Late-winter U.S. agriculture faces rapid swings: intermittent rain/snow, brisk post-frontal winds, and patchy frost from the Southeast to western valleys. Fieldwork windows are short and regional. Watch West Coast storm-track pulses, Gulf-front showers/storms, and Southern High Plains fire weather. Protect blooming crops and livestock; consult local NWS forecasts.
On-the-go soil sensors mounted on planters map soils in real time, calibrated with lab cores to guide variable-rate seeding, nitrogen, lime, and planter downforce. Fusing EC/EMI, vis–NIR, gamma, and compaction data improves input efficiency, yield stability, and sustainability, with payback in 1–3 seasons despite moisture, residue, and calibration challenges.
U.S. farm policy this week centers on securing funding, negotiating farm-nutrition packages, and clarifying environmental, water, and trade rules. Expect congressional oversight, draft text, USDA and EPA updates, and trade signals. Producers watch crop insurance, conservation enrollments, compliance guidance, biofuels incentives, and export data shaping risk management and planting decisions.
On August 24, U.S. agriculture has faced pivotal shocks and shifts: Hurricane Andrew (1992) devastated South Florida’s nurseries and tropical fruit sector, prompting stronger building codes and risk management; the Salad Bowl strike (1970) ignited in Salinas, driving boycotts and reforms that culminated in California’s Agricultural Labor Relations Act; and the South Napa earthquake (2014) damaged winery infrastructure, spurring seismic upgrades and continuity planning. Together, these moments underscore resilience—hardening critical infrastructure, centering fair labor, and layering insurance, diversification, and contingency tools to navigate compounding climate and market risks.
Late-August U.S. vegetable supplies are seasonally plentiful, led by California’s Central Coast and the Midwest/East. New-crop Northwest onions and early WA/ID potatoes are ramping, easing markets, while tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, sweet corn, and green beans remain promotable. Leafy greens are steady, though heat can trim quality; tropical systems could disrupt Southeast harvests and freight. Reefer capacity is adequate but may tighten ahead of Labor Day as ads pull volume late week. Buyers: lean into promos on onions and summer veg, manage heat-sensitive items, pre-book capacity, and dual-source near storm zones.
On August 21, 1856, Townsend Harris, America’s first consul to Japan, arrived in Shimoda, initiating formal U.S.-Japan trade relations. This pivotal moment opened the door for agricultural exchange, introducing American crops like corn and wheat to Japan while bringing Japanese silk and tea to U.S. markets. The agreement fostered modernization in Japanese farming and expanded global agricultural trade, laying the groundwork for the interconnected food systems we know today.
Wholesale vegetable prices remain elevated after July’s sharp surge of nearly 39% year-over-year, driven by tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and seasonal weather challenges. Leafy greens like romaine and iceberg lettuce saw the biggest gains, while onions and cucumbers also trended higher. Potatoes and mushrooms held steady, and celery eased slightly. Over the next week, prices are expected to stay above seasonal norms, with volatility likely for lettuce, cucumbers, and peppers, while potatoes and mushrooms remain stable.
Wheat futures edged higher to around $5.06/bu after short-covering and spillover support from corn and soybeans, but prices remain under pressure from abundant global supplies and strong Russian exports. USDA estimates U.S. wheat production at 1.93B bushels with yields of 52.7 bpa, slightly above last year. Export sales reached 722,900 MT, near the top of expectations. Over the next week, futures are expected to trade between $4.95–$5.15, with favorable weather aiding harvest and global competition likely capping gains.
Soybean futures climbed to $10.56/bu, supported by strong export sales and localized crop stress reported by the Pro Farmer Crop Tour. USDA projects a 4.29B bushel crop with a record yield of 53.6 bpa, keeping overall supply ample despite regional dryness. Old-crop shipments remain strong, but new-crop export commitments lag amid uncertain Chinese demand. Over the next week, prices are expected to trade between $10.30–$10.70, with weather mostly favorable and final crop tour results likely to influence sentiment.
ICE cotton futures held steady, with December closing at 67.6¢/lb as USDA’s report projected 13.2M bales, the second-lowest U.S. crop in a decade. Despite reduced acreage, global supply remains ample due to strong Brazilian and Chinese output. U.S. export sales for 2024/25 are solid, but new-crop bookings lag. Crop conditions improved to 53% good-to-excellent, supporting yield prospects. Over the next week, prices are expected to hover between 66–69¢/lb, with weather favorable and global competition likely capping gains.
Corn futures edged up to $4.05/bu after earlier lows, but the market remains under pressure from USDA’s record crop forecast of 16.7B bushels and 188.8 bpa yield. Crop conditions are strong at 71% good-to-excellent, and early southern harvest adds supply pressure. Exports are up 28% YoY, though global competition persists. Over the next 7 days, prices may retest $3.75–$3.85, with weather mostly favorable and Pro Farmer Crop Tour results likely to influence sentiment.