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Join us for the latest economic update and interest rate outlook to discover what could be in store for the remainder of 2024 and which factors might impact your business planning for 2025 and beyond. https://bit.ly/3AvYCQy

As a leading developer of renewable energy projects across the U.S., Clearway Energy Group is clearing the way for clean energy. With over 9,000 megawatts of clean energy assets in its portfolio – and even more in the pipeline! “We’re excited not only by our growth but by overcoming challenges that accompany the renewable energy business,” said Steve Ryder, CFO of Clearway. “CoBank’s understanding of our financial needs and their reliability are critical to our success.” Together, we’re powering a cleaner, more sustainable future. Read the full story: https://bit.ly/3XaodY9

I just discovered something neat this week. Earlier this year I was able to collaborate with Dave Weaber from Terrain to provide a comprehensive look at how the markets were impacting red meat and poultry supply as the summer grilling season kicked off. We were joined by Chris DuBois with Circana who delivered some powerful insight on how consumer behavior has been evolving at the meat case through an inflationary environment. The feedback on the format and content from those that attended proved positive. What I discovered is that if you missed the session, it's not too late to check it out, the links now have a landing page. Also, folks can check out any of the other webinars CoBank's Knowledge Exchange has provided this year through the following link: https://lnkd.in/ddKc9C6D #meat #chicken #insights #consumer #demand #grocery #inflation #pork CoBank

What a day here at FreeState! We celebrated our Sharing Success grant recipient, HORSES & HEROES INC. This was the cooperative's biggest gift to date. Our employees and trustees knocked it out of the park this year to rally and raise $16,497 (100% participation). Thanks to a $10,000 matching grant from CoBank we were able to hand over a check for $26,947. Read more about this gift and their incredible work for military and first-responder families at https://freestate.pub/HH24. https://lnkd.in/gdKYjzBM

A window has opened for #dairy. Crop prices have been steadily dropping this summer to reach a five-year low. Admittedly not good if you are a crop farmer but an opportunity for those raising livestock. On the flip side, milk futures on the CME Group have firmed up through the fall and early winter. Also, bull calves are bringing near record prices. Just this past week, I sold an 84-pound Holstein bull calf and netted $516.80. Top quality beef-on-dairy calves are nearly double that figure. This would be a good time to consider locking in some farm inputs and milk prices as marketing decisions just may be the most important management decision for your business.

I had the honor of speaking on a panel at the CU Denver J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities and Energy Management last week to discuss structural changes in agricultural commodity markets. Global trade and biofuel policies took the spotlight as the major drivers. Brazil will undeniably take a greater share of global trade in multiple commodities in the future. With only incremental increases in U.S. demand for grains and oilseeds coming from livestock, hopes are high on biofuels - especially SAF (sustainable aviation fuel). While SAF could provide meaningful increases for U.S. grains and oilseeds as export demand dwindles, SAF presently is more of a hope than a certainty. Without a material and sustained growth in biofuel demand, the U.S. will be tasked with finding new profit opportunities in production agriculture. The rise of India, for instance, may offer new export opportunities for crops like peas and lentils long term. Those changes, though, will require innovation and investment across the supply chain and embracing pro-trade policies. While of those challenges are not small, the early innovators will be the ones who profit the most. #grain #oilseeds #agriculture #commodities CoBank

I'm thrilled to share I have completed my summer internship at CoBank as a Third Party Risk Intern! I am incredibly thankful for this rewarding experience, the meaningful connections I've made, and the skills I've developed along the way. During my time at CoBank, I had the opportunity to risk assess a vast number of third party products and services to ensure the safe onboarding of vendors into the enterprise. I also built out a Center of Excellence as a third party risk resource center, providing critical support to all associates, particularly vendor relationship owners. Additionally, I contributed to hosting the Business Continuity/Third Party Risk Symposium! A huge thank you to Kaya L. Taylor for her invaluable support and guidance through this experience. Her leadership and advice have been key contributors to my growth and success.

Amazon has become a data center company that just so happens to have an online shopping business with some delivery trucks. This chart puts into perspective how big Amazon Web Services is relative to other popular brands. And to think this whole generative AI trend is just getting started... #cobank #AI

A big way to support your customer is by also supporting their communities and causes they care about. CoBank’s Sharing Success Program doubles its customer’s contributions to the organizations of their choice – raising tens of millions of dollars for countless communities. https://bit.ly/4c5rqxB