Latest News From Michelle Rook

2024 Top Producer Of The Year Christine Hamilton: Driven For Excellence
2024 Top Producer Of The Year Christine Hamilton: Driven For Excellence

At Christiansen Land and Cattle, they’re committed to excellence and continuous improvement, a mindset that started when Christine Hamilton’s family homesteaded in South Dakota in 1891.

Economic Uncertainty in China Slows Demand for U.S. Corn and Soybeans
Economic Uncertainty in China Slows Demand for U.S. Corn and Soybeans

Just this week, China’s largest real estate firm was told it must liquidate after trying to restructure for two years. Some experts say the country is teetering on a recession.

Will Inflation Return in 2024 and What Does It Mean for the Grain Markets?
Will Inflation Return in 2024 and What Does It Mean for the Grain Markets?

Despite the markets pricing in lower interest rates, Arlan Suderman expects inflation to rear its ugly head sometime in 2024.

El Nino to Weaken by Spring:  What Does it Means for Grain and Livestock Producers?
El Nino to Weaken by Spring: What Does it Means for Grain and Livestock Producers?

El Nino is starting to break down which is good news for grain producers but potentially bad news for cattle producers, especially feedlot operations. 

Global Economic Slowdown Will Influence Grain, Dairy and Hog Markets in 2024
Global Economic Slowdown Will Influence Grain, Dairy and Hog Markets in 2024

Noted ag economist Dr. David Kohl forecasts tighter margins in the year ahead and emphasizes the need to globalize and future-proof operations. 

Christmas Tree Farm Helps Families Make Memories
Christmas Tree Farm Helps Families Make Memories

Christmas tree farming is becoming a rarer part of American agriculture, but at Riverview Christmas Tree farm on the Iowa, South Dakota border they’re helping keep the tradition alive.

Mexican Rail Crossing Closures Delivering Significant Blow to U.S. Agriculture
Mexican Rail Crossing Closures Delivering Significant Blow to U.S. Agriculture

A coalition of nearly 50 ag groups are urging the Biden administration to take immediate action to open Mexican rail crossings before it's too late.

U.S. Soybean Farmers Make Major Investments in Mississippi River and Port Infrastructure
U.S. Soybean Farmers Make Major Investments in Mississippi River and Port Infrastructure

Dredging the Mississippi River to a depth of 50' allows 500,000 more soybean bushels to be loaded per vessel, which helps lower freight rates and adds to the value of the soybeans exported.

Port of South Louisiana Top Export Port for U.S. Grain Even with Historic Drought
Port of South Louisiana Top Export Port for U.S. Grain Even with Historic Drought

The port of South Louisiana is the No. 1 export port for grain by volume in the U.S., so it's important for U.S. farmers getting their product to export markets. 

Washington Produce and Pumpkin Farm Creates Family Memories and Traditions
Washington Produce and Pumpkin Farm Creates Family Memories and Traditions

From mid-September through October, thousands of pumpkin enthusiasts visit Siemers Farm in eastern Washington. Owner Burt Westover says they plant 53,000 seeds by hand each year and end up with 350,000 pounds of pumpkin.

I-80 Harvest Tour:  Widespread Drought in Minnesota Cuts Yields, But Corn Still Better Than Expected
I-80 Harvest Tour: Widespread Drought in Minnesota Cuts Yields, But Corn Still Better Than Expected

Drought hit farmers hard in Minnesota this season, so farmers are finding mixed results at harvest. Many are disappointed with soybeans but say their corn yields are better than expected.

A Shift in the U.S. Soybean Market Brings New Opportunities for Meal Exports in Pacific Northwest
A Shift in the U.S. Soybean Market Brings New Opportunities for Meal Exports in Pacific Northwest

An increase in crushing capacity means there's going to be more soybean meal available for export. To prepare for that transition, infrastructure improvements are being made at the Port of Grays Harbor in Washington.

I-80 Harvest Tour:  Even with Heat and Drought Yields Not That Far Below 2022 in Many Areas of Iowa
I-80 Harvest Tour: Even with Heat and Drought Yields Not That Far Below 2022 in Many Areas of Iowa

With drought and heat stress in Iowa this season corn and soybean yields are variable, but not that far off of 2022.

I-80 Harvest Tour:  Lingering Drought in South Dakota Produces Disappointing Soybean Yields but Surprises in Corn
I-80 Harvest Tour: Lingering Drought in South Dakota Produces Disappointing Soybean Yields but Surprises in Corn

It’s a tale of two crops in South Dakota with corn yields exceeding expectations while soybeans missed those late season rains and have been overall disappointing. 

Low Mississippi River Levels Hit Soybean Exports, Freight Rates and Basis Levels: Corn Moving by Rail
Low Mississippi River Levels Hit Soybean Exports, Freight Rates and Basis Levels: Corn Moving by Rail

The historically low water levels on the Mississippi River have caused a trifecta in the soybean market.  Its increased freight weights, slammed basis levels and taken a real toll on exports.

I-80 Harvest Tour:  Missouri Drought Hurts Statewide Yields but Harvest Results in Some Areas Buck That Trend
I-80 Harvest Tour: Missouri Drought Hurts Statewide Yields but Harvest Results in Some Areas Buck That Trend

Corn harvest in Missouri is at 28% complete, with soybean harvest at only 4%. While Missouri was hit by drought this year which will cut yield average, some areas are bucking that trend.

Fall Planted Cover Crops Can Break a Corn Soybean Rotation and Improve Soil Health
Fall Planted Cover Crops Can Break a Corn Soybean Rotation and Improve Soil Health

Fall is a great time for farmers to plant cover crops to improve soil health.

I-80 Harvest Tour Finds Some Silver Lining in Kansas Despite Another Drought Year
I-80 Harvest Tour Finds Some Silver Lining in Kansas Despite Another Drought Year

Kansas faced drought again in 2023 but as the combines roll there are some farmers that are still finding some pleasant surprises.

Mississippi River Water Levels Lower Than Last Year Moving into the 2023 Harvest Season
Mississippi River Water Levels Lower Than Last Year Moving into the 2023 Harvest Season

Water levels on the Mississippi River haven’t hit the historic lows of October 2022 yet, but readings in some areas are already lower than at the same time last year.  This is a real concern heading into harvest.

USDA Tightens Balance Sheet on Soybeans but Raises Carryout on Corn
USDA Tightens Balance Sheet on Soybeans but Raises Carryout on Corn

The September WASDE was a disappointment for the bulls, especially on corn. 

If China Is In a Recession What Does That Mean for U.S. Ag Exports?
If China Is In a Recession What Does That Mean for U.S. Ag Exports?

China’s economic woes continue to mount with continued data pointing toward a recession. What does this mean for U.S. ag exports?

Concerns Resurface About Low Water Levels on the Mississippi and Other Rivers Heading Into Harvest
Concerns Resurface About Low Water Levels on the Mississippi and Other Rivers Heading Into Harvest

After record low water levels on many of the major rivers used for export movement in 2022, agriculture could see a repeat this fall.

2023 Farm Bill Will Come Down to the Wire
2023 Farm Bill Will Come Down to the Wire

The 2023 farm bill may not be completed before it expires on September 30 but there is hope it could be done by year end.

Drought Eases Slightly but Still Grips Corn Belt:  Nebraska Farmers Face Second Year of Dryness and Yield Loss
Drought Eases Slightly but Still Grips Corn Belt: Nebraska Farmers Face Second Year of Dryness and Yield Loss

Despite rains the last couple of weeks in parts of the Corn Belt the latest drought monitor shows drought continues to grip a huge part of the Midwest, including Nebraska>

Iowa Crop Conditions Continue to Deteriorate as Drought Expands: Farmers Say They're Losing Yield
Iowa Crop Conditions Continue to Deteriorate as Drought Expands: Farmers Say They're Losing Yield

Farmers in Iowa are trying to stay optimistic but say the next two weeks are critical for getting some rain or they'll be seeing significant yield loss.

Illinois Crop Ratings Take Massive Drop: Farmers Say Disaster Brewing Without Rain Soon
Illinois Crop Ratings Take Massive Drop: Farmers Say Disaster Brewing Without Rain Soon

Illinois crop ratings have dropped like a rock with only 33% of soybeans and 36% of corn rated good to excellent in this week's USDA crop progress report.

Planting in South Dakota Moves Ahead of Five Year Average:  Surprise After Tough Winter
Planting in South Dakota Moves Ahead of Five Year Average: Surprise After Tough Winter

South Dakota farmers have planted 49% of the corn and 29% of the soybeans in the state. Both are ahead of the five-year average and a surprise with fields snow covered in April.

Flooding on Upper Mississippi River Eases:  Locks Opening and Barge Traffic Moving
Flooding on Upper Mississippi River Eases: Locks Opening and Barge Traffic Moving

High water levels and flooding are starting to ease on the upper Mississippi River which is allowing locks to reopen and barge traffic to resume.

Iowa Planting Picks Up Steam:  Both Corn and Soybean Progress at Near Record Pace
Iowa Planting Picks Up Steam: Both Corn and Soybean Progress at Near Record Pace

Planting has been going full steam the last two weeks in Iowa and farmers now have 70% of the corn and 49% of the soybeans planted which in both cases are nearly 20% ahead of average.

China Buys South African Corn for the First Time As They Start Turning Away From U.S. Exports
China Buys South African Corn for the First Time As They Start Turning Away From U.S. Exports

China seems to have made the strategic decision to buy ag products from just about every global supplier but the U.S., largely a result of the rising trade tensions between the two countries. 

Argentina Soybean Crop Smallest in 25 Years Due to Historic Drought
Argentina Soybean Crop Smallest in 25 Years Due to Historic Drought

A historic drought has severely cut the size of this year's crop in Argentina, especially soybeans. Processors will be forced to import soybeans just to stay in business.

Agriculture Watches West Coast Port Contract Negotiations:  Disruptions Have Already Shifted Shipping to the East Coast
Agriculture Watches West Coast Port Contract Negotiations: Disruptions Have Already Shifted Shipping to the East Coast

Agriculture is watching the ongoing contract negotiations between the unions at West Coast ports as tensions rise. However, the unreliability of shipping has already caused a shift in business to East Coast ports.

Fertilizer Prices Down 45%-60% From Last Spring But Off March Lows as Planters Roll
Fertilizer Prices Down 45%-60% From Last Spring But Off March Lows as Planters Roll

While fertilizer prices are off March lows, they are still from 45% to 60% lower than this time last year, depending on the nutrient or product.

Crude Oil Moves Back Above $80 with Talk of $100 by Year End:  What Does That Mean for Interest Rates and Diesel Fuel Costs?
Crude Oil Moves Back Above $80 with Talk of $100 by Year End: What Does That Mean for Interest Rates and Diesel Fuel Costs?

Crude oil moves back above $80, what does that mean for interest rates and diesel fuel prices for farmers this growing season?

Ag Credit Tightens with Rising Interest Rates and Following Bank Collapses
Ag Credit Tightens with Rising Interest Rates and Following Bank Collapses

Farmers are facing a headwind other than the weather heading into the spring planting sesaon. Credit is tightening as farmers finalize or renew operating notes or loans for capital purchases.  

Crude Oil Prices Drop Below $70:  What is the Outlook for Consumers at the Pump and Farmers Heading Into Spring Planting?
Crude Oil Prices Drop Below $70: What is the Outlook for Consumers at the Pump and Farmers Heading Into Spring Planting?

Oil prices are also off their highs of last year and gas and diesel prices are also sliding at the pump, but will that trend continue ahead of planting?   Energy experts are hoping the answer is yes.  

Allendale Survey Shows Increase in Corn and Soybean Acres for 2023 but Also Some Surprises
Allendale Survey Shows Increase in Corn and Soybean Acres for 2023 but Also Some Surprises

​​​​​​​USDA will release its estimates on farmers planting intensions at the end of March. Ahead of that, commodity firm Allendale has released its own acreage projections. 

Radical Changes Coming in USDA: FSA Administrator Talks About Marching Orders from Equity Commission Report
Radical Changes Coming in USDA: FSA Administrator Talks About Marching Orders from Equity Commission Report

USDA's Equity Commission recently recommended sweeping changes across the entire government agency. What can farmers expect to see?

WASDE Bullish Beans, Slightly Negative for Corn, Neutral Wheat
WASDE Bullish Beans, Slightly Negative for Corn, Neutral Wheat

WASDE Report was bullish for soybeans with a cut in U.S. ending stocks and 8 mmt cut in Argentina production, corn ending stocks bearish, raised 75 mb. Wheat balance sheet unchanged.  Jim McCormick of AgMarket.Net.

Acreage Battle Heats up in Northwestern Corn Belt: What will the Acreage Mix Look Like?
Acreage Battle Heats up in Northwestern Corn Belt: What will the Acreage Mix Look Like?

Farmers in the northwestern corn belt have had normal to above normal moisture this winter which will play into planting intensions, but so will commodity and input prices. So what will the acreage mix look like?

CHS Ag Industry Day Provide Optimistic Outlook for 2023 Growing Season in Northern Plains
CHS Ag Industry Day Provide Optimistic Outlook for 2023 Growing Season in Northern Plains

Every year, farmers from the Northern Plains make their way to the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, ND...for the CHS Ag Services Ag Industry Day where they got an update on weather, agronomics and markets for 2023.

River Rebound: Is the Shipping Crisis on the Mississippi Ending?
River Rebound: Is the Shipping Crisis on the Mississippi Ending?

With improved snowpack in areas such as Montana and precipitation through the midsection of the country late last fall and this winter, the Mississippi River and its tributaries could be back to normal by this spring. 

Ukraine Farmers See Crop Production and Exports Reduced a Year After the Russian Invasion Began
Ukraine Farmers See Crop Production and Exports Reduced a Year After the Russian Invasion Began

A year after Russia invaded Ukraine farmers continue to see reduced crop production and exports. Farming has been difficult in the middle of a war, but farmers such as Nick Gordiichuk have persevered.

U.S. Orange Production at Lowest Level Since Great Depression:  Florida Growers and Orange Juice Prices Feel the Shock Waves
U.S. Orange Production at Lowest Level Since Great Depression: Florida Growers and Orange Juice Prices Feel the Shock Waves

Orange production in Florida is projected to be down nearly two-thirds from last year and according to USDA at levels not seen since the Great Depression.  What does this mean for producers and consumers?

Is the Biden Administration's Finally Making Some Progress on Their Trade Agenda?
Is the Biden Administration's Finally Making Some Progress on Their Trade Agenda?

Is the Biden Administration's trade agenda finally making some progress? Farm groups are hopeful after key appointments are confirmed and some recent success stories on the trade front.

Market for Meal: Morocco Holds Promise As A Key Buyer for U.S. Soybean Products
Market for Meal: Morocco Holds Promise As A Key Buyer for U.S. Soybean Products

As U.S. soybean processing expands, it's vital to create new outlets for all the additional soybean meal. One such outlet could be Morocco.

Destination Morocco: With Expanding U.S. Soybean Processing Industry it's a Growth Market for Meal
Destination Morocco: With Expanding U.S. Soybean Processing Industry it's a Growth Market for Meal

With the expansion of the U.S. soybean processing industry due to the push for green fuels farmers are looking for a new home for the extra meal...and they're finding it in Morocco.

Is the Shipping Crisis on the Mississippi River Coming to an End?  What is the Outlook for Spring?
Is the Shipping Crisis on the Mississippi River Coming to an End? What is the Outlook for Spring?

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been dredging the river 24 hours a day, 7 days a week since July but hopes to finish very soon.

Natural Gas Rebounds Monday after Hitting Lows Not Seen in A Year: Is the Bottom In?
Natural Gas Rebounds Monday after Hitting Lows Not Seen in A Year: Is the Bottom In?

Natural gas prices rebound Monday after hitting lows not seen in a year.  Is the bottom in?  John Wenzel, Senior Risk Management Consultant with StoneX has details.

Acreage Battle Heating Up:  Farmers Indicating Cotton May Lose Out
Acreage Battle Heating Up: Farmers Indicating Cotton May Lose Out

The acreage battle will be a hot topic in 2023, especially for the cotton market. Early indication the nation's farmers will be planting less cotton.