December 20, 2021

Changes in Consumer Price Indexes for food, 2019 through 2022

Food Price Outlook
“The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for food is a component of the all-items CPI. The CPI measures the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a representative market basket of consumer goods and services. While the all-items CPI measures the price changes for all consumer goods and services, including food, the CPI for food measures the changes in the retail prices of food items only. ERS’s monthly update is usually released on the 25th of the month; however, if the 25th falls on a weekend or a holiday, the monthly update will be published on either the 23rd or 24th.” – USDA Economic Research Service.

Click here to download the excel spreadsheet ‘Consumer Price Index’ 

For more information go to https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/

Filed Under: Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Vegetable Crops
December 20, 2021

Next Generation Fertilizer Awards Announced

WASHINGTON, October 19, 2021 – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the winners of the Next Gen Fertilizer Innovations Challenge, the second of a two-part, joint USDA-EPA Partnership and Competition on Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers (EEFs) to Advance Agricultural Sustainability in the United States. The goal of the competition is to improve the efficiency of fertilizers to increase crop yields while reducing the impacts of fertilizers on the environment. – USDA Press Release 0224.21, December 19, 2021

To read the full report and winners, go to https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2021/10/19/usda-and-epa-announce-winners-next-gen-fertilizer-innovations

Filed Under: Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Vegetable Crops
December 14, 2021

Direct to Consumer Grass Fed and Pasture Raised Reports

“USDA Market News works with State Departments of Agriculture and local and regional food systems to provide prices, volume, and other information on agricultural commodities sold at local and regional markets throughout the United States. Information gathered from Farmers Markets, Farmers Auctions, Food Hubs, Direct to Consumer sales, Retail advertisements, and Farm-To-School programs is currently available for select locations.  More reports and locations will be added in the future.” – https://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/local-regional-food

Click on the links below to see monthly grass fed beef, lamb, goat, pork, poultry and dairy reports from around the nation. Go to the link above to see other market reports for national and regional Farmers Markets, Farmers Auctions, Farm-to-School, and Retail.

Filed Under: Field, Forage & Livestock
December 11, 2021

Cut Costs (Not Fingers) When Prepping Firewood

Using a high-efficiency wood or pellet stove can be a cost-effective way to reduce your home heating costs compared to other fuels like natural gas, fuel oil, or electricity. According to Penn State Extension, the greatest savings are realized when you cut your own firewood rather than opting to buy pellets or have cordwood delivered. However, there are several hazards associated with use of a chainsaw or ax for felling trees or splitting firewood; the CDC estimates 36,000 people visit hospital emergency departments annually for injuries caused by chainsaws. If you plan to cut your own firewood this winter, it’s important to keep safety top of mind. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: ,
November 18, 2021

Commodity Classic Conference, March 10-12, 2022 in New Orleans

Registration and housing for the 2022 Commodity Classic is now open. America’s largest farmer-ledCommodity Classic logo agricultural and educational experience will be held Thursday, March 10 through Saturday, March 12 in New Orleans, LA.

Early discounts on registration end Jan. 21, 2022.

Commodity Classic brings the agriculture industry together again in-person for the annual showcase of ag technology, crop production science, marketing intelligence, and farm innovation.

Commodity Classic features a schedule of over 50 educational sessions, a huge trade show with over 350 exhibitors featuring the latest technology, equipment and innovation, top-notch entertainment, inspiring speakers, unique tours, and the opportunity to network with thousands of farmers from across the nation.

A schedule of events is available at the Commodity Classic webpage. 

Established in 1996, Commodity Classic is America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused agricultural and educational experience. It is presented annually by the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers, and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.


Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Vegetable Crops Tagged With:
November 4, 2021

Nematodes in Atlantic Soybean Production Webinar

Nematodes consistently rank as a top yield robber of soybeans. Join us November 16 from 9:00 AM-12:00 for the Nematode in Atlantic Soybean Production Webinar to discuss nematode distribution and management strategies for the region. The webinar is free, but registration is needed for access to the zoom link. Registration information can be found at https://www.pcsreg.com/nematodes-in-atlantic-soybean-production-webinar.  Topics of emphasis will include updates from regional nematode distribution surveys, assessment of soybean cyst nematode seed treatments, root knot nematode on-farm field trials, general management strategies, and how to collect and submit soil samples. Please email Alyssa Koehler akoehler@udel.edu with any questions.

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: ,