What You Need to Know Today:
U.S. and Chinese officials are expected to discuss agriculture and non-tariff trade barriers ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Washington later this month, potentially opening the door to additional U.S. agricultural purchases or improved market access. Diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war appear to be gaining momentum, with U.S. representatives expected to travel to Moscow and Kyiv for talks after Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated there may be a pathway toward a negotiated settlement. U.S. nonfarm payrolls increased by 162,000 jobs in August, well above expectations for a 53,000-job gain, signaling continued labor market strength and potentially giving the Federal Rese...
Key Takeaways: Demand and capacity decide where milk growth lands. Italian cheese is up 4.2 percent in 2026, and milk output is growing fastest in Kansas, South Dakota and Texas, where the new plants are located. Price spreads decide where the marginal milk goes. The Class IV premium over Clas...
Markets are caught between reasons to keep selling and reasons to take another look. Fund liquidation and renewed peace talks are pressuring grains, while fresh export business and some diesel relief offer encouragement. Corn recovered nearly 10 cents from its low to finish higher, while soybea...
Key Takeaways: President Trump announced $8 billion in additional agricultural assistance through the Harvest Fuel Relief Program, as USDA projects farm fuel and oil expenses will increase 28.8 percent in 2026. The package follows $12 billion in earlier relief, while government farm payments w...