The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the following statement commending Mexico’s action to declare ineffective measures concerning genetically engineered (GE) corn that the United States successfully challenged in the USMCA dispute. The action safeguards approximately $5.6 billion in U.S. corn exports to Mexico. USDA, in coordination with USTR, will continue to monitor Mexico’s compliance with its USMCA commitments.
Read MoreOne of the world’s biggest crop traders has halted loading of grain vessels at U.S. Gulf terminals as the region’s worst snowstorm in 130 years slams the region.
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. declared force majeure in southern Louisiana with vessels struggling to navigate the weather conditions, according to a person familiar with the matter. The company didn’t immediately provide comment.
Read MoreThe 2024/25 U.S. corn outlook calls for lower production, feed and residual use, exports, and ending stocks. Corn production has been revised downward by some 276 million bushels to an estimated 14.9 billion bushels, mainly due to a 3.8-bushel per acre cut in yield to 179.3 bushels which was partially offset by a 0.2-million acre increase in harvested area. Total corn use is down 75 million bushels to 15.1 billion.
Read MoreAs farmers begin making plans for the upcoming growing season, many are bracing for the likelihood of another year marked by tight margins.
“Production costs for 2025 are estimated to decrease for the second consecutive year, which is good news,” said LSU AgCenter economist Michael Deliberto.
Read MoreLouisiana corn area harvested is 440,000, down 35 percent from 2023. The average yield is estimated at 185 bushels per acre, up 10 bushels from last year. Production totaled 81.4 million bushels, down 32 percent from 2023.
Upland cotton harvested acres is 148,000, up 29 percent from 2023. The yield is expected to average 1,070 pound.
Read MoreAmerican Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on a United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) panel ruling that Mexico’s ban on American-grown biotech corn is a violation of the trade agreement.
“Farm Bureau applauds the USMCA panel decision regarding Mexico’s actions to ban biotech corn for human consumption and animal feed. The panel affirmed what AFBF and America’s farmers have emphasized all along – biotech corn is safe and decisions must be based on science, not politics.”
Read MoreCorn hybrid performance is annually evaluated in official hybrid trials (OHTs) by LSU AgCenter researchers to provide Louisiana farmers, seedsmen, county agents and consultants with unbiased performance data for commercial corn hybrids submitted for evaluation by private companies. Selection of superior hybrids that are well adapted for a given region is essential for maximizing yield and profit.
Read MoreLouisiana corn for grain production is forecast at 84.1 million bushels, unchanged from the October 1 forecast but down 29 percent from 2023. Based on conditions as of November 1, yield is expected to average 189 bushels per acre, unchanged from last month but up 14 bushels from last year. Producers expect to harvest 445,000 acres of corn for grain, down 235,000 acres from 2023.
Upland cotton production is forecast at 310,000 bales, up 10,000 bales from the October 1 forecast and 101,000 bales above last year.
Read MoreCrazy. Chaotic. Extremes. Those three words were used by AgriGold agronomists in Illinois, Louisiana and Iowa, respectively, to describe the 2024 growing season. Some corn fields shined; others struggled. As with any season, lessons were learned. These agronomists share their biggest takeaways.
Read MoreA pathogen capable of affecting crops is making its way to Arkansas and residents could unknowingly be spreading it.
Tar spot is a fungal disease that affects corn.
Travis Faskey, a University of Arkansas Plant Pathology Professor, says the pathogen is relatively new to the United States. He said it has a long history in Central America, but hurricanes brought it up to the states.
Read MoreThe 2024/25 U.S. corn outlook calls for smaller supplies, larger exports, and reduced ending stocks. Projected beginning stocks for 2024/25 are 52 million bushels lower based on the Grain Stocks report. Corn production is forecast at 15.2 billion bushels, up 17 million from last month on a 0.2-bushel increase in yield to 183.8 bushels per acre. Harvested area for grain is unchanged at 82.7 million acres. Total use is raised slightly to 15.0 billion bushels reflecting greater exports.
Read MoreLouisiana corn for grain production is forecast at 84.1 million bushels, down 1 percent from September 1 forecast and down 29 percent from 2023. Based on conditions as of October 1, yield is expected to average 189 bushels per acre, down 2 bushels from last month but up 14 bushels from last year. Harvested acreage for grain is estimated at 445,000 acres, down 235,000 acres from 2023.
Read MoreLouisiana all wheat stored in off farm storage facilities on September 1, 2024 totaled 6.92 million bushels, up 28 percent from a year ago. United States all wheat stored in all positions on September 1, 2024 totaled 1.99 billion bushels, up 12 percent from a year ago. On farm stocks are estimated at 664 million bushels, up 11 percent from last September. Off farm stocks, at 1.32 billion bushels, are up 13 percent from a year ago.
Read MoreFor many cotton growers, hurricane/tropical storm Francine has thrown a wrench in cotton defoliation and harvest plans. Prior to Francine, there were many reports of cotton lodging, or “laying over”. This was most likely due to the fruit shed event Louisiana experienced in August. After shedding fruit in the lower canopy, cotton plants became heavier further up the canopy as bolls continued to develop and mature. As the bolls grew, the plant became heavier.
Read MoreMore than 300 ag groups are calling on Congress to pass a Farm Bill before year’s end, underscoring the need for a stronger safety net as farmers cope with a number of market hurdles.
Kenny Hartman with the National Corn Growers Association spoke with RFD-TV’s own Tammi Arender on the need for an updated bill, if an extension will pass by the end of the year, and the importance of a strong ag safety net.
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