El Niño events are a natural part of Earth’s climate system, characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. They typically shift global weather patterns, often bringing…
Category: markets
Trump Claims ‘Farmers Are Doing Very Well’ Before Rage-Quitting Interview
President Donald Trump visited western Wisconsin recently, speaking to farmers at an event in Chippewa Falls amid pouring rain. The interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker took place inside a barn, set against…
What’s the Deal with China? Soybean Promises, Farmland Flip-Flops, and Lingering Risks for American Farmers
China keeps promising big purchases of American agricultural products, especially soybeans. The latest headlines from the White House highlight commitments for at least 17 billion dollars in U.S. farm goods annually for…
Whistleblower Exposes the Truth About the Pro Farmer Crop Tour
For years, the Pro Farmer Crop Tour has positioned itself as a premier, boots-on-the-ground assessment of U.S. corn and soybean crops. Run by Pro Farmer (part of Farm Journal), it draws significant…
Recent Wave of Incidents at US Oil Refineries Sparks Questions About Vulnerability and Possible Sabotage
A string of explosions, fires, and accidents at US oil refineries and energy facilities in recent months has raised concerns among industry watchers, local communities, and online commentators. With gasoline prices already…
This Could Be the Biggest Week for Grains in a Long Time
Grain markets are gearing up for what could prove to be one of the most consequential weeks in recent memory. As of Monday, a trio of high-impact events looms that could reshape…
Fertilizer Giants Cash In on Conflict While American Farmers Face the Squeeze
Fertilizer companies are posting strong gains as global events drive up prices, leaving many U.S. farmers to absorb higher costs at a vulnerable time. CF Industries and Nutrien both reported roughly 20…
The K-Shaped Harvest: How Elites Prosper While Rural America Gets Plowed Under
Rural Americans and what remains of the middle class are getting squeezed like never before. Meanwhile, the small group pulling the economic strings enjoys record gains. This is not some natural market…
US Row Crop Acreage Declines in 2026 as Farmers Prioritize Survival Over Expansion
US row crop planted acres are contracting in 2026. According to the USDA’s Prospective Plantings report released March 31, farmers intend to seed 95.3 million acres of corn, a 3 percent drop…
Profits Could Swing Big As Farmers Ditch Corn for Massive Soybean Surge
U.S. farmers are signaling a notable shift toward soybeans for the 2026 planting season. Recent surveys indicate soybean plantings could rise about 6 percent from 2025 levels to around 86 million acres….