Business
Recognizing phosphorus and potash as critical minerals underscores their importance in crop production and food security, providing producers with an added layer of risk protection.
“Applying significant broad-based tariffs on Mexico and Canada would be really a downside to the U.S. economy.”
That fact – not tariffs – is behind high beef prices, asserts former NCBA President.
Markets
From tariff talks in Europe to SCOTUS uncertainty and rising farm losses, analysts say policy and global supply will shape grain markets in the year ahead.
Large Brazilian crops heighten downside price risk if the weather allows production to reach projected levels.
While row crops are expected to see softer impacts, analysts say severe weather of this magnitude will not be as kind to cattle producers.
Trade
Stronger rail movement and lower fuel prices are easing logistics, even as export pace and river conditions remain uneven.
Recent USDA export sales data show China has been active in the U.S. market, but analysts tell RFD-TV News that the timing is a key clue.
Cattle markets are watching the Cattle-on-Feed Report for signs of tighter supplies, while USMEF warns limited China access is cutting producer profits.