COLUMBUS, OHIO (RFD NEWS) — Agriculture continues to navigate a volatile market environment, with weather, biofuels demand, geopolitical tensions and input costs all creating uncertainty for producers.
Those issues will be among the topics discussed later this month at the 15th Annual Women in Agribusiness Summit later this month in New Orleans, where CoBank economist Jacqui Fatka will deliver the opening keynote address. She joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to give us a preview of her remarks.
She said CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange team provides research and analysis across a broad range of agricultural and rural industries, including biofuels, livestock, dairy, infrastructure and broadband.
Fatka also produces KED Gleanings, a newsletter focused on challenges and opportunities across grains and biofuels.
Biofuel Demand and Weather Driving Today’s Farm Economy
In her interview with RFD News, Fatka says recent developments surrounding small refinery exemptions were closely watched across the agricultural sector because of their potential impact on biofuels demand.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved a significant number of small refinery exemptions, but also announced plans to reallocate 100 percent of the associated volumes. Fatka said that decision helped ease concerns about the potential impact on domestic biofuels demand.
“Bottom line, that holds the line on biofuels demand, which is good going forward,” Fatka said.
Biofuels remain an important driver of domestic supply and demand, particularly for crops used in renewable fuel production.
Weather is another major factor Fatka is watching as harvest approaches.
With combines beginning to roll in parts of the South, attention is turning toward final yields and what those numbers will mean for agricultural supply.
“What we have for our final crop numbers is going to be really important on just the supply side of things,” Fatka said.
Weather conditions worldwide could also influence global agricultural markets as producers and analysts assess final production numbers.
The ongoing conflict involving Iran is another source of uncertainty for agriculture, particularly because of its potential impact on energy and input costs.
Fatka said producers will be watching diesel and fertilizer prices, along with the continuing effects of tariffs. Those factors could add pressure at the farm level even as commodity prices fluctuate.
Looking Ahead to the Women in Agribusiness Summit
As the opening keynote speaker at this year’s Women in Agribusiness Summit, Fatka plans to connect current market challenges with longer-term trends shaping agriculture.
Her presentation will address weather, commodity prices and farm input costs, while also examining future opportunities in fuels and the growing demand for protein.
She also plans to discuss demographic changes, China and shifting global trade policies.
Fatka said the energy and passion of the Women in Agribusiness community is one of the event’s biggest strengths.
“When you get a room full of women who are passionate about agriculture together, it is dynamic,” she said.
Fatka also serves on the Women in Agribusiness Advisory Board, helping guide the event, recommend speakers and identify agricultural professionals with stories and expertise to share.
She said the relationships built through the event have continued well beyond the summit itself, including a group of women she met at an earlier event in Denver who still stay connected.
For Fatka, that network is an important part of Women in Agribusiness’s value.
“It is really an honor to be part of the Advisory Board,” she said.
Fatka’s research and newsletter are available online through CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange. To learn more, visit: www.cobank.com/research
