Articles from CoBank

Surging imports of US grains, meat and dairy position Mexico to surpass Canada as leading ag export market in 2025

Historic shift in trade policy risks long-term loss of trust among key global market partners

Historic gains in butterfat and protein content enable more production of cheese, butter and other high-demand dairy products

Higher beef-on-dairy pricing suggests opportunities for producers, feedlots and processors

Spring planting forecast shows reduction in soybean, wheat, cotton and grain sorghum acres with corn picking up the real estate

Growing global demand for ethanol positions the industry for continued success, but policy uncertainly clouds market outlook

Avian influenza may be the biggest factor driving egg prices higher, but rising consumption and demand for specialty eggs are also playing a role

Variety of offerings, private label brands and loyalty programs fuel in-store sales growth

U.S. dairy exports will be increasingly important as new processing plants come online

The U.S. economy continues to outpace earlier expectations, but rural industries are disproportionately exposed to federal policy and face downside risks in the coming year

Reduced demand due to export market headwinds, change in U.S. biofuel policy would lift the profit outlook for grain storage

National wireless operators’ appetite for fiber assets expected to fuel a resurgence of activity

DENVER, Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CoBank, a cooperative bank serving agribusinesses, rural infrastructure providers and Farm Credit associations throughout the United States, announced today that it plans to offer preferred stock in a transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

FAIR OAKS, IN, Nov. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Seven Farm Credit System institutions have partnered with Indiana-based Lake States Dairy Center to enhance public knowledge and education of sustainable agricultural practices, livestock and food production at Fair Oaks Farms. 

DENVER, Nov. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Changing consumer preferences suggest whole turkeys may be losing their grip as the dominant center-of-plate choice for Thanksgiving dinner. While ample turkey supplies and favorable prices leading into the holiday season indicate turkey will retain its position as the traditional protein of choice this Thanksgiving, consumer trends are making the future less certain. Growing demand for convenience, longer-term pressure on turkey supplies and increasing competition from beef and pork marketers may all impact the longevity of the holiday turkey. 

DENVER, Nov. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Food and beverage manufacturers are refining their merger and acquisition efforts to address strategic business imperatives and keep pace with evolving consumer demand trends. While M&A activity in the sector has slowed considerably in 2024, recent moves reflect two key themes that will likely continue when the pace of dealmaking picks up. 

Farmers and biofuel producers eagerly await new 45Z tax credit set to take effect in 2025

AI technology and data center investments are expected to propel economic growth, but limitations of U.S. electricity supply could put that in jeopardy

Key milk components required to produce cheese, butter and other dairy products keep growing while fluid milk production has steadily declined

Despite the chorus of concerns about data centers overwhelming the grid, the rapidly growing sector is uniquely positioned to invest in transforming it

Changing consumer perceptions about private label brands fuel sales growth, market share gains and category expansion

Multitude of potential tailwinds could bring a reversal of fortunes in the months to come

Despite slipping fluid milk sales, refrigerated dairy aisle remains the largest category in retail

Declining U.S. birth rates, aging population will limit supply of native-born workers entering the labor pool

DENVER, June 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CoBank, a cooperative bank serving agribusinesses, rural infrastructure providers and Farm Credit associations throughout the United States, today announced that Sean Burke has been appointed as the bank’s new Chief Financial Officer, effective July 16, 2024.

Poor growing conditions in key coffee producing countries and increasing worldwide demand driving prices higher

Data centers turn to secondary and rural markets to meet skyrocketing demand and soaring energy requirements

Lower interest rates are coming, but the Fed will err on the side of caution

Generational shift fueling surge in sales of fresh pet foods with wellness-oriented claims

Renewable diesel boom creates opportunities, potential challenges for the U.S. soy complex

Industry fragmentation, macroeconomic headwinds will temper rate of M&A activity, industry consolidation

Increasing cost of raising heifer calves leads to a steep decline in dairy replacements

As U.S. consumers pay more for chocolate confections, volume sales come under pressure

Widespread adoption of genomic testing is fueling big gains in production, efficiency and sustainability

Slowdown in consumer spending will create headwinds for the U.S. economy in 2024

Farmers have been reluctant to sell following a sharp drop in corn and soybean prices

Butterfat content in the U.S. milk supply climbs as demand for butter, cheese and other dairy foods grows

Emerging new business model will increase competition as more internet service providers enter the market

Attractive incentives for point-source carbon capture projects will accelerate pace of investment, adoption

2023 Farm Bill prospects dim with Congress mired in tense partisanship and upheaval

Agribusinesses, food companies can find opportunity in serving low-access rural residents

Profitability outlook for wheat storage improves, but tight global supplies bring risk of price volatility

Consumer preference for broadband and wireless bundle prompts rural operators to expand service offerings

Yield losses would add pressure to already tight supplies, late season heat boosts outlook for soybean oil prices

Increased global demand for U.S. rice will ultimately give way to falling prices when India’s ban is lifted

High price points and other lingering obstacles trigger sharp decline in sales

Depressed hog values amid sky-high production costs compound producers’ challenges

Rebound in labor force participation a bright spot for businesses and a key to economic recovery

Increasing frequency of weather-related disasters sends commercial property premiums to new highs

U.S. communications assets remain attractive, consolidation within private market will continue

High interest rates and crop prices send grain ownership and inventory costs to record levels

Surging international demand for LNG could bring tighter supplies, rising prices, increased volatility

Persistent inflation suggests an additional rate hike in May is likely before the Federal Reserve pauses

Likely crop cycle downturn in 2024 will usher in new set of challenges for ag retailers

National carriers’ network expansion creates opportunity for rural communications companies

Customer engagement, time-of-use charging rate incentives could help electric distributors manage demand

The Federal Reserve rate hike cycle will soon end, but commodity market supplies remain vulnerable

U.S. economic forecast darkens as efforts to tamp down persistent inflation continue

T-Mobile and Verizon gobbling up market share with fixed wireless access service

The worst HPAI outbreak in U.S. history takes another bite out of turkey supplies

While initial services are limited, new technology and strategic partnerships will fuel growth

Partnerships will be key for rural operators looking to capitalize on edge computing business opportunity

As efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions accelerate, U.S. biofuels sector is positioned for expansion