As the dollar weakens further, the world economy is more favorable to growth in U.S. exports and farm exports than expected earlier this year.

World trade expected to reach a record 123 million tons.

New technnology and site-specific weed management can lower crop costs, help environment.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The seasonal pork price increase from early April to early June over the past five years was $11 per live hundredweight, and this year the seasonal increase has been $23 so far. “That’s more than double the normal,” said Chris Hurt, a Purdue University Extension agricultural economist. Hog prices have gone [...]

Planting delays and cool weather have slowed corn development, paving the way for a potential issue with slugs in no-till fields.

WASHINGTON — According to the USDA Economic Research Service, the outlook for total red meat and poultry production will be down slightly next year. Beef/cattle Deteriorating pasture and range conditions over much of the Plains and increasing livestock production costs are adversely affecting all cattle and beef sectors. Smaller inventories of U.S. cows, calf crops [...]

URBANA, Ill. — Corn and soybean markets are not reliant solely on energy or futures prices to support their levels, said a University of Illinois Extension marketing specialist. “Some suggest that corn and soybean prices have not been following fundamentals, but have traded on outside markets like crude oil,” said Darrel Good. “However, energy prices [...]

By MIKE WOOLVERTON Extension Grain Economist Sighs of relief were heard throughout the grain trade last week as corn and soybean planting both progressed. Ordinarily, prices would drop as the Battle for Acres was resolved, but corn and soybean prices have remained strong due to rising energy prices. Close scrutiny Corn and soybeans are now [...]

BASEL, Switzerland — Syngenta has reached a definitive agreement with Monsanto, which settles all outstanding litigation relating to the two companies’ global corn and soybean businesses. The agreement gives Syngenta enhanced flexibility in serving its customers and will expand the technology choices available to growers. Terms Terms of the agreement include: — Monsanto receives a [...]

URBANA, Ill. — Between 2003 and 2007, the majority of corn and soybean production cost increases can be attributed to crude oil price increases, according to a new University of Illinois Extension study. “If crude oil prices continue to rise, production costs for corn and soybeans likely will continue to rise,” said Gary Schnitkey, a [...]