Latest News From Michelle Rook

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.

Farm Groups React to EPA's New WOTUS Definition
Farm Groups React to EPA's New WOTUS Definition

We have a new definition for the Waters of the U.S. — at least for now. Some farm groups, including the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, are unhappy with the outcome.

Proposed Farmworker Labor Reforms Part of Omnibus Bill, Renewed Push for Immigration Reform
Proposed Farmworker Labor Reforms Part of Omnibus Bill, Renewed Push for Immigration Reform

Proposed farmworker labor reforms from Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and others were left out of the omnibus spending package but farm groups are continuing to push for immigration reform.  

Foreign Land Ownership Debate Renewed As Chinese Agribusiness Allowed to Buy North Dakota Land for Corn Processing Plant
Foreign Land Ownership Debate Renewed As Chinese Agribusiness Allowed to Buy North Dakota Land for Corn Processing Plant

Fufeng USA is purchasing 370 acres in Grand Forks to build a $700 million project. A government review didn't raise enough red flags to block the proposal, which has refueled the debate about foreign land ownership.

USDA Only Adjusts U.S. Corn Ending Stock in WASDE, Punts on South American Corn and Beans
USDA Only Adjusts U.S. Corn Ending Stock in WASDE, Punts on South American Corn and Beans

Grains mixed after WASDE. The only change USDA made to U.S. ending stocks was in corn by lowering exports. Brian Splitt of AgMarket.Net has analysis.  

Recipe for High Yields:  NCGA Yield Contest Winner Says the Ingredient List is Long
Recipe for High Yields: NCGA Yield Contest Winner Says the Ingredient List is Long

​​​​​​​Every year farmers push the yield envelope on their farm.  The agronomic approach is different for every farmer, but an NCGA Yield Contest winner has some advice.

Congress Steps in to Avert Railroad Strike:  House Passes Measure, Awaits Senate Approval
Congress Steps in to Avert Railroad Strike: House Passes Measure, Awaits Senate Approval

Congress is stepping in to avert a nationwide railroad strike, which was set to happen as early as December 9.

Crude Oil Hits 11-Month Low Monday Before Reversing Yet Diesel Sees No Relief:  What's the Outlook for 2023?
Crude Oil Hits 11-Month Low Monday Before Reversing Yet Diesel Sees No Relief: What's the Outlook for 2023?

West Texas intermediate crude oil prices hit an 11-month low of $73.60 per barrel Monday before rebounding to close higher.  So, what is driving the market and how long will these lower price levels last? 

USDA Announces Additional Disaster and Pandemic Assistance:  Climate Smart Ag Programs to Follow
USDA Announces Additional Disaster and Pandemic Assistance: Climate Smart Ag Programs to Follow

USDA has announced additional disaster and pandemic assistance for farmers, plus there is more funding for climate smart ag on the way.

I-80 Harvest Tour: Harvest Wraps up with Dry Conditions Resulting in Surprising Yields in Ohio and Missouri
I-80 Harvest Tour: Harvest Wraps up with Dry Conditions Resulting in Surprising Yields in Ohio and Missouri

From Ohio to Missouri dry conditions impacted this year's production. Farmers are finding some disappointments at harvest but also some welcome surprises considering the lack of moisture during the growing season.

Flip Your Soil:  Farmers in Dry Climates use Holistic Approach to Soil Health Including Cover Crops
Flip Your Soil: Farmers in Dry Climates use Holistic Approach to Soil Health Including Cover Crops

Farmers in dry climates are taking a holistic approach to flipping their soil to make it healthier and that includes cover crops.

An Added Headache for Producers This Fall:  Vomitoxin Found in Corn in Eastern Corn Belt
An Added Headache for Producers This Fall: Vomitoxin Found in Corn in Eastern Corn Belt

Farmers and livestock producers are facing another headache this fall.  In parts of the eastern corn belt there are reports of vomitoxin in corn.  

Black Sea Grain Initiative Extended:  What Does it Mean for U.S. Exports?
Black Sea Grain Initiative Extended: What Does it Mean for U.S. Exports?

The Black Sea Grain Initiative has been extended for 120 days from Nov. 18, without any changes. The deal is bearish for U.S. corn and wheat exports, which are already lagging. 

I-80 Harvest Tour: Big Yields in Wisconsin Confirm USDA Projections
I-80 Harvest Tour: Big Yields in Wisconsin Confirm USDA Projections

In USDA's November crop report the agency put soybean yields in Wisconsin at 54 bushels per acre with record corn yields at 182 bushels per acre. Yield results from the field are backing up that forecast.   

Diesel Supply Historically Tight:  Will the U.S. Run Out?
Diesel Supply Historically Tight: Will the U.S. Run Out?

Supplies of diesel in the United States are some of the tightest in history, down to a 25-day supply.  So, is there a chance of running out?

I-80 Harvest Tour:  Illinois Farmers Find Surprising Yield Results on Corn and Soybeans
I-80 Harvest Tour: Illinois Farmers Find Surprising Yield Results on Corn and Soybeans

The harvest is quickly wrapping up in Illinois and it's produced some mixed and surprising yield results for farmers. 

Midterm Elections Could Have Big Impact on Next Farm Bill
Midterm Elections Could Have Big Impact on Next Farm Bill

The midterm elections are critical for agriculture because whichever party controls the House and Senate will trickle down to the leadership of the ag and budget committees as they write a new farm bill. 

Cotton Market Has Largest Weekly Gain In 12 Years — Is the Bottom In?
Cotton Market Has Largest Weekly Gain In 12 Years — Is the Bottom In?

The cotton market hit a two-year low on Monday, Oct. 31, but the market ended 1,494 points higher for the week, up 21%.   

I-80 Harvest Tour:  Indiana Corn and Soybean Yield Averages Look Below 2021
I-80 Harvest Tour: Indiana Corn and Soybean Yield Averages Look Below 2021

The harvest continues to roll at near record pace in Indiana and it looks like statewide yield averages will be down for both corn and soybeans. 

Trade Tiff Brewing Between U.S. and Mexico Over Ban on GMO Corn
Trade Tiff Brewing Between U.S. and Mexico Over Ban on GMO Corn

Mexico has confirmed that the country does not plan to amend its ban on imports of GMO that is set to start in 2024.  

I-80 Harvest Tour:  Eastern Iowa Yields May Not Make Up For Below Average Crop in West
I-80 Harvest Tour: Eastern Iowa Yields May Not Make Up For Below Average Crop in West

In the October USDA projected a 200 bushel per acre corn yield in Iowa, with soybean yield at 58 bushels per acre.   However, yield reports are putting those estimates in question.  

New Demands by One Labor Union Renews Concerns about Possible Railroad Strike in November
New Demands by One Labor Union Renews Concerns about Possible Railroad Strike in November

Agriculture isn't out of the woods regarding rail transportation issues as new demands are being made by at least one union.  

Ag Bankers Pessimistic About Rural Economy Moving Into Recession in 2023:  Lowest Confidence Since May 2020
Ag Bankers Pessimistic About Rural Economy Moving Into Recession in 2023: Lowest Confidence Since May 2020

The October Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index survey shows ag bankers are concerned about economic downturn in 2023.  

One Nebraska Farmer Says Improving Soil Health Helped Keep Her on the Land
One Nebraska Farmer Says Improving Soil Health Helped Keep Her on the Land

In a moisture deficit area like southwest Nebraska conservation and regenerative practices have long been a staple for farmers.  That's important especially in drought years like 2022. 

Flip Your Soil:  Planting Soybeans Into a Cover Crop Like Rye
Flip Your Soil: Planting Soybeans Into a Cover Crop Like Rye

For farmers trying to Flip their Soil and improve soil health one simple thing they can do this fall is plant cereal rye as a cover crop and plant soybeans into that stand. 

I-80 Harvest Tour:  South Dakota is a Tale of Two Crops
I-80 Harvest Tour: South Dakota is a Tale of Two Crops

In South Dakota the harvest is a tale of two crops with big differences in moisture from North to South. 

Flip Your Soil:  Farmers Wanting to Improve Soil Health Need to Make it More Alive Through Microbial Activity
Flip Your Soil: Farmers Wanting to Improve Soil Health Need to Make it More Alive Through Microbial Activity

Farmers getting started on a path to improving soil health can only accomplish that if they Flip their Soil to make it more alive.  

Flip Your Soil:  How Do Farmers Get Started Implementing Soil Health Practices on Their Farms?
Flip Your Soil: How Do Farmers Get Started Implementing Soil Health Practices on Their Farms?

Mitchell Hora, agronomist and CEO of Continuum Ag, advises farmers to implement soil health practices within the context of each field, which includes working with local experts and doing research.

Flip Your Soil:  Climate Smart Agriculture New Name for Conservation Practices Designed to Promote Soil Health and Carbon Sequestration
Flip Your Soil: Climate Smart Agriculture New Name for Conservation Practices Designed to Promote Soil Health and Carbon Sequestration

Soli health practices can help Flip Your Soil from good to great.  These practices are also part of the new push for Climate Smart Agriculture practices to sequester carbon.  

Nebraska Farmers Harvest Disappointing Crop in a Season Plagued by Drought
Nebraska Farmers Harvest Disappointing Crop in a Season Plagued by Drought

Harvest results in Nebraska are understandably disappointing with some of the driest conditions during the season since the drought of 2012. 

Food Inflation and Higher Input Costs May Ease but Will Still Persist Through 2022
Food Inflation and Higher Input Costs May Ease but Will Still Persist Through 2022

Rising prices are impacting every aspect of the food and agriculture supply chain and that may not change dramatically through the balance of 2022 according to the Federal Reserve Banks of Minneapolis and Kansas City.

Headwinds Start to Develop on U.S. Ag Export Front with Trade Deficit, Low Mississippi River Water Levels Add to Concern
Headwinds Start to Develop on U.S. Ag Export Front with Trade Deficit, Low Mississippi River Water Levels Add to Concern

The U.S. is projected to have record ag exports for the marketing year but is still posting a trade deficit.  Plus, headwinds such as slow water levels on the Mississippi River are adding to trade concerns.

Stand Uniformity a Huge Part of "Winning the Furrow": That Starts with the Planter
Stand Uniformity a Huge Part of "Winning the Furrow": That Starts with the Planter

Agronomist Missy Bauer, of B&M Crop Consulting says when farmers think about winning the furrow it starts with stand uniformity.  "It's got to be uniform soil around there to make that happen. "

Major Weather Factors Combine to Put Fertilizer Prices and Availability in Question
Major Weather Factors Combine to Put Fertilizer Prices and Availability in Question

Low Mississippi River water levels are a concern for moving inputs like fertilizer. The worry comes as Florida, a key fertilizer-producing state, cleans up after Hurricane Ian. What will the fertilizer price impact be?

Low Mississippi Water Levels a Growing Concern for U.S. Exports and Basis Levels at and After Harvest
Low Mississippi Water Levels a Growing Concern for U.S. Exports and Basis Levels at and After Harvest

As if agricultural shippers did not have enough supply chain challenges, there is concern related to the diminished water levels along the inland waterway system that will impact barge transportation.  

One Word Summarizes Yields in Drought-Hit Areas of the Western Corn Belt: Disappointing
One Word Summarizes Yields in Drought-Hit Areas of the Western Corn Belt: Disappointing

Some South Dakota soybeans are coming up short this Fall, with parts of the Southeast experiencing their driest conditions since 2012.

Ethanol Production Drops to Levels Not Seen Since the Pandemic:  What is the Cause?
Ethanol Production Drops to Levels Not Seen Since the Pandemic: What is the Cause?

United States ethanol production has slowed the last several weeks and is now at levels not seen since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Dollar Continues to Make Fresh 20-Year Highs Post Fed Announcement: When Will it Peak?
Dollar Continues to Make Fresh 20-Year Highs Post Fed Announcement: When Will it Peak?

Ahead of the Fed announcement the U.S. dollar index traded at fresh 20-year highs and that followed into Thursday’s session. When will it peak?

Fed Makes Historic Move Raising Rates 75 Basis Points: Signals More Pain Well Into 2023
Fed Makes Historic Move Raising Rates 75 Basis Points: Signals More Pain Well Into 2023

The Federal Reserve made history on Wednesday, approving a third consecutive 75-basis-point hike.  It was largely anticipated by the market, but the key is what's next?

Prevent Grain Bin Accidents by Keeping Grain in Good Condition
Prevent Grain Bin Accidents by Keeping Grain in Good Condition

As a new crop goes in the bin, be mindful of storage best practices and keep safety top of mind.

Fertilizer Movement Already Being Hit by Looming Rail Strike
Fertilizer Movement Already Being Hit by Looming Rail Strike

Rail shipments are already starting to shut down ahead of a possible strike which could begin as early as this Friday and it couldn't come at a worse time for agriculture. 

Fireworks from the WASDE Comes in an Unexpected Place
Fireworks from the WASDE Comes in an Unexpected Place

Corn and soybeans are pushing higher after some surprises in the September USDA Supply and Demand Report.  Wheat mostly lower. Livestock mixed.  Michelle Rook gets analysis with Matt Bennett of AgMarket.Net.  

Lingering California Drought, Water Restrictions and Record Heat Force Tough Decisions for the State's Farmers
Lingering California Drought, Water Restrictions and Record Heat Force Tough Decisions for the State's Farmers

Lingering drought in California has continued to cut into fruit and vegetable production this season and force farmers to make tough decisions about how to allocate their scarce water resources. 

Writing Farm Bill in Time of High Prices Pits Farm Group Wishes Against Budget Realities
Writing Farm Bill in Time of High Prices Pits Farm Group Wishes Against Budget Realities

House and Senate Ag Committee members have a tough job ahead of them writing the 2023 farm bill. They’ll have to balance Republican plans to cut federal spending with desires from farm groups.

Ag Research Investments:  Is the U.S. Falling Behind or is the Rest of the World Catching Up?
Ag Research Investments:  Is the U.S. Falling Behind or is the Rest of the World Catching Up?

U.S. farmers have long been the envy of the world when it comes to their technological advancements. However, since 2000 other countries have surpassed the U.S. in agricultural research and development spending.

Do State Bonds or Indemnity Funds Need Updating with Higher Commodity Prices?
Do State Bonds or Indemnity Funds Need Updating with Higher Commodity Prices?

B&B Farm Store defaulted on an estimated $1.3 million of grain they bought from 60 Jesup, Iowa area farmers. But that may not make farmers whole and points to a bigger problem.

Tentative Deals Reached with Some Rail Unions and Railroads: Still More Work to do to Avert a Strike 
Tentative Deals Reached with Some Rail Unions and Railroads: Still More Work to do to Avert a Strike 

Tentative deals have been reached with three of the 12 rail unions and large U.S. freight railroads.  However, there's more work to do to avert a strike.

To the Rescue: First Responders With the Right Tools Can Make the Difference in Grain Bin Accidents
To the Rescue: First Responders With the Right Tools Can Make the Difference in Grain Bin Accidents

EMTs and firefighters in many rural communities participate in training courses to learn how to perform a rescue using grain tubes.

Have Land Values Peaked? Expert Sees Prices Steady With Record-Setting Sales in Iowa
Have Land Values Peaked? Expert Sees Prices Steady With Record-Setting Sales in Iowa

Land values have hit record levels in the past year. Iowa has experienced the biggest percentage increase, but other Midwestern states aren’t far behind. Can land prices keep going up?

Now's the Time to Dig Up Roots to Look for the Most Costly Soybean Pest
Now's the Time to Dig Up Roots to Look for the Most Costly Soybean Pest

The No. 1 yield-robbing pest in soybeans might be one you don't even realize you have in your fields.