Latest News From Retail Business

U.S. Diesel Crisis Lingers as Europe Prepares for Russian Oil Ban
U.S. Diesel Crisis Lingers as Europe Prepares for Russian Oil Ban

Global diesel and distillate fuel stocks have fallen to dangerous levels and the U.S. has been exporting a lot of diesel to Europe and Latin America, but now things are changing.

Banker Confidence in the Rural Economy Drops to Two-Year Low
Banker Confidence in the Rural Economy Drops to Two-Year Low

For the sixth time in the past seven months, the rural economy has posted signs of weakness. That’s according to the Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) from Creighton University.

Mississippi River barge
New Supply Chain Setbacks: Mississippi River Levels Hit All-Time Low

"The low water disruption will be felt not only by our U.S. producers of food, farm, and fiber but also by U.S. and international consumers as well," says Friedmann of the Agriculture Transportation Coalition.

Without Brick and Mortar: Landus Aggressively Expands Grain Marketing Footprint
Without Brick and Mortar: Landus Aggressively Expands Grain Marketing Footprint

“At Landus, we continue to expand our grain merchandising network to create more opportunities for our farmer-owners and to diversify our geographic portfolio,” said Matt Carstens.

Volunteer Corn in Soybeans Harbors Secret Pest Problem
Volunteer Corn in Soybeans Harbors Secret Pest Problem

This was a familiar scene in fields across the Midwest this season. Not only did volunteer corn impact soybean yields, agronomists say it sheltered rootworm eggs that can overwinter and infest corn crops next spring.

IMF Anticipates Global Inflation Will Peak in Late 2022
IMF Anticipates Global Inflation Will Peak in Late 2022

Global inflation will likely decrease to 6.5% in 2023 and to 4.1% by 2024, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecast.

Ferrie: Dry Conditions Make Fall Anhydrous Applications ‘Nearly Impossible’ to Seal
Ferrie: Dry Conditions Make Fall Anhydrous Applications ‘Nearly Impossible’ to Seal

Moisture is needed to temporarily hold the ammonia so it can become attached to clay or organic matter in the soil. In addition, if dry soils are cloddy and do not seal properly, the ammonia can be lost.

Acquisition News: The Andersons Buys Two-Store Mote Farm Service
Acquisition News: The Andersons Buys Two-Store Mote Farm Service

The Andersons is expanding its Indiana footprint. 

8 Things to Know About the FTC Suing Syngenta and Corteva
8 Things to Know About the FTC Suing Syngenta and Corteva

 The companies say their pricing structures and practices were within the law. 

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.  

Agro-Terrorism and the Food Supply Chain: This is a Different World, Rose Says
Agro-Terrorism and the Food Supply Chain: This is a Different World, Rose Says

If you want to disrupt a government, disrupt the food supply. "Ag is critical infrastructure," says Andrew Rose, strategic advisor. “Three weeks without food and agriculture, and it’s over.”

corn_fall_harvest_(5)
Ferrie: Here’s What the Textbook Photo Finish Looks Like in Corn

As the crop nears black layer, you can determine whether it's going to be the bin buster you hoped for, an average crop or simply "meh." Ken Ferrie says there are several things to look for now.

hagie-sprayer-CornCollege2012
EPA: Glyphosate Can Still be Used Through 2026

If you were confused Friday about the EPA announcement on glyphosate, you were not alone. Bottom line: glyphosate can still be used.

Nominate the Nation's Best Female Farmers
Nominate the Nation's Best Female Farmers

The 2023 Executive Women in Agriculture Trailblazer Award will be given to a female producer who is a shining example for her peers.

Be A Cheerleader: 40 Under 40 Nominations Now Open
Be A Cheerleader: 40 Under 40 Nominations Now Open

You can self-nominate or submit an application on behalf of someone else. This will be the third year for the program with credit to Nufarm as our sponsor. 

What’s Your Value? Reflect on Past Season's Hardships
What’s Your Value? Reflect on Past Season's Hardships

As we exit the field season and move into the fall and winter months, now is the time to reflect on the value you bring to the table and think through where the past season’s hardships and impacted your standards.

Ferrie: Evaluating Hybrid Characteristics Supplies Great Insights for Seed Selection
Ferrie: Evaluating Hybrid Characteristics Supplies Great Insights for Seed Selection

Harvest is underway with corn yields showing a wide range of results, particularly based on how much moisture the crop received and when it was received. Planting population and stresses also shed light on the results.

Indiana Farm Fatality Summary Shows Positive Trends, Stresses Worker Safety
Indiana Farm Fatality Summary Shows Positive Trends, Stresses Worker Safety

Despite a positive trend, Purdue University’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program urges agricultural workers to remain diligent and follow safety protocols.

Tight Product Supplies: Making Lemonade from Lemons
Tight Product Supplies: Making Lemonade from Lemons

Despite dynamic and challenging supply chains, there’s more than one silver lining

Countdown to Atrazine Decision by EPA Underway
Countdown to Atrazine Decision by EPA Underway

The 60-plus year-old product is used on more than 70% of U.S. corn acres to control grass and broadleaf weeds.

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.

1700s Strategy & How It Can Grow Your Business
1700s Strategy & How It Can Grow Your Business

The process involves your team identifying and agreeing on two areas: your strongest points of defensible competitive advantage and your competition’s weakest points of vulnerability.

High Interest Rates and Inflation Dragging Down the Rural Economy
High Interest Rates and Inflation Dragging Down the Rural Economy

For a fifth straight month, the rural economy has posted signs of trouble. That’s according to the Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) from Creighton University.

White House Reaches Tentative Accord to Avert National Rail Strike
White House Reaches Tentative Accord to Avert National Rail Strike

The details of the tentative agreement reached on Thursday morning have not been shared, and could still be voted down by members who need to ratify the agreement to settle the matter.

3 Ag Investments in the Latest Biotech Executive Order
3 Ag Investments in the Latest Biotech Executive Order

An executive order on biotech and biomanufacturing was signed into law by President Biden on Tuesday. The order tasks Secy. Vilsack with reporting how the initiative can best benefit ag, but some funds are spoken for.

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. 

Railroad Strike Days Away? Here’s What it Means for Agriculture
Railroad Strike Days Away? Here’s What it Means for Agriculture

A rail strike is looming despite the majority of unions reaching tentative agreement with the rail companies, but the unions not on board are essential to the operation of the nation’s rail system. 

Ceres Solutions Finalizes 20% Investment in United Prairie
Ceres Solutions Finalizes 20% Investment in United Prairie

In the arrangement, which has been in negotiation since February, Ceres Solutions now holds 20% ownership in the United Prairie partnership.

What's That Clanging in My Combine? Diagnosing Not-So-Funny Noises
What's That Clanging in My Combine? Diagnosing Not-So-Funny Noises

You're running your combine and hear the following sounds. Can you diagnose the cause?

Ceres Solutions Acquires Four Frick Services Agronomy Locations
Ceres Solutions Acquires Four Frick Services Agronomy Locations

“These locations are ideally situated to complement the existing Ceres Solutions presence across the trade area, and we see many potential synergies," said Jeff Troike, CEO of Ceres Solutions.

Farmer sentiment improves but farmers still concerned about rising costs
Farmer sentiment improves but farmers still concerned about rising costs

The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer farmer sentiment index rose 14 points in August to a reading of 117.

3 Supply Chain Trends to Look Out for in 2023, According To AEM
3 Supply Chain Trends to Look Out for in 2023, According To AEM

“Friend shoring means that, rather than just bringing everything [manufacturing] back to the U.S., which is feasible, let’s make sure our supply chains are with countries that are friendly to us,” Heidelberg says.

USDA Forecasts Farm Sector Profits to Remain Above Average in 2022
USDA Forecasts Farm Sector Profits to Remain Above Average in 2022

When adjusted for inflation, 2022 net cash farm income is forecast to increase by $13.5 billion (8.7%) from 2021 and be at its highest level since 2012.

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.

Widening the Funnel: Land O’Lakes Evolves Approach And, Removes Some Risk For Regenerative Practices
Widening the Funnel: Land O’Lakes Evolves Approach And, Removes Some Risk For Regenerative Practices

Land O’Lakes is aiming to straighten the path for more farmers to adopt more regenerative practices across their acres, and in doing so building a wider funnel of farmers who could enroll in carbon markets.

Is Ordinary a Four-Letter Word? Maybe So, with Regard to Corn and Soybeans
Is Ordinary a Four-Letter Word? Maybe So, with Regard to Corn and Soybeans

The third day of the 2022 Pro Farmer Crop Tour is revealing a lot of average crops in some states, but Illinois and Iowa corn and soybeans are showing some strength.

3 Reasons Why Corn Prices Surged to a Two-Month High
3 Reasons Why Corn Prices Surged to a Two-Month High

December corn futures rose to the highest price since late June and soybeans and wheat also rose amid concern over dry weather.  Why did corn prices surge? Several bullish factors are at play,

From Clunker Crops to Bin Busters and Everything In Between
From Clunker Crops to Bin Busters and Everything In Between

On Day 2 of the Pro Farmer Crop Tour, scouts see a wide range of conditions in Indiana and Nebraska. Some irrigated corn and soybean fields are performing well, while dryland crops are struggling.

Rural Economy Shifts into Low Gear, Farm Equipment Sales Plummet to 2-Year Low
Rural Economy Shifts into Low Gear, Farm Equipment Sales Plummet to 2-Year Low

Trouble started brewing for the rural economy earlier this summer. Now it’s been confirmed for five straight months.

2023 Farmer Returns Projected at $25 Per Acre, 80% Lower than 2022
2023 Farmer Returns Projected at $25 Per Acre, 80% Lower than 2022

Be ready for a big profit swing for 2023 — to the downside. The 2023 Illinois Crop Budgets released by the University of Illinois show a clear trend of higher costs and lower returns. 

Seitz in Stone: Nutrien Names Once Interim Leader As President and CEO
Seitz in Stone: Nutrien Names Once Interim Leader As President and CEO

The company said, “The announcement follows an extensive seven-month global search including internal and external candidates led by the Board and supported by a world-class executive recruitment firm."

The Scoop Podcast: Pride in Their Work Launches Independent Retailer
The Scoop Podcast: Pride in Their Work Launches Independent Retailer

NexGen Agronomy Solutions was founded three years ago, and co-founder Ben Werr shares the business was built on the type of work the team does, and why the team does it.

Good Vs. Bad News: Ukrainian Grain Has Set Sail, But Unrest Could Limit a New Crop
Good Vs. Bad News: Ukrainian Grain Has Set Sail, But Unrest Could Limit a New Crop

“There are still more questions than answers, but we did get a vessel out the door,” says Dan Basse, president of AgResource Company.

2Q GDP Sinks: What Does it Signal Ahead for Agriculture?
2Q GDP Sinks: What Does it Signal Ahead for Agriculture?

The Commerce Department put out its second quarter GDP data this week, showing the U.S. economy shrank from April through June.

Is Agriculture Better Prepared to Weather the Rapid Rise in Interest Rates?
Is Agriculture Better Prepared to Weather the Rapid Rise in Interest Rates?

Warning signs about the health of the general economy are blaring, but Farmer Mac's summer issue of “The Feed” shows why ag lenders are in a better financial position to help farmers weather the higher costs.

First Ukrainian Grain Shipment Since Paper Agreement Still Hasn't Shipped
First Ukrainian Grain Shipment Since Paper Agreement Still Hasn't Shipped

U.N. aid chief Martin Griffiths said on Thursday that grain shipments from Ukraine could resume as soon as today but that details of the exact coordinates of shipping routes were still being finalized.

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FAQs About the OMNiPOWER™ NL5000 G5 Technology Autonomous Spreader
FAQs About the OMNiPOWER™ NL5000 G5 Technology Autonomous Spreader

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Sponsored Content
Will More Farmland Acres Hit the Market this Fall?
Will More Farmland Acres Hit the Market this Fall?

Most farmland auctions happen in the fall or early winter. What will be the trend this year?

3 Strategies to Manage Around High Fertilizer Prices
3 Strategies to Manage Around High Fertilizer Prices

Last year, farmers who bought nitrogen fertilizer early received lower prices. Will the same pattern play out this year?