Month: May 2021

Pasture conditions have been a growing concern this season as drought has continued to intensify across critical cattle production states. USDA reports current pasture and range conditions are some of the worst ever for May with nearly 40% of pasture and rangeland experiencing negative conditions. Approximately one-third of U.S. cattle and over half of milk …

Deteriorating Pasture Conditions are a Worrying Sign for Cattle Producers Read More »

Consumers have made clear that they are looking for quality, traceable agriculture products, but too many food producers are still relying on outdated and imprecise R&D processes that don’t take those evolving preferences into account. There is a need for a massive digital transformation across the industry in order to meet this rising demand.  A …

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Create Ag Products That Consumers Love Read More »

USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service staff in Beijing recently released a report detailing some of their observations from the China Feed Industry Expo and Conference, held earlier this year in mid-April. FAS reports that African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks were a hot topic, with several reports of the disease gaining a stronger foothold in northern provinces. …

China’s Pork Industry Still Under African Swine Fever Cloud Read More »

Interesting changes are happening in the soybean market with soybean oil for biofuels being a huge driver of overall demand. According to the most recent update from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, since the beginning of the marketing year (October 2020), soybean oil prices in Decatur, Illinois, have more than doubled. Soybean …

Soybean Oil in the Driver’s Seat as Biodiesel Demand Explodes Read More »

I recently ran across the most incredible story about a man named Barney L. Ford, an escaped slave who became one of the wealthiest men in the American West. Ford’s story is filled with a crushing number of obstacles that would surely break most people. He not only overcame slavery and a lifetime of discrimination, …

Challenging Ourselves… The Amazing Life of Barney Lancelot Ford! Read More »

Consumers have easily embraced plant-based meat alternatives, with promises like “sustainability” and “eco-friendly” striking a chord with many. The trend doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere either, and the world’s largest meat companies have definitely taken notice. The biggest U.S. meat conglomerates have all positioned themselves to take advantage of the alternative protein business, which …

Traditional Meat Companies Increasing Stakes in Alternative Products Read More »

As much as 25% of the world’s grain production is lost annually in the post-harvest supply chain due to spoilage and mycotoxin contamination. This is not only a massive financial loss for farmers but also a challenge for businesses and global governments who are now more than ever looking to improve food security.  A company …

On My Investment Radar… Company Eliminating Illness-Causing Food Pathogens Read More »

New Zealand-based agtech company Vence is ramping up the roll-out of its virtual fencing system, armed with a $12 million cash injection from its latest funding round. The company utilizes hi-tech ear tags, collars, and other technology to control the movement of grazing livestock, while also keeping tabs on the well-being of the animals. And …

VIRTUAL Livestock Fencing System Coming to Market Read More »

Indiana farmer and well-known “Ag-vocate” Brian Scott, who does a lot of work with trying to bring the farmer and consumers together on topics of debate, once shared his collection of the most Game-Changing people in agriculture. Reading and reviewing the list makes me wonder what and who comes next? Will have something to do …

10 Most “Game-Changing” People In Ag Read More »

Tomorrow will mark the 159th anniversary of the United States Department of Agriculture, which President Abraham Lincoln called “the people’s department.” Lincoln signed the bill to establish the independent agency on May 15, 1862, with a stated mission to “acquire and to diffuse among the people of the United States useful information on subjects connected …

Happy Birthday, USDA! Read More »