The Van Trump Report

Month: March 2020

Weather Concerns Take Back Seat to Coronavirus, Oil Rout

Traders are gearing up for U.S planting season. Bulls are pointing to overly wet conditions and the possibility of extreme flooding in many parts of the U.S. Traders are specifically keeping a close eye on the banks of the Mississippi River in parts of Illinois and Iowa, as well as the Red River and Sheyenne …

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Things are Getting Very Real and Very Close to Home

Not wanting to be a “doom and gloom” promoter but things are starting to get very real and hitting very close to home. My daughter is still in self-quarantine (good news no temperature). The entire country of Italy is on lockdown. St. Patrick’s Day parades are canceled across Ireland. U.S. coronavirus cases are starting to …

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If You’re In The Livestock Business… Pay Close Attention

When the stock market shakes out and investors are forced to reposition and reallocate funds, we often see new industries and new concepts more rapidly evolve and prosper. Jacob Bunge wrote an interesting article last week that pertained to “plant-based” meat companies lowering prices and working towards becoming more competitive. Makers of plant-based meat alternatives …

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Will China Turn to U.S. Soybeans as Brazil Struggles with Logistical Hiccups?

Soybean bulls are pointing to rising export tariffs for Argentine “soybeans, meal and bean oil”. There are also some logistical complications brewing in portions of Brazil that we are closely monitoring. This time period between more readily available South American supply might provide a little opportunity for U.S. soybeans. I should caution, the headlines might …

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Startup Develops a Pollinator Robot that Could Replace Bees

Pollinator populations around the globe continue to decline, a scary problem when you consider that we depend on them for about three-quarters of our crops. Israeli startup Edete believes it has a viable solution with its new mechanical pollination machine, which the company calls “a safety net for the world’s food security.” Last winter, beekeepers …

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Gaining Momentum in One of My Ag Investments… at the same time Helping to Improve Soil

Scientist are learning that tiny, symbiotic fungi play an outsized role in helping plants survive stresses like drought and extreme temperature changes, report scientists at Washington State University. We all know that some bacteria and fungi cause disease, but there are just as many that work in harmony with plants, helping collect water and nutrients …

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