Supply Chain
Transportation troubles have plagued agriculture all year, and experts say supply chain problems could persist through 2023 for farmers, which is unwelcome news for farmers already seeing problems sourcing parts.
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?
USDA unveiled additional plans to help boost domestic fertilizer production including $500 million in grants and reduce the risk of a series of black swans that have flown into the fertilizer market the past two years.
As backlogs at U.S. ports and climbing shipping rates plague the supply chain, new data shows container shipping rates between the U.S and China are dropping by more than 50% in just a month.
Bayer’s Louisiana glyphosate plant is back online, but the glyphosate shortage is industry wide as one Extension weed scientist says growers need to make multiple crop chemistry plans for the next two years.
As ag retailers continue to navigate a turbulent supply scenario for planting season, FBN says their glyphosate supplies are in a “comfortable” position. The company explains how they were able to secure supplies.
Glyphosate was already in short supply heading into the 2022 planting season, but another black swan event is putting an even tighter squeeze on supplies.
This balance of supply and demand was difficult, resulted in a learning curve, but also brought strong weed control results and strengthened farmers’ approaches to weed resistance.
High input prices continue to be a pain point for farmers planning their 2023 crop needs. Experts say the price of natural gas isn’t the only driver fueling the market as farmers look to book their fall needs.
Grain shipments on some railroads could stop as early as Wednesday, two days ahead of a possible rail strike. A rail stoppage is growing more likely as the country’s main rail unions remain at odds with rail companies.
From a train derailment outside Hereford, Texas, to growing concerns about a possible labor strike in mid-September, rail delays have been a severe pain point for the grain users and shippers all year.
Global grain trader Archer-Daniels-Midland Co (ADM) reported a 74% rise in second-quarter profit on Tuesday, benefiting from high demand for grains and tighter supplies following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Truckers protesting California’s new “gig worker” law blockaded the state’s third-busiest seaport for a second day on Thursday, stalling agricultural exports and threatening to worsen U.S. supply chain backups.
Norwegian fertilizer-maker Yara posted slightly higher than expected second-quarter profits on Tuesday and warned there could be shortages of nitrogen-based fertilizers amid high gas prices.
A potential stoppage on the nation’s railways this fall is spurring concern, even after President Biden signed an executive order Sunday to keep U.S. rail traffic on track and the collective bargaining process going.
Supply chain issues and concerns about sourcing inputs for the 2022 growing season prompted more farmers to try e-commerce for pricing inputs this year as FBN says their website saw an uptick in traffic and sales.
Russian forces targeted at least two large grain terminals Wednesday in the port of Mykolaiv. Western governments claim Russia is carrying out a campaign to degrade Ukraine’s ability to export food.
Diesel prices are causing sticker shock, as fears of a possible diesel shortage are growing. It’s not just retail diesel prices that are rapidly rising. Some farmers report booking off-road diesel for above $5.
Transforming the U.S. food system by improving supply chains and addressing issues exposed by the Covid-19 pandemic was detailed by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack during a speech at Georgetown University.
Shanghai offered some tax rebates for companies and allowed all manufacturers to resume operations from June as authorities rolled out policies to revitalize an economy impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns.
After making it through the spring planting season, sometimes with the help of bulletproof vests and helmets, Ukraine’s farmers are facing another challenge – finding enough diesel for the harvest to come.
U.S. diesel prices are the highest ever, with warnings of shortages, especially in the eastern U.S., and the most intensive part of the farming season is still ahead.
Diesel prices hit historic highs this week. Due to increased demand and a drop in production, a diesel shortage may be looming as the largest diesel distribution hub in the U.S. is sitting on supplies at a 30-year low.
The April Ag Economy Barometer shows farmers’ concerns about crop inputs are overshadowing optimism surrounding commodity prices hitting decade-highs as some inputs are still in short supply as planting gets underway.
Rail backlogs in the United States are delaying shipment of grains as well as processed flour and corn syrup, contributing to the national problem of inflation, food and grain companies said at a hearing this week.
Increased regulation and the search for better work-life balance are two factors leading to a shortage of truck drivers in the U.S. Walmart is now increasing the starting salary for drivers to try to attract new people.
One of the biggest ag supply chain stories this spring has been pesticides. While my experience is these situations are usually overblown early, the situation could alter the way farmers do business in the years ahead.
Easter egg supplies could be at risk due to the expanding outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
USDA now expects food price inflation in 2022 to be from 4.5% to 5.5%, compared with 2021, based on the all-food Consumer Price Index. No category shows a potential decline.
A labor dispute that shut down operations at Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd on Sunday is set to aggravate a shortage of commodities, and a prolonged lockdown could hurt farmers ahead of the spring planting season.