Producer optimism increased in May, according to a survey conducted the same week USDA released details about the $16 billion in direct payments through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.

A measure of the state of farm country dropped for the second month in a row, “effectively wiping out the improvement in sentiment that took place following the 2016 election.”

A measurement of producer optimism set a record in February, eclipsing the old record set only one month earlier, but a survey to determine that measurement occurred before some key events last month.

EPA taps Busterud to Region 9 administrator, and American Egg Board President and CEO Anne Alonzo steps down.

Producer optimism shot up in January on the backs of expected business with China after the two countries signed a “phase one” trade deal.

Despite harvest challenges in many parts of the country, farmers last month reported a positive stance on the farm economy.

After a major decline in August, the Ag Economy Barometer declined again in September as producers “were noticeably more pessimistic about current conditions on their farms and in the U.S. economy.”

Four months after the CME Group “declared victory over cattle market volatility,” the futures exchange offered yet another surprise for the cattle industry.