FarmSmart Expo Youth Day

Key market movers to watch include hogs and dairy

Key reports that farmers should watch which could have significant impacts on commodity markets the week of March 23, 2025.

NOAA Spring Forecast: Dry for Southern Plains, Western US

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s spring forecast looks dry for the western Corn Belt and the US southern Plains, where more moisture is needed. Released Thursday, the forecast for temperature, precipitation, drought, and flooding for the coming months indicates that drought development is likely across the central and southern Plains, where much of the American Hard Red Winter crop is grown (see map below). Meanwhile, much of the western U.S. is favoured to receive below-average precipitation, with drought expected to persist across much of North Dakota and Minnesota, South Dakota and Nebraska, along with the northwestern corner of Iowa. That may speed planting could impact early crop development. In contrast, above normal precipitation is forecast in the Great Lakes region, which could slow spring planting Above-average spring temperatures are also likely across much of the US, including locations that experienced colder-than-average temperatures and unu

WCI Welcomes David Hoekstra as its Interim Executive Director

Western Crop Innovations (WCI) has announced the appointment of David Hoekstra as its interim executive director. Hoekstra brings extensive leadership experience in agricultural research, business development, and strategic advisory roles. Hoekstra previously held leadership positions at Big Marble Farms, first as general manager and later as vice president of business development. He also brings experience as finance chair and director at the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada. Additionally, he has played a key role in advancing agricultural innovation as a former director at Results-Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR). “We are very fortunate to have Mr. David Hoekstra join us at WCI as our interim executive director. With his corporate experience in business strategy and record of success in building relationships and managing facilities, it was an easy decision for our board to secure his services,” said Jason Lenz, interim board chair. “In the near term, David will lead efforts

EU Tariffs on U.S. Grain will have no Impact Short-Term

How will European tariffs on corn and soybeans impact U.S. grain demand?

Grape and wine cluster research to be shared April 17

Hosted in collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), the Canadian Grapevine Certification Network (CGCN-RCCV), and the British Columbia Wine Grape Council (BCWGC), this national meeting will showcase the final results of AAFC's research conducted under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) Grape and Wine Science Cluster (2018-2023).