Latest News From Pro Farmer Editors

Angst Against EPA’s Renewable Diesel Plan
Angst Against EPA’s Renewable Diesel Plan

Critics told EPA in the public session the agency has underestimated the existing or expected industry capacity.

Black Sea Shipping Rates Rise as Reinsurers Cut Coverage
Black Sea Shipping Rates Rise as Reinsurers Cut Coverage

Costs for hiring ships to transport commodities from the Black Sea have risen by more than one-fifth since the start of the year, Reuters reported, reflecting higher war risk insurance rates, industry sources said.

Tougher EPA Emission Rules for Trucks
Tougher EPA Emission Rules for Trucks

EPA as expected on Tuesday released final tailpipe emission rules for trucks, which some health and environmental groups say don’t go far enough to be adequately protective.

Ukrainian Ag Minister sees Big Fall in 2022 Corn Harvest, Smaller Area in 2023
Ukrainian Ag Minister sees Big Fall in 2022 Corn Harvest, Smaller Area in 2023

Ukraine’s corn production could fall to 22 MMT to 23 MMT this year from 41.9 MMT in 2021.

Iowa Land Values Jump to a Record High
Iowa Land Values Jump to a Record High

When adjusting for inflation, the 2022 average value surpassed the previous inflation-adjusted record set in 2013.

fertilizer
Nutrien Expects 'normal' Fertilizer Prices in 2023

After a year of price volatility for agricultural inputs, 2023 is set to be a “normal” year for fertilizer and pesticide costs. . .

Biden to Call on Congress to Intervene in Rail Labor Dispute
Biden to Call on Congress to Intervene in Rail Labor Dispute

With less than two weeks from a railroad strike deadline, President Biden plans to call on Congress to take action to avert a shutdown of the country’s freight railroads. . .

Cargill CEO: Doesn’t Have to be Food vs. Fuel
Cargill CEO: Doesn’t Have to be Food vs. Fuel

Food prices will probably decline next year, even as global crop stockpiles stay very tight, especially for oilseeds, said David MacLennan, CEO of Cargill.

Threat of a Nationwide Strike by U.S. Freight Railroad Workers Still Looms
Threat of a Nationwide Strike by U.S. Freight Railroad Workers Still Looms

Two unions have rejected a proposed deal with railroads, while six have approved it.

Shipping containers
‘Dark clouds’ for Trade

Shipping giant Maersk on Wednesday warned of gloomy times ahead for global trade, even as it reported record profits stemming from high rates charged by its ocean business.

U.S. Diesel Supply ‘Rapidly Devolving’
U.S. Diesel Supply ‘Rapidly Devolving’

While gasoline prices have dropped since they posted record highs in June, diesel hasn’t decreased nearly as much and currently stands at $5.31 per gallon, according to AAA.

Report: Russia Will Support Grain Export Deal Extension
Report: Russia Will Support Grain Export Deal Extension

Russia will support an extension of the grain export deal despite concerns about its implementation because that would present the best opportunity for increased Russian ag and fertilizer shipments. . .

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Slower Imports Will Ease Port Congestion

Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero told Bloomberg News he expects the pandemic-era surge in U.S. consumer demand that snarled supply chains will start to cool. . .

Tai Again Defends Continued China Tariffs, Murky on Road Ahead
Tai Again Defends Continued China Tariffs, Murky on Road Ahead

U.S. tariffs levied against Chinese products in 2018 were not “punitive” tariffs, according to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai and are not “punishing” China.

EPA Won’t Meet Glyphosate Deadline
EPA Won’t Meet Glyphosate Deadline

EPA said in court filings this week it will not meet the court-ordered Oct. 1 deadline for the agency to review its cancer assessment and to conduct an Endangered Species Act (ESA) review of the herbicide glyphosate.

Fertilizer
Fertilizer Fracas in Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s push to accelerate the fight against climate change is sparking a showdown with the nation’s farmers, who say it’s threatening food supplies and their profits.

Supreme Court Curbs EPA’s Power to Regulate Emissions
Supreme Court Curbs EPA’s Power to Regulate Emissions

The ruling delivers a blow to Democrats and environmental groups, who want the agency to crack down on emissions from power plants and other sources to mitigate climate change.

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Outlaw: Crop Insurance Key to Avoiding Another Farm Economy Downturn

Dr. Joe Outlaw, "I think the biggest reason the U.S. won’t see a crisis like the 1980s again is the federal crop insurance program."

STB Implements New Rules for Some Railways
STB Implements New Rules for Some Railways

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) implemented new rules for some of the largest railroads after customers said train backlogs have hampered their operations, the agency said.

trade cargo
Russian Fertilizer Shipments Continue to Brazil

Despite concerns that sanctions would limit Russian fertilizer shipments to Brazil, shipping data shows fertilizer is still being shipped, Reuters reported.

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CF Industries Warns of Fertilizer Shipping Issues

CF Industries is warning customers that fertilizer shipments might be delayed or may not reach farmers after Union Pacific (UP) railroad mandated certain shippers to reduce the volume of private cars on its railroad.

Vilsack Wants DOJ to Investigate Input Prices
Vilsack Wants DOJ to Investigate Input Prices

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack wants the Department of Justice (DOJ) to ensure seed companies and other input suppliers are not using their market power and current conditions to raise prices unfairly.

mississippi river barge
Lower Part of the Mississippi Dredging Makes Progress

Cargo vessels can load more corn and soybeans and reduce shipping costs due to dredging progress on the lower Mississippi River, according to the Soybean Transportation Coalition.

Pro Farmer Releases National Corn and Soybean Crop Estimates
Pro Farmer Releases National Corn and Soybean Crop Estimates

Pro Farmer estimates the U.S. corn crop at 15.116 billion bu. with an average yield of 177.0 bu. per acre. We estimate the U.S. soybean crop at 4.436 billion bu. on a national average yield of 51.2 bu. per acre.