John Newton

Last week we told you that new federal data shows farmers and ranchers continue to reduce agriculture’s per-unit greenhouse gas emissions. American Farm Bureau Federation Chief Economist John Newton said the U.S. Ag sector accounts for less emissions than the transportation, electricity generation and industrial sectors. ...

Rural counties are in a fragile spot economically after years of weakness in farming and manufacturing, as well as a weaker recovery since the Great Recession. The COVID-19 pandemic has pressured the U.S. economy to the point that it’s facing another downturn. Pol ...

Farm bankruptcies are at the highest level seen since 2011.  Data compiled by the American Farm Bureau Federation shows farm bankruptcies surged 24% since the trade with China began.  For the 12-month period ending September 2019, Chapter 12 farm bankruptcies totaled 580 filings, the highest level since 676 filings in 2011.   ...

The USDA recently released its 2019 Land Values Survey, showing that land values nationwide are on the rise.  However, the American Farm Bureau Federation said that’s not entirely the case.  Farm Bureau notes in its own Market Intel analysis that land values and farm rents have gone in the opposite direction in certain parts of the country.   “Many ...

If you’re planning on hosting a 4th of July BBQ Thursday, the American farmer Bureau Federation says it’s going to cost you slightly more this year compared to last.  AFBF Chief Economist John Newton said the cost for their 13-item basket came in at $5.28 per person th...

The USDA reopened its FSA offices Thursday, despite the ongoing shutdown.  American Farm Bureau Federation Chief Economist John Newton said the move was welcomed news.   “Well, I think its an opportunity for farmers and ranchers across the county to get in to their county FSA office and get started on all the paperwork that’s needed to have a successful planting season in 2019.”   FSA offices... R

The farm economy faces more uncertainty in 2019, according to American Farm Bureau Federation chief economist John Newton.   "We’re in a situation where on the grain side we’ve had excellent weather for six or seven straight years now," Newton said.  "We’ve had som...

The AFBF’s 33rd annual survey of Thanksgiving Day dinner shows prices decreased year over year.  The American Farm Bureau says it will cost $4.89 per person for a tradition Thanksgiving dinner, a 22 cents drop from last year, and the third straight year of price declines.  AFBF Chi...

The annual informal survey finds that the prices of common food items for the Easter holiday are slightly higher than last year.   “Our 93 volunteer shoppers from across the United States found the average price for a spring market basket for 16 items came in at $51.05," said ...

A recent USDA report said American farms have grown larger over the past three decades, but it’s still family farmers who are running them.  John Newton, with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said family farms have taken advantage of opportunities to improve their operations.   “...