CoBank

The outlook for agricultural retailers is generally favorable for 2023, following a year of record profits in 2022.  However, the sector faces emerging risks that could depress profit margins and challenge traditional business models in the years ahead.  Lower l...

The U.S. economy will progressively slow through the first half of this year, and recession fears are still high, and warranted.  That assessment from CoBank, adding inflation is starting to loosen its grip on farm country.  While a slowing economy does mean that impact of inflation is expected to diminish, that also means the crop prices, and lesser extent livestock prices producers receive in 20

America’s dairy producers and processors are closely watching discussions about the next Farm Bill and looking for reforms to Federal Milk Marketing Orders.  CoBank said the industry feels that current FMMOs don’t reflect today’s market environment, and the consequences could be drastic.   Make allowances ar...

The U.S. economy still has considerable momentum and is not currently on the verge of recession, that according to CoBank's 2023 Year Ahead report.  Despite that, economists have never been more pessimistic, and there are legitimate reasons for concern.  Over th...

A new analysis from CoBank suggests consumers will see smaller turkeys and higher-priced bird this Thanksgiving season.  After grappling with staff shortages, plant closures, and supply issues, the turkey industry has been hit by yet another problem in 2022: the worst Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreak in U.S. histor...

According to a recent study by the University of Missouri, American farmers and ranchers are becoming more and more dependent on off-farm employment and income to make end meet, which means rural communities are more and more connected to surrounding cities...

A new report from CoBank says the recent investment surge in U.S. renewable diesel production capacity is likely to ignite a period of growth and transition for the biofuels industry.   “The outlook for biofuels is good as the U.S. and oth...

A report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange says the widespread outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza that hit U.S. poultry production has subsided.  Case numbers significantly dropped as temperatures rose and the migratory season for wild birds ended. However, ...

A number of factors are sending up red flags about slowing economic activity and a potential oncoming recession.  A CoBank report said inflation is the largest red flag, and the Fed is ready to raise rates until it believes inflation has been controlled. “Ware...

As American agriculture grapples with scarce labor and increasing costs, one solution could lie in precision agriculture applications that can maximize output while reducing costs. Crop and livestock producers can supercharge operational efficiency with advanced precision technologies such as data analytics, connected equipment, robotics and automation ...