Top 5 Things to Watch

By DTN Staff

OMAHA (DTN) -- Here are the Top 5 things the DTN Newsroom is tracking for the week of Sept. 22. Watch for coverage of these and other topics through the week on our subscription platforms as well as on www.DTNPF.com.

Note that all report release times are Central Daylight Time unless otherwise noted.

1. Borrowing plans for new rate environment: The Federal Reserve has taken its first step to lower interest rates, but for most farmers the savings from this cut alone are barely a drop in the bucket. We'll visit with experts about ways to navigate the new lending environment including using supplier financing, managing working capital and analyzing the ROI on your inputs.

2. Celebrating ag's voices: This week sees a continuation of our series on Voices for Agriculture, an outgrowth of the special section on ag supporters in the August issue of Progressive Farmer. You'll find those pieces appearing the next several weeks. To view the full magazine section, go here: https://www.dtnpf.com/….

3. Crop weather: The next weather system moving through Midwest had the promise of rain, but it appears any precipitation will shift to the more southern parts of the region. This could delay harvest for a short period, but many farmers will appreciate the break and the moisture. There is a possible storm coming out of the Gulf of Mexico late in the week, which could brew up the next tropical storm.

4. Seed-buying season starts: We'll also feature the latest in seed selection news fresh from the September issue of Progressive Farmer. Watch for stories on hybrid production, the latest traits and other kernels of seed knowledge in the coming weeks.

5. Economic reports line-up: Monday reports start at 8:45 a.m. with the S&P Services PMI and Manufacturing PMI. At 10 a.m. grain inspections come in. At 2 p.m. USDA releases the Chicken and Eggs report, followed by the 3 p.m. release of USDA NASS weekly Crop Progress report. Tuesday begins at 8 a.m. with the S&P Case-Shiller home price index, followed by the latest Consumer Confidence index at 9 a.m. On Wednesday, the latest New Home Sales report is out at 9 a.m., followed by the 9:30 a.m. release of EIA's Weekly Petroleum Status report including ethanol production. At 2 p.m. Broiler Hatchery and Poultry Slaughter numbers are out. Thursday there is the 7:30 a.m. release of Grain Export Sales, Initial Jobless Claims, Durable Goods Orders, and Q2 GDP. At 9 a.m. the latest Pending Home Sales report, then the 2 p.m. release of the Hogs and Pigs report. Friday is a busy morning, with the 7:30 a.m. release of Advance International Trade in Goods, Personal Income and Personal Spending and the U.S. Trade Balance in goods. At 2 p.m. the Agricultural Prices report hits, followed by the 2:30 p.m. CFTC Commitment of Traders (COT) report.

Bonus DTN content: The 2024 election cycle is in the home stretch, and although a lot of attention is being taken up by the Presidential race -- when it comes to agricultural policy -- the results of Senate and House races are likely to have even more of an impact.
The farm community has been waiting for years for the passage of the next farm bill, but that legislation is currently on the sidelines as Congress aims to avert a government shutdown after Sept. 30.

In the latest Field Posts podcast, hosted by Sarah Mock, DTN Ag Policy Editor Chris Clayton discusses key elements of the major party platforms from immigration priorities to tax and tariff plans to the future of fuels and energy. Then they dig into the potential changes further down the ticket and how the departure of long-time ag ally Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., might affect future Farm Bills.
Clayton also talks about the likely effects of transitioning political regimes on existing and ongoing policy at the USDA, EPA, and even the Department of the Treasury, where the biofuels community is awaiting news on how a tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel will be reshaped, potentially opening big market opportunities for corn demand.

Lastly, he checks in on a potential round of farm aid in the works, how Clayton plans to follow political news in the coming weeks, and so much more.

You can listen to this and other Field Posts podcasts at https://www.dtnpf.com/…, https://www.buzzsprout.com/… and they're also available on podcast hosting sites such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Watch for the latest news at www.dtnpf.com, and follow and like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dtnprogressivefarmer. You can find our news on Instagram as well. Give us a follow @dtn.agnews

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