Veronica Nigh

Earlier this week, we told you USDA projects 2022 calendar year net farm income up nearly $20 billion, or 13.8% from 2021.  What’s driving that increase?   “Predominantly, this is a price play with 97% of that increase in cash receipts attributable to increases in price," said American Farm Bureau Federation Senior Economist Veronica Nigh.  "Now, it's not just all ...

Earlier this month, the U.S. Census Bureau released first quarter 2022 trade data. Veronica Nigh, American Farm Bureau Federation Senior Economist, says U.S. ag exports are up nearly 13%. When inflation is taken into account, value is up 4% year over year, while volume is actually off by 4% from 2021’s numbers. Nig ...

Inflation shocks from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are already being felt in the grain and energy sectors and could soon affect U.S. growers and consumers. Oil and gas prices are on the march, grain prices are rising to multi-year highs with Black Sea shipping blocked and war likely to prevent plantings in Ukraine or embargo Russian crops. U.S ...

Last week, the USDA released its export forecast. American Farm Bureau Federation Senior Economist Veronica Nigh said the projections spell good news for farmers and ranchers. "USDA is projecting another banner year for U.S. ag exports ...

According to the USDA, 2021 farm and food exports totaled $177 billion, an 18% year-over-year increase, and nearly 15% higher than the previous record set in 2014. “Of course, increased commodity prices and rising global inflation contributed to that," said American Farm Bureau Federation Senior Economist Veronica Nigh. "Ab ...

The Phase One Trade Deal between the U.S. and China comes to an end in early 2022. Veronica Nigh, senior economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says this year’s numbers are better that what the U.S. Ag industry saw during the same time period in 2020. Not ...

Fuel and food inflation continue to challenge consumers and producers, and farm interests say some of that is within the government's control, while some aren't. Inflation is the highest in more than 30 years, and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell says the problem's no longer "transitory" and could worsen with the new COVID variant—Omicron. A ...

Despite new funding for forestry, conservation and Ag research, the American Farm Bureau Federation says President Biden’s “Build Back Better” Act is bad for rural America. Much of the concern is over tax hikes and inflation. AFBF President ...

For fiscal year 2021, the Department of Agriculture projects net farm income to increase $18.5 billion, 19.5% over last year’s figure. Veronica Nigh, American Farm Bureau Federation Senior Economist, said that forecast puts net farm income at the highest level since 2013. ...

Americans planning on celebrating the 4th of July holiday with a cookout will enjoy lower prices this year, compared to last. Veronica Nigh with the American Farm Bureau Federation said the average cost of a summer cookout for 10 people remains fairly affordable at $59 ...