Both corn and soybean basis levels found strength this week as tight farmer selling and the prospects of a late harvest next fall push basis levels up. Spot corn basis was up 2 cents a bushel while soybean basis climbed nearly 4 cents a bushel for the week. In corn, basis levels at ethanol plants were a key driver this week as 10 to 15 cent gains were fairly typical across NE, SD & IA this week...

The 117th edition of the  National Grain and Feed Association’s (NGFA)  Annual Convention, held in San Francisco in mid-March, drove this sentiment home in its general sessions: While agriculture is one of the greatest growth industries, the coming years will be filled with the unique challenge of restoring the public’s trust in the food system. For those working and living agriculture, it...

While at the 2013 International Poultry & Production Expo ( IPPE ) in Atlanta, GA, from Jan. 29-31, I caught up with American Feed Industry Association ( AFIA ) president Joel Newman  to discuss his top predictions for agriculture as we look into 2013. Topping his list: Focus on sustainability High commodity prices Market and weather volatility  “Feeding a population of 9.1...

GEAPS is, and rightfully so, proud of it’s 2013 Exchange in Louisville this week, pointing out that it’s the largest event ever. This is my 29th GEAPS. After 29 years we’re supposed to have earned and learned from great experiences, which gives us the right to provide a bit of perspective. Here’s mine: First, the industry always represents and reflects progress. Perhaps whether we...

You provide your service or product to your farm clients and you are ready for the fun part which is getting paid, right?  Not so quick, you still have to prepare an invoice for your transactions, send it to clients and then hope you get paid in a timely manner. The work involved in invoicing and waiting to be paid takes the fun out of getting paid. When it comes to handling billing, the...