Interest rates rise: Ag bankers are charging slightly higher interest rates on operating loans after rates reached record lows at the end of 2020, but rates for real estate loans have continued to decline and hit a new record low this year. (Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City)
Drought eases in Midwest: The region “has become a bit of a battleground,” with recent rains improving conditions overall and particularly in Wisconsin and Iowa. In Minnesota, however, the drought has worsened. (Drought Monitor)
Brazil No. 1: The longtime leader in global soybean production is likely to remain the top producer for the coming decade, thanks to more land being planted to the oilseed and improvements in the transportation network. (Farmdoc Daily)
Seed ‘mystery’ solved: The most likely explanation for the “mystery seeds from China” furor of 2020 is that after they were ordered by the recipients, they were delayed so long in shipment that the purchasers forgot about them. (Atlantic)
Tyson recall widens: A recall by Tyson Foods of 8.96 million pounds of ready-to-eat chicken products now includes additional products produced by other food makers and retailers. (Food Safety and Inspection Service)