Ag Groups Seek Shipping Reforms and Farmer Sentiment Weakens
**A coalition of ag groups seeks Senate consideration of shipping reforms.
Specifically, they hope the Senate considers the House-passed Ocean Shipping Reform Act, or similar legislation.
In a letter to lawmakers, the Ag Transportation Coalition
said, “The transportation crisis for U.S. agriculture products has become increasingly dire, adding, it’s essential the Senate also pass legislation to allow US agriculture to remain viable in global markets.”
**At one time, the ethanol industry appeared to have put the COVID-19 lull in the rearview mirror with sky-high output and profit margins matched up.
BUT, Reuters says demand is dropping while oil prices rise, which is leading to a record level of ethanol stocks.
America’s ethanol stocks reached the lowest point in five years in December, but jumped more than 18% in January, the biggest jump in records going back to 2010.
**Farmer sentiment weakened in January as the Purdue University CME Group Ag Economy Barometer declined six points to 119, it's second-lowest reading since July 2020.
The Current Conditions Index fell 13 points to 133, while the Future Expectations changed little in January, down two points at 112.
Rising farm input costs and ongoing supply chain disruptions appear to be contributing to producers' weaker perception of current conditions and expectations of their farm's financial performance in 2022.