Big Ag continues to be the focus of attacks by populists who nostalgically, though without substantiation, insist that food from small and local is environmentally and socially superior. It is important to first understand the unique role played by agriculture. The agriculture sector contributes only 2.34 percent of the employment in the OECD 24 and its share of R&D spending was just 1.24 percent, and yet it contributed a third of the economic productivity growth. Productivity is the core economic function that enables increased consumption with lower levels of work. Imagine what would happen if R&D spending were increased.
While small farms contribute to the sector, it is large enterprises that deliver large value t...
What You Need to Know Today: Markets got a surprise with a corn yield of 181.2 bushels/acre in the October WASDE, above the average estimate of 177.6 bushels/acre and up from USDA’s September estimate of 178.5 bushels/acre. Although stronger demand is expected to absorb some of the addit...
Key Takeaways: On Friday afternoon, President Trump announced that Russia will “immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel” to the United States. The deal, typical of this administration, is light on details but promises an additional 500,000 tons in November and 1 m...
The USDA has lowered its 2026 red meat production forecasts slightly while forecasting a slight increase in broiler production. Beef is now projected at 24.802 billion pounds, 75 million pounds less than in September. Cow slaughter is expected to be up; however, this will be offset by lower ste...
