Farm Progress

Catch up on beef price-fixing investigations, Black Sea trade challenges, a new fast food item on the menu and more!

Rachel Schutte, Content Producer

May 27, 2022

2 Min Read
Collage with corn harvest, capitol building and angus beef cattle

Did you miss some agricultural news this week? We have you covered. Here’s a recap of the top headlines in agriculture from around the country.

UAW strike against CNHi continues

Talks between United Auto Workers and Case New Holland Industrial were halted Thursday, May 19 after a proposal from the company that included increased wages that would be largely offset by more costly health insurance. Case's proposal included a raise averaging 6% over three years, but the insurance package outlined would require higher employee contributions, along with higher deductibles. – The Hawk Eye

FTC asked to investigate beef price fixing

A resolution introduced by Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., invokes a 1914 act authorizing the president or Congress to direct the Federal Trade Commission to investigate alleged antitrust violations. The resolution directs the FTC to report within one year on anticompetitive practices and violations of antitrust law in the beef packing industry. – Farm Progress

Black swan in the Black Sea

Commodity markets have largely recovered from the initial shock of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but price volatility will continue to batter commodity markets, creating once-in-a-lifetime pricing opportunities for grain farmers. Farm Futures released a four-part series about the impacts of the Ukrainian war on U.S. grain markets and potential implications to watch as the growing season unfolds, providing a detailed analysis of corn, wheat, fertilizer and edible oil markets. – Farm Futures

Russia blames sanctions for food crisis

Moscow pressed the West to lift sanctions against Russia, seeking to shift the blame for a growing food crisis worsened by Kyiv’s inability to ship millions of tons of grain and agricultural products. Western officials dismissed those claims noting that food, fertilizer and seeds are exempt from sanctions. – Associated Press

New equipment: lease or buy?

Often farmers ponder lease vs. buy when it comes to equipment, but perhaps that’s not the first step. Considering your financial team and how you work together can help take the complexity out of purchase questions. Also, here’s what the Farm Progress PANEL had to say about how they will purchase their next equipment. – Farm Progress

USDA assistance amid baby formula shortage

A shortage of infant formula has limited access to the product nationwide. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it will temporarily cover the cost of baby formula for low-income families dependent on government discounts in states contracted with formula makers Nestle and Reckitt. – Reuters

Arby’s offers Wagyu Steakhouse Burger

Typically, there's nothing groundbreaking about a fast-food chain selling a hamburger. But Arby's has never sold one — until now. For a limited time, Arby’s is adding the Wagyu Steakhouse Burger to its menu for $5.99. The company says the new burger, made of a blend of Wagyu beef and ground beef, will be the “highest-quality burger the market has seen yet.” – CNN Business

About the Author(s)

Rachel Schutte

Content Producer, Farm Futures

Rachel grew up in central Wisconsin and earned a B.S. in soil and crop science from the University of Wisconsin - Platteville. Before joining the Farm Futures team, Rachel spent time in the field as an agronomist before transitioning to the world of marketing and communications. She now resides in northeast Iowa where she enjoys raising bottle calves and farming corn and soybeans alongside her husband and his family.

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