The Van Trump Report

What Are They Growing Out There In “Kentucky”

Agriculture is one of Kentucky’s leading and most vital industries, contributing about $45.6 billion to the state’s economy each year. Of Kentucky’s 25.4 million acres, just under 50% is considered farmland. The state is an important contributor to U.S. corn and soybean production, as well as poultry, eggs, and cattle. However, the state’s farmers dedicate …

What Are They Growing Out There In “Kentucky” Read More »

Argentina’s Corn Acreage Set for Biggest Decline in Almost Two Decades… Maybe

Argentina’s corn production is expected to decrease sharply in the 2024/25 crop season; at least, that’s the early story we are hearing. Personally, I’m not entirely sold on the headlines, but time will tell. In case you haven’t heard, the Rosario Board of Trade estimates a -25% decrease in corn planted area, the largest relative …

Argentina’s Corn Acreage Set for Biggest Decline in Almost Two Decades… Maybe Read More »

How A Young Man That Knew Nothing About Flour Transformed the Wheat Industry

Most Americans are very familiar with the Pillsbury Company, which has given us a host of iconic products, including the company’s Classic Yellow Cake Mix, every flavor of pre-made frosting, and those addictive Crescent Rolls. Pillsbury’s marketing efforts for its various brands also generated iconic characters like the Doughboy and Jolly Green Giant. The company …

How A Young Man That Knew Nothing About Flour Transformed the Wheat Industry Read More »

Limited Holiday Service

***LIMITED SERVICE – The staff and I will be taking off for the Thanksgiving holiday. There will be no report on either Thursday or Friday. Full-coverage will resume Monday morning. From our families to yours, we wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

From Eighth-Grade Dropout to Donut King….the Story of Dunkin Donuts

Dunkin Donuts is an American institution that has spawned an untold number of copycats over the years. Since its creation in 1948, the company has grown from one shop in Massachusetts to over 11,000 locations across 37 countries. It was all the brainchild of an 8th-grade dropout named William Rosenberg who noticed that Americans really …

From Eighth-Grade Dropout to Donut King….the Story of Dunkin Donuts Read More »

What You Need to Know About “Enhanced Rock Weathering”

Grind up rocks, throw them on your farmland, and you’ll boost yields while also saving the planet. At least, that’s the message being sold by proponents of “enhanced rock weathering” (ERW), who claim that adding rock dust to soils enhances fertility and removes CO2 from the air. But what exactly is it and what are …

What You Need to Know About “Enhanced Rock Weathering” Read More »

Agtech Investment Rebound Continues

PitchBook agtech analyst Alex Frederick says that it’s premature to declare a full recovery, “cautious optimism is warranted.” Several factors are driving the uptick in VC funding in agtech, including “stabilizing valuations after the market volatility of recent years, allowing investors and founders to find common ground; a focus on larger investments in companies with …

Agtech Investment Rebound Continues Read More »