Fertilizer prices are expected to decrease in 2016, the lowest than in all years since 2009, said Gary Schnitkey, University of Illinois agricultural economist.
Illinois-Cuba group continues fight for re-normalized trade
The Illinois Cuba Working Group (ICWG) says Illinois and U.S. companies are attempting to do more business than ever in Communist-run Cuba but keep running into obstacles.
Dow, DuPont pick Indiana, Michigan, Iowa for new hubs
The DuPont Co. and Dow Chemical Co. are expected to announce in coming months their plans for two new Global Business Centers they will build in Indiana and Iowa late next year, following the merger of the two chemical giants when the $130 billion deal is finalized by the end of October.
Derivatives deal exempts U.S. agricultural industry
American farmers may breathe a sigh of relief following a recent announcement that the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) struck a long overdue derivatives deal with the European Commission
U.S. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy found herself defending her agency from members of the House Agriculture Committee last week as they questioned the EPA’s actions and the impact on rural communities.
Proposed USDA budget features cuts to federal crop insurance
Farm groups had mixed reviews of President Barack Obama’s proposed 2017 USDA budget, released last week. While cutting $18 billion from crop insurance, the proposal almost doubles funding for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) to $700 million and fully funds conservation for ag lands and conservation practices.
Initially designed for high school-aged farm boys in rural America, the FFA has progressed to embrace the changing demographics and scope that define agriculture. Today, FFA membership statistics closely mirror the demographics of the U.S. ag population.
The 12 nations signing the agreement comprise about 40 percent of global gross domestic product, more than 800 million people and around one-third of world trade.
