Magazine

Sep 7, 2015

Nurturing the Next Generation

At a time when agriculture has abundant jobs and exciting opportunities, we need to attract youth to the field

Sep 1, 2015

Midwest Construction Boom

With harvest yields continuing to increase and demand for animal protein continuing to rise, the need for storage and production has never been greater. In the Midwest, it can be hard keeping track of what is being built, so Feed & Grain has compiled a list of ongoing or recently completed construction projects with in-depth looks at five of them.

Aug 30, 2015

Using Emotional Intelligence in Management

How monitoring your and your employees’ emotions makes a good leader

Aug 21, 2015

Use of Veterinary Feed Directive Drugs in Feeds

Prior to ADAA, only two categories of animal feed drugs existed, over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription (Rx) — all animal drugs approved for use were OTC. VFD products, however, sit in the middle between OTC and Rx animal drugs.

Aug 19, 2015

A Small World

New Feed & Grain column highlights our connection to the world market

Aug 11, 2015

Weekly Outlook: A Review of USDA Crop Yield Forecasting Methodology

Even though a description of the NASS crop production forecast methodology is widely available, there always seems to be some misconceptions about how NASS makes corn and soybean yield forecasts. A brief overview of that methodology is repeated here. While this summary does not do full justice to the very comprehensive forecasting methodology, it is presented to assist in placing the upcoming yield forecasts in the proper perspective.

Aug 10, 2015

Futures ‘Versus Cash’

Time for country elevators and other grain firms to prepare for an occasional EFP audit

Aug 10, 2015

Automatic Compliance

How automated control systems help facilites follow food safety rules

Aug 4, 2015

Valuable Habits for Effective Managers and Employees

Have you ever thought much about habits? Have you ever tried to break a bad habit — or start a new good habit (like regularly flossing your teeth after repeated reminders from your dentist that this is a good practice)?

Jul 31, 2015

Spring Into Harvest Preparations Now To Maintain Quality

From sanitation to loading, maintaining the quality of grain in storage begins at harvest — starting with cleaning the empty bins. The time to spring into action and clean is now according to Dirk Maier, professor of grain science and industry at Kansas State University.

Jul 20, 2015

Cyber Security 101: Tips for Protecting Your Business

In the feed and grain business, when we talk about safety we often think of physical safety: fall protection and enclosed space safety for employees; spill protection; safe handling practices for grain and feed products

Jul 15, 2015

Turnkey plants for ear corn drying and processing

Handling, drying and processing of ear corn requires in-depth knowledge to avoid damage of the seeds and to preserve the germination ability.

Jul 14, 2015

Easy In, Easy Out

A new high-speed shuttle loader, designed for maximum grain throughput, is the product of innovative co-op equity application.

Jul 9, 2015

Burrito With A Side Of Pseudoscience

Restaurants are in the business of providing foods that people like to eat. And people certainly should have a wide range of options and choices for meals. Still, I can’t help but think the recent decision by Chipotle to move away from using genetically modified organisms is more marketing than science.

Jul 6, 2015

Wheat Woes

Vomitoxin issues cause for diligent testing.

Jul 2, 2015

Entering the GMO Debate

How to stand up for a crucial tool in modern agriculture, and why we should.

Jul 2, 2015

Grain Industry Takes On A Food Safety Role

What grain handlers need to know about protecting the U.S. food supply and complying with the Food Safety Modernization Act.

Jun 30, 2015

The Five Commandments of Facility Housekeeping

Where to start and how to prioritize your housekeeping program

Jun 16, 2015

Where's The Beef?

Proponents of lab-grown meat take aim at the livestock industry.

May 28, 2015

Key Factors For Reaching Final Agreement On The Trans-Pacific Partnership

The massive TPP trade agreement talks have been ongoing since 2012.

May 27, 2015

More Efficient Trucking Act Proposed

Companies running fully loaded trucks will gain new efficiencies with little downside if the Safe & Effective Transportation Act passes

May 17, 2015

Hola Havana

We’ve all seen the headlines across social media about the potential for Cuban Cigars to be legalized. That’s because in December 2014, President Obama said the U.S. would soon re-establish relations with Cuba nearly 55 years after the trade embargo was enacted

May 12, 2015

Brush Up on Rail Safety

Industrial facilities that use rail as a part of their operation move railcars by a variety of motive power types. No matter what type of motive power is used, applicable rail operating safety rules and procedures should be followed. Applying up-to-date rules and procedures to rail operations will enhance employee safety and facility efficiencies.

May 7, 2015

Facility on the Go

Having automated technology running operations in facilities has been an industry standard in the feed industry for years, and the grain industry is rapidly catching up. The advantages of the technology are numerous and evolving. Automation improves equipment life expectancy, employee safety and productivity, facility efficiency and ultimately profitability.

Apr 30, 2015

Feed & Grain Announces Photo Contest Winners

Feed & Grain is proud to announce the winners of its 2014 Harvest Photo Contest. Entries poured in from December 2014 until this February showcasing our readers’ ability to manage a record crop — some with limited access to rail or other shipping options. Congratulations to all the winners and honorable mentions!

Apr 27, 2015

U.S. Invests in Key Rail and River Infrastructure

The year 2014 ended as a mixed bag on the transportation front. Historically poor railroad performance in the Northern Plains and record-high costs for railcars were detrimental to many grain shippers. But on the bright side, Congress’ passage of the Waterways Resources Reform and Development Act recognized the importance of maintaining vital waterways like the Mississippi River.

Photo by Union Pacific Railroad

Apr 21, 2015

Commodity Contract Confirmations: ‘To Sign or Not to Sign’

In comparison to many transactions in the business world, grain and feed ingredient purchase and sale transactions are fairly informal. In many respects, grain and ingredient trades remain relatively straightforward and largely result from casual telephone conversations followed by a short written confirmation.

Apr 10, 2015

IFEEDER Takes Reigns with New Research Approach

Do you think the feed industry’s role in the global carbon footprint should matter to you and your company? What if the question was phrased: If your business is required to install costly new equipment and/or alter its current processes due to the global carbon footprint, would you take notice?

Mar 30, 2015

Managing in a World with Both Commodity and Specialty Products

How to effectively handle ingredients that meet special consumer demands, require identity preservation

Mar 25, 2015

Tracking Ingredient Activity to Empower Business Decisions

With the establishment of its Information Technology Innovation Award, the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), in partnership with AgGateway and Feed & Grain magazine, recognizes leading feed and grain industry companies that incorporate new, advanced technologies in their routine business practices to help meet the demand of a rapidly developing world population.

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Magazine

Marketwatch: Mar, 28

US Corn Price Idx: ZCPAUS.CM

open: 6.4264
high: 6.5307
low: 6.409
close: 6.5306

US Soybean Price Idx: ZSPAUS.CM

open: 14.0045
high: 14.1408
low: 13.9246
close: 14.126

US Hard Red Winter Wheat Price Idx: KEPAUS.CM

open: 8.0855
high: 8.3229
low: 8.0455
close: 8.2277

US Soft Red Winter Wheat Price Idx: ZWPAUS.CM

open: 6.2936
high: 6.5111
low: 6.2936
close: 6.4248