Take a look back at some of the top headlines from the previous week.
1.Markets react to USDA February reports
February’s crop report from the United States Department of Agriculture historically doesn’t have a lot of impact, but the market has some reaction.
RFD-TV’s Chicago Bureau Chief Alexandra Lively covered that response.
“Positioning leading up to the expected bullish report cause a short covering rally on ideas of better export demand and a tighter balance sheet,” Lively said.
Read the full USDA report here.
2.Weed control, quality priorities for soybean farmers
United Soybean Board Director Robert Stobaugh, of Arkansas, said the focus of future checkoff investments would be supporting the animal agriculture industry.
Stobaugh and other leaders in the industry met recently in Arkansas.
“Our poultry, livestock and fish farmers are our number one customers and the quality of the meal they use in their rations is tantamount to their success,” Stobaugh said.
Controlling resistant weeds was another priority for the checkoff program.
3.USDA forecasts lower farm income in 2014
Lower overall farm income is forecast for 2014, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
But USDA Chief Economist Joe Glauber called the financial picture positive due to the low level of debt carried by farmers.
You can read the 2014 Farm Sector Income Forecast here.
4.National Farm Machinery Show
The place to network and comparison shop is at the National Farm Machinery Show in Kentucky.
Organizers say it is the premiere indoor farm show in the country.
It also features the Championship Tractor Pull, with drivers competing for their share of more than $200,000.
5.California businesses look to Congress for drought help
The president is taking action to help those affected by drought conditions in California.
With the USDA, disaster assistance programs in the farm bill will be a top priority, officials said.
Business owners hope Congress will also come up with a solution.
Friday, President Barack Obama visited Fresno to see first-hand some of the impact the drought has had.
The USDA has declared 54 counties as primary natural disaster areas.
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