High interest rates and a strong US dollar are taking a disproportionate toll on rural industries, including agriculture, as US exports are more expensive and imports cheaper, according to a quarterly report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange. “The challenge for agriculture and other rural industries that rely heavily on global markets is their export partners simply can’t afford to buy US products,” said Rob Fox, director of CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange. “When you combine the loss of exports with a general slowdown in the US economy, it’s a double whammy for many businesses operating in rural America.”

The widening gap between increasing demand and insufficient domestic supply will lead to rising wheat imports in Eastern sub-Saharan Africa (ESSA) in the coming years, and the region’s flour milling sector also is expected to grow during that time, according to a recently published report from Rabobank. The study, which was authored by Vito Martielli and Al Griffin, members of RaboResearch’s Food & Agribusiness Global Grains and Oilseeds sector team, examines potential long-term challenges and opportunities for the region’s grain and milling sectors.

China is scouring the globe for wheat, with annual imports on track to hit record levels, as buyers scoop up cheap supplies after heavy rains damaged the domestic crop. Following a splurge on Australian wheat earlier in the year, large quantities have been booked this month from some of the other main exporters, including the US, Canada and France, according to traders, who declined to be identified discussing private business.

In a series of articles on U.S. supply chain transportation, we have explored the importance of barging and rail on U.S. wheat exports and how they contribute to the reliability of the U.S. marketing system. Barging and rail account for 89% of all U.S. wheat export shipments. After traveling through the inland logistics system, on average, 90% of all U.S. wheat is exported via maritime transportation routes. Ocean freight is pivotal in wheat exports as the primary mode of transporting U.S. wheat to importers worldwide.

Join NAWG’s advocacy campaign to engage with legislators on increasing Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) programs authorized in the Farm Bill. MAP’s authorized funding has not changed since 2006 and FMD funding has remained the same since 2002. Inflation and sequestration have significantly eroded our ability to compete with other countries who are steadily investing more in their agricultural export promotion efforts. Please visit NAWG’s website to participate in the grassroots efforts to make your voice heard.

As Congress faces another pressing deadline to fund the government and the U.S. House grinds to a halt without a speaker, the reauthorization of the nation’s agriculture and hunger programs has taken a back seat. But lawmakers tasked with shepherding the new version maintain their progress is “in good shape.” The previous farm bill expired September 30th.

Idaho Wheat has partnered with Bayer Crop Science to host a tour of the phosphate mine and plant facility, where wheat growers will learn about how phosphate ore is mined and processed to produce fertilizer, as well as phosphorous. Growers will also learn how crop protection can increase profitability.Space will be limited so reserve your spot today!