Florida Hurricane Aid Available and Corn Forecast Higher
From the Western Ag Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**Florida Ag Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced that
Florida farmers and ranchers impacted by Hurricane Isaias can apply for interest-free loans through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program.
www.morningagclips.com reports eligible producers can apply for up to a half-million dollars in loans to restore, repair, or replace essential property, like fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings, or to remove debris or restock aquaculture.
For details, go to FDACS.gov.
www.morningagclips.com/commissioner-wilton-simpson-launches-loan-program-for-florida-farmers-impacted-by-hurricane-isaias/
**The USDA and Federal Trade Commission have launched a joint public inquiry into potential anticompetitive practices in agricultural equipment markets, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The agencies say it’s in response to complaints from farmers about barriers to purchasing equipment and repair services.
Progressive Farmer reports regulators are seeking information on whether manufacturers or dealers are restricting competition and how those practices may affect farmers, independent repair shops and rural communities.
**USDA raised its corn production forecast, projecting larger supplies than anticipated in October’s World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates.
USDA increased its estimated national corn yield by 2.7 bushels per acre to 181.2, up from September's 178.5 forecast.
DTN reports, the increase pushed projected corn production to 16.03 billion bushels, compared with 15.8 last month.
The corn outlook could pressure grain prices as farmers harvest this year’s crop.
