Supply Chain
Unions are arguing railroads haven’t done enough to address worker concerns, largely surrounding working conditions and paid time off.
Friday brought mixed news for the economy. So, is the U.S. officially in a recession? K-State economists say it’s more important to watch changes in behaviors versus debating the definition of recession.
The escalating tensions between the U.S. and China has exposed the dependence on China’s manufacturing dominance. As China moves toward producing cutting-edge technology, the U.S. isn’t in a strong bargaining position.
A labor strike along U.S. railroads is still a possibility after the third-largest railroad union rejected a tentative labor agreement this week. The agreement had the support of the White House.
Transportation troubles have plagued agriculture all year, and experts say supply chain problems could persist through 2023 for farmers, which is unwelcome news for farmers already seeing problems sourcing parts.
Low Mississippi River water levels are a concern for moving inputs like fertilizer. The worry comes as Florida, a key fertilizer-producing state, cleans up after Hurricane Ian. What will the fertilizer price impact be?
USDA unveiled additional plans to help boost domestic fertilizer production including $500 million in grants and reduce the risk of a series of black swans that have flown into the fertilizer market the past two years.
As backlogs at U.S. ports and climbing shipping rates plague the supply chain, new data shows container shipping rates between the U.S and China are dropping by more than 50% in just a month.
Bayer’s Louisiana glyphosate plant is back online, but the glyphosate shortage is industry wide as one Extension weed scientist says growers need to make multiple crop chemistry plans for the next two years.
As ag retailers continue to navigate a turbulent supply scenario for planting season, FBN says their glyphosate supplies are in a “comfortable” position. The company explains how they were able to secure supplies.
Glyphosate was already in short supply heading into the 2022 planting season, but another black swan event is putting an even tighter squeeze on supplies.
High input prices continue to be a pain point for farmers planning their 2023 crop needs. Experts say the price of natural gas isn’t the only driver fueling the market as farmers look to book their fall needs.
Manufacturing meltdowns are hitting the U.S., as semiconductor shortages expand into other components. Supply chain woes now pose a threat to the food supply and farmers’ ability to get crops out of fields.
Grain shipments on some railroads could stop as early as Wednesday, two days ahead of a possible rail strike. A rail stoppage is growing more likely as the country’s main rail unions remain at odds with rail companies.
From a train derailment outside Hereford, Texas, to growing concerns about a possible labor strike in mid-September, rail delays have been a severe pain point for the grain users and shippers all year.
The DEF shortage story centered on the largest users of DEF – truckers. What’s causing the possible shortage and are the concerns imminent? John Phipps looks into the issue in John’s World.
Global grain trader Archer-Daniels-Midland Co (ADM) reported a 74% rise in second-quarter profit on Tuesday, benefiting from high demand for grains and tighter supplies following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Truckers protesting California’s new “gig worker” law blockaded the state’s third-busiest seaport for a second day on Thursday, stalling agricultural exports and threatening to worsen U.S. supply chain backups.
Norwegian fertilizer-maker Yara posted slightly higher than expected second-quarter profits on Tuesday and warned there could be shortages of nitrogen-based fertilizers amid high gas prices.
A potential stoppage on the nation’s railways this fall is spurring concern, even after President Biden signed an executive order Sunday to keep U.S. rail traffic on track and the collective bargaining process going.
Livestock Producers Report Being Just Days Away From Running Out of Feed Due to Shipping Rail Issues
Bottlenecks along U.S. railways are growing more severe. Not only are feed users on the West Coast on the brink of running out of grain, but there are also concerns the rail issues could grow worse during harvest.
The higher cost of shipping U.S. agricultural inputs and products both internationally and domestically has increased costs of production for U.S. farmers, contributing to a projected decline in net farm income for 2022.
Supply chain issues and concerns about sourcing inputs for the 2022 growing season prompted more farmers to try e-commerce for pricing inputs this year as FBN says their website saw an uptick in traffic and sales.
Strong basis bids are sparking questions about the reality of corn supplies and issues in getting grain to areas of the country that need it. Analysts are watching USDA’s Grain Stocks report this week for answers.
Russian forces targeted at least two large grain terminals Wednesday in the port of Mykolaiv. Western governments claim Russia is carrying out a campaign to degrade Ukraine’s ability to export food.
Diesel prices are causing sticker shock, as fears of a possible diesel shortage are growing. It’s not just retail diesel prices that are rapidly rising. Some farmers report booking off-road diesel for above $5.
Transforming the U.S. food system by improving supply chains and addressing issues exposed by the Covid-19 pandemic was detailed by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack during a speech at Georgetown University.
Shanghai offered some tax rebates for companies and allowed all manufacturers to resume operations from June as authorities rolled out policies to revitalize an economy impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns.
After making it through the spring planting season, sometimes with the help of bulletproof vests and helmets, Ukraine’s farmers are facing another challenge – finding enough diesel for the harvest to come.
U.S. diesel prices are the highest ever, with warnings of shortages, especially in the eastern U.S., and the most intensive part of the farming season is still ahead.