market Report with Brooks Schaffer of Palmetto Grain. Reach him at [email protected] or 843-540-4540. March corn broke through the $4 level on Friday. This was the first time we have been below $4 since 2020. Soybeans also traded to levels not seen since 2020. There is not much new fundamental news and […]

The work of the N.C. Department of Agriculture touches the lives of residents of the state every day whether they know that or not. Weights and Measures Week celebrated March 1-7 highlights the work our Standards Division does to protect consumers. They inspect gas pumps, scales used in commerce and other measurement devices to ensure […]

Many experts have said the agricultural economy has grown softer in the last 6-8 months. Nate Kauffman, senior vice president with the Kansas City Federal Reserve, says it starts with lower commodity prices. “We’ve seen some declines in commodity prices, notably corn, and other major commodities, that would have large implications for the middle of […]

The U.S. potato industry has seen quite the turnaround in volume the past year with a pretty healthy rebound. Kim Brashears, Chief Marketing Officer at Potatoes USA, says it’s really been an up and down, OR down and up year for potatoes.  “2023 was kind of the tale of two stories. We had a tight […]

American Farm Bureau Federation president Zippy Duvall says it’s critical that Congress finishes a farm bill this year. “Well, there are only a few pieces of legislation that are more significant than the farm bill when it comes to helping our farmers secure our food supply. The farm bill is essential to our farmers and […]

You look at the calendar and it says February but we look outside we look at the thermometer and we’re thinking, maybe Spring has sprung. We’ll turn to climatologist Corey Davis to get his take on it may be a more scientific one than just whether or not we need to wear a jacket today […]

This is the Market Report with Brooks Schaffer of Palmetto Grain. Reach him at [email protected] or 843-540-4540. Even many market analysts who were bearish have been surprised at how fast corn and soybean markets have dropped. The selling has been relentless and it has come in a combination of the funds building short positions and […]

Pesticides are featured in Idaho’s “David vs. Goliath” conflict; Congress needs to act if affordable internet programs are to continue in rural America; and conservatives say candidates should support renewable energy to win over young voters.

The good news is U.S. milk production is expected to grow in 2024. Michael McConnell of the USDA’s Chief Economist’s Office says the bad news is the growth rate will slow compared to last year. “Overall, we see milk production projected to continue growing but at a decreasing rate from what we’ve seen in recent […]