Author Archives: Keith Good

Housing Market Running Out of Fuel- Due to Short Supply

Bloomberg writer Prashant Gopal reported late last week that, “The U.S. housing market, which has been a bright spot in the pandemic-battered economy, is running out of fuel. “With buyers eager to take advantage of low mortgage rates, the inventory of homes to buy is scarce. That’s driving up prices and threatening to derail the… Continue Reading

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USDA Reminds Farmers of September 30 Deadline to Update Safety-Net Program Crop Yields

A news release Friday from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) stated that, “[FSA] reminds farm owners of the September 30 deadline to update Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program yields for covered commodities on the farm. This is a one-time opportunity for producers to update yields, which are used to calculate 2020 through 2023 payments. “‘Don’t… Continue Reading

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Bayer Resolves More Roundup Cases

Reuters writer Tom Hals reported yesterday that, “Attorneys for Bayer AG and consumers suing the company over allegations its Roundup weedkiller caused cancer told a judge on Thursday they are continuing to resolve thousands more cases, improving prospects for its $11 billion deal to end the litigation. “The hearing was a contrast to the contentious tone… Continue Reading

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ESG Investors Finding it Hard to Incorporate Food in Their Portfolios

Billy Nauman reported yesterday at The Financial Times Online that, “Food is at the nexus of practically every major sustainability issue: what we eat today determines not just our own health tomorrow, but also that of the planet. So the sector should be an obvious focus for ESG investors, who want their money to contribute to… Continue Reading

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Soon, Companies Will Be Able to Track the Carbon Emission From an Ear of Corn

Bloomberg writer Justina Vasquez reported earlier this month that, “Companies will be soon able to track the carbon emissions from an ear of corn to a pork chop, allowing them to market products to environmentally conscious eaters. “Farmer’s Business Network Inc. — which has been likened to an ‘Amazon’ for farmers — has launched Gro… Continue Reading

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Infarm Raises $170 Million

Bloomberg writer Katharine Gemmell reported last week that, “Infarm said it attracted $170 million in the first close of a fundraising round to help the farming tech company expand globally, as investors pile cash into the emerging industry that’s experienced a surge of interest during the Covid-19 pandemic. “The Berlin-based company expects the round to… Continue Reading

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USDA to Provide Additional Direct Assistance to Farmers and Ranchers Impacted by the Coronavirus

A news release Friday from USDA stated that, “President Donald J. Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced up to an additional $14 billion dollars for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. Signup for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2) will begin September… Continue Reading

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COVID-19 Impacts on Home Ownership: Likely More Forced Sales and New Renters

Ryan Dezember reported today at The Wall Street Journal Online that, “Americans with mortgages have accumulated nearly $10 trillion in home equity thanks to a decade of rising home prices. Yet millions of them have fallen behind on mortgage payments and risk losing their houses. “It is a potential bonanza for rental-home investors. Since the… Continue Reading

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USDA Announces Whole-Farm Revenue Protection Program Improvements

A news release yesterday from USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) stated that, “[RMA] announced modifications to the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) program to decrease paperwork and recordkeeping burdens for direct marketers beginning with the 2021 crop year. “‘These changes will allow more direct marketers who previously could not meet reporting requirements a way to participate… Continue Reading

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U.S. Homebuilder Optimism Rose to a Record in September

Bloomberg writer Craig Giammona reported today that, “U.S. homebuilder optimism rose to a record in September, with low mortgage rates driving a housing boom that has boosted the pandemic economy. “A gauge of builder sentiment jumped five points from a month earlier to 83, beating estimates and hitting the highest level in 35 years of… Continue Reading

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