Ag News

“Lack Of Participation” In The Markets

IARN — U.S. grain markets completed another week, which included light trading volumes. A market analyst shares what you can expect from the upcoming, yet shortened trading week.

Greg McBride, commodities broker with Allendale, Inc., reflects on this past week’s trade. McBride says, “Volume was low across all markets.”

“What we’re seeing is a lack of participation, at this point. We’re not seeing the funds come in and slam the market down lower,” McBride said. “We’re not finding a lot of willing sellers when we get to the lower end of the range and we’re not finding a lot of willing buyers when we get to the upper end of the range.” Read more

China Remains “Far Behind” On U.S. Agricultural Purchases

IARN — Many remain concerned about relations between the United States and China.

Beijing this week threatened countermeasures, if sanctions are to be imposed. First Squawk reported the latest development, which further complicates the month’s old Phase One trade agreement.

Jennifer Hillman, senior fellow for Trade and International Political Economy with the Council on Foreign Relations, analyzes the unique relationship between the world’s largest economies. Read more

U.S. Ethanol Heading To China

IARN — According to three ethanol-industry sources and shipping data, a rare U.S. ethanol shipment will arrive in China very soon. This may be the first ethanol shipment to hit China since the two countries struck a trade deal earlier this year. China recently waived some additional tariffs on almost 700 American products, including ethanol, to support more purchases of U.S. farm goods to help meet its obligations in the Phase One trade deal. Since China made the move, the ethanol industry has been watching for signs of renewed trade in the biofuel. Read more

U.S. Pork And Beef Exports Record First Quarter Increases

IARN — U.S. Meat Export Federation staff announce, “United States pork exports completed a tremendous first quarter with new March records for volume and value.”

Analysis of data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows “beef exports trended higher year-over-year in March, establishing a record first quarter pace.”

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) president and CEO Dan Halstrom comments on first quarter growths below. Read more