Faded Green Wave While politicians on both sides of the Atlantic boast of bold plans for environmental protection, executing their initiatives is proving more difficult. A desired ban on neonicotinoid use in Europe is proving difficult where the rubber meets the road on the farm. Biotechnology advocates argue that Europe’s pesticide use is larger than the U.S. due to restrictions against crops genetically modified to resist damage. U.S. use of nutrients like phosphates and potash are higher per hectare while Europe uses more pesticides and nitrogen. U.S. use of potash is rising but applications of nitrogen are declining. Europe’s use of pesticides, nitrogen, phosphates, and potash had all been rising.
Better Answer Tha...
What You Need to Know Today: The corn and soybean markets closed slightly higher in low-volume trade. The wheat market was mixed, with HRW continuing its downward trek on improved moisture. As expected, the bearish cattle on feed report drove down cattle prices and pulled hogs down with it. Mi...
Monday, 25 May is a U.S. holiday, and both the markets and our office will be closed. Please note that the next issue of Ag Perspectives will be published on Tuesday, 26 May. The WPI staff wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend...
USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report was released today. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity amounted to 11.6 million head, 102 percent of last year. Source: USDA, WPI Placements were up, but part of that is attributable to persistent drought c...