Knowledge Exchange archive

Heavy farmer selling, higher carrying costs and rising freight rates are increasing liquidity risks for grain merchandisers in 2026/27.

How SpaceX and other satellite operators could disrupt mobile service, challenge major wireless carriers and expand coverage in rural America.

Generative artificial intelligence is reshaping workplace tasks and slowing hiring, but gradual adoption rather than layoffs will define its labor impact.

Grilling season demand was durable for beef, chicken and pork, but each sector now faces a different margin challenge in the final quarter of 2026.

U.S. biofuel demand is rising as mandates and 45Z tax credits boost soybean oil use and ethanol production, increasing import and export needs.

Protecting America’s drinking water requires cybersecurity investment and support, especially for smaller utilities.

Election pressures, trade disputes and Farm Bill delays heighten economic uncertainty for agriculture and rural America.

FERC reforms aim to accelerate grid interconnections, but financing, permitting and transmission barriers could still limit new power supplies.

Produce-related foodborne illness outbreaks have weakened consumer trust, disrupted sales and increased pressure for transparency, traceability and stronger safety standards.

Weather-driven supply losses are tightening U.S. cotton, rice and sugar markets, lifting prices despite demand risks and rising imports.

Soaring diesel and fertilizer costs are outpacing crop-price gains, squeezing farm margins and forcing difficult, high-stakes decisions for the 2027 crop year.

Rising food costs are pushing consumers toward value while squeezing margins for packaged food brands and retailers.