Podcasts about Corn Belt

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 Farm Bailout - How Will it Look?4:02 Fed Rate Cut5:42 Bearish Wheat Headlines8:23 Canada Production9:34 Ethanol Production

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 Building Drought6:13 USDA Preview9:41 Export Sales12:21 Brazil's Crop Report14:20 Inflation is Up

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 Intro0:49 USDA Preview3:38 Argentina Situation7:22 Positive (ish) Soybean Spin10:11 Biofuel Back and Forth12:15 Ethanol Production

We've discussed the impact of President Trump's trade policy on producers here in the UK, we now turn our attention to American farmers, who are being hit by retaliatory tariffs imposed on American products by countries around the world. The American Soybean Association says that exports to China have practically halted after China imposed an extra 20% tariff in response to American tariffs on Chinese goods. China is instead importing soya from South America because it's cheaper, just as it did during President Trump's first trade war in 2018. Low prices for US corn and soybean, combined with rising costs are already placing pressure on farm incomes. And with record high yields predicted for the upcoming harvest, some forecasters are warning of an over-supply of crops without a customer, potentially adding further downward pressure on US grain prices.Woodland creation is one of the most important ways of helping us meet our climate change targets, and that starts with seeds. But they're not always easily available, sometimes British supply is short or not up to scratch, leading to a reliance on less genetically appropriate imports, which carry a risk of pests and diseases. To solve that problem, the domestic production of seeds is being expanded at Forestry England's new Tree Seed Processing Centre in Cheshire. And keeping an ear on on farmland birds is becoming easier with the use of AI.Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

Corn and soybeans found a solid close on the day Thursday while KC wheat was able to reverse off lows to some degree as well. Have we possibly put in a harvest low in the grain markets? How has weather impacted the finish to this crop season? Also, we saw more pressure in cattle futures and that makes you wonder if the top is in there? Shawn Hackett with Hackett Financial Advisors joins us to break this all down on today's show. More at https://www.hackettadvisors.com. Also, as harvest approaches in the Northern Plains and northwestern Corn Belt, many soybean growers are facing cash basis that is crumbling amid a lack of business to China through the PNW. Jim Thompson, chairman of the ND Soybean Council, and Justin Sherlock, president of the ND Soybean Growers Association, joined us to discuss the current situation with North Dakota soybeans and the trade and export issues with China. In Segment One, we learn more about Elanco Animal Health launching a new low-endotoxin vaccine that is tough on disease, but easy on cattle. NUPLURA™ PH+5, which targets respiratory and reproductive pathogens in cattle, is now available for purchase. Dr. Brett Terhaar, Elanco Beef Technical Consultant, joins us to discuss. To learn more, visit farmanimal.elanco.com/us/cattle/product/nuplura, contact your herd health veterinarian or Elanco representative.

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.

Soybeans struggled to start the month of September with futures down double digits and cash basis continuing to look horrendous in many areas of the northwestern Corn Belt. Meanwhile, corn had another solid day with small gains out of the Labor Day weekend while cattle finished mixed after a higher start. Brian Splitt with AgMarket.net joins us for a conversation and technical analysis of the markets to start the month of September. Find more online at https://www.agmarket.net. There is some talk of frost across parts of the Upper Midwest, maybe even as far south as northern Iowa, later this week. We get an update on that potential, talk about the dry August, low Mississippi River water levels again and much more. Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions joins us for our Weekly Weather Update. More at https://www.ag-wx.com. And as corn enters the home stretch of the 2025 season, many farmers are heading out to their fields to estimate yields. AgriGold Agronomist Sam McCord has some important tips to consider when estimating yield and why it's important to fine-tune field-by-field yield estimates. Learn more as well online at https://www.agrigold.com.

In this week's Market Outlook, Andy Hruby and Jeff Fichtelman discuss harvest timing, yield uncertainty, and the surprising strength of basis in parts of the Corn Belt. They highlight strategies for storage, cash flow planning, and negotiating pushes, as well as government programs and potential demand drivers like E15 and sustainable aviation fuel. The conversation also covers forward-looking decisions for 2026 acreage, cost-of-production awareness, and disciplined marketing in both corn and soybeans.

Listen to the SF Daily podcast for today, August 28, 2025, with host Lorrie Boyer. These quick and informative episodes cover the commodity markets, weather, and the big things happening in agriculture each morning. The ag markets are awaiting harvest data, with solid new crop demand expected, especially for corn. Soybean and wheat bookings are also favorable. Ethanol output fell to its lowest level in three months, averaging 1.07 million metric tons. Cattle futures hit new highs, but boxed beef prices declined. Persistent showers in the Corn Belt may cause flooding. The National Weather Service issued flood warnings and watches for several regions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 "Flash Drought"3:50 Price Action and Charts5:24 US/China Trade Talks8:59 Renewable Investments10:21 Russia's Wheat Crop Keeps Getting Bigger

Listen to the SF Daily podcast for today, August 26, 2025, with host Lorrie Boyer. These quick and informative episodes cover the commodity markets, weather, and the big things happening in agriculture each morning. It's early contract positioning, particularly for September contracts, with uncertain yields and weather impacting the Corn Belt. USDA inspections showed a rise in corn and wheat exports but a decline in soybean inspections. Cattle futures opened lower but recovered due to lower feedlot placements and a new case of the New World screw worm in the U.S. Flood watches were issued for Central Oklahoma, with heavy rain expected. The five-state weekly averages reached new highs, and box beef prices increased. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Listen to the SF Daily podcast for today, August 20, 2025, with host Lorrie Boyer. These quick and informative episodes cover the commodity markets, weather, and the big things happening in agriculture each morning. The Pro Farmer crop tour revealing high yields, potentially missing USDA estimates, and altering market interest. Soybean prices dropped due to the Philippines suspending its biodiesel mandate, impacting global vegetable oil supply. Cooler weather in the Corn Belt will temper evaporation but not increase precipitation. The American Soybean Association urged President Trump to prioritize soybean trade with China, noting the trade war's financial strain on farmers. US soybean exports to China fell, and China has not purchased US soybeans recently. Boxed beef prices increased, driven by reduced slaughter. Heat advisories were issued for the northern plains, with temperatures expected to reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's AgView Pitch, Joe Paulson talks with Greg McBride of Allendale about the latest USDA report, surprising acreage shifts, and what they mean for corn and soybean markets. They cover the Pro Farmer Crop Tour, weather impacts across the Corn Belt, disease and pest pressure, and strategies for storage, marketing, and reownership. Greg highlights record corn demand, bean export challenges with China, and why carry in the market is shaping farmer decisions.

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 Mammoth Corn Crop5:07 BIG Acreage Changes7:13 Soybean Rally10:46 Cargill Revenue Down12:47 Stock Market Rally14:38 Corn Flash

August is coming in hot! After an "extreme" start to pollination with high temps and lots of rain for much of the Corn Belt, we're entering an uncertain period. Will we see extra special yields come harvest? Or will the wild weather deny us?On this week's podcast, the Wyffels agronomy team discusses pollination, grain fill, and the late season fungicide decision.Links discussed in this episode:Wyffels Yield CalculatorBetween the Rows® - Corn Pollination and Grain FillBetween the Rows® - Fungicide Use on Wyffels HybridsWe want to hear from you. Have questions you want us to address on future episodes? Ideas for how we can make this better? Email us at agronomy@wyffels.com. Wyffels Hybrids. Fiercely independent, and proud of it.

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 Joe's Resting B Face1:30 Corn Belt Heat Wave3:28 Argy Meal to China5:08 ADM Stock Rises7:47 Farmer Sentiment9:20 Big Ukraine Crops10:39 Corn Flash

Big corn yield estimates continue to be the of the agriculture industry as we enter into August and the back half of the growing season. As markets continue to grind lower, what could we actually see if these estimates are proven to be correct? What if you combine the U.S. and Brazilian corn supplies; what does that potentially do to the market outlook? Jim McCormick with AgMarket.net joins us today to ponder those questions and share perspective on the recent trade action in grains. We also look at strong rally in cattle futures on Tuesday. Learn more online by visiting https://www.agmarket.net. With much of the Corn Belt receiving timely and plentiful rains, it's important to stay ahead of disease pressure. Nick Frederking, AgriGold agronomist based in Illinois, joins us to talk about the importance of keeping the corn crop healthy for as long as possible. Learn more online as well or find your local retailer at https://www.agrigold.com.

With much of the Corn Belt receiving timely and plentiful rains, it's important to stay ahead of disease pressure. Nick Frederking, AgriGold agronomist based in Illinois, joins us to talk about the importance of keeping the corn crop healthy for as long as possible. Learn more online as well or find your local retailer at https://www.agrigold.com.

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 Corn Yield Bet3:31 Export Sales10:41 Flash Sales11:50 Wet July15:26 Cattle Selloff20:11 US Dollar Rally

Listen to the SF Daily podcast for today, August 1, 2025, with host Lorrie Boyer. These quick and informative episodes cover the commodity markets, weather, and the big things happening in agriculture each morning. Weather conditions remain mostly benign, but crop damage reports from the Corn Belt, particularly in the upper plains, are concerning. The USDA reported a 1.2% month-to-month decline in June farm prices, a 9.2% year-over-year increase, and a 3.1% drop in grain and oilseed prices from May. The US and Mexico extended trade talks for 90 days, and a 15% tariff cap deal was reached with South Korea. Cattle futures faced a correction due to market vulnerability and Brazilian beef tarif Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 120mil Soybean Acres3:38 Soybean Selloff4:51 Excessive Rain?7:50 Ethanol Production8:58 GDP and the Haters

Headlines from this episode: President Trump's tariff deadline is here, more about the U.S. – South Korea trade deal, and an improved weather forecast across the U.S. Corn Belt. Plus, much more!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 Wind Event3:00 Crop Conditions7:38 Big Brazil Crop8:40 US/China Update10:13 US Dollar11:08 Grain Shipments11:52 Flash Sales

This episode breaks down major developments in U.S. trade, agriculture and transportation policy. We cover President Trump's new tariff agreement with Japan and what it means for supply chains and defense contracts. Plus, a look at the potential Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger, the USDA's sweeping reorganization plan and Nebraska's new ban on lab-grown meat. We also touch on growing concerns over tar spot in the Corn Belt, renewed screwworm control efforts in Texas and the latest in fertilizer markets. Jacie and Tanner also had the opportunity to speak with Pat Hord, Vice President of the National Pork Producers Council, about how California's Proposition 12 is affecting farmers and food prices nationwide. Stay connected with us for more agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube, along with our weekly videos!

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 Farm Bankruptcies Rise4:57 China Hog Reduction?6:38 Heat Wave10:17 North Dakota Wheat Tour11:27 Ethanol Production

Even amid trade deal news this week, the grain complex continues to struggle under the weight of good weather and high yield expectations across the Corn Belt. We also cattle futures come under some pressure on Thursday as it was a mostly mixed session overall. Bryan Doherty, Senior Market Advisor with Total Farm Marketing, joins us to take a look at this week's trade action and share perspective. Find more online by visiting https://www.totalfarmmarketing.com. Also, we have a new episode of Cattle Chatter with Susan Littlefield and Brad Kooima from Kooima, Kooima and Varilek as they break down this week's cattle trade, preview Friday's Cattle on Feed and Cattle Inventory reports, talk high beef prices and more. Learn more online as well by visiting https://www.kkvtrading.com.

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 US/Japan Deal3:00 Heat Wave, Corn Sweat5:37 Wheat Sucks7:52 Coca-Cola Update8:53 US/China Update11:12 Meme Stocks / M2

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 China/Africa2:45 Row Crop Selloff6:35 188 National Corn Yield??8:40 Wheat9:42 Monster Brazil Corn Crop10:52 Fertilizer and Sanctions12:34 Grain Shipments

It's the story of July. There's been a lot of chatter in the field this week about corn pollination. While no Wyffels products are currently experiencing this issue, it remains something to monitor amid the Corn Belt's high temperatures.On this week's podcast, Wyffels Agronomy Managers Robby Meeker, Ryan Gentle, and Eric Wilson talk us through what's happening, what it looks like, and what you can expect as a result.Now's the perfect time to get out and see how your crop is progressing.Links discussed in this episode:How to Check Corn Pollination - VideoBetween the Rows® - Tar SpotBetween the Rows® - Corn Pollination and Grain FillWyffels Hybrids - Corn Rootworm MapWe want to hear from you. Have questions you want us to address on future episodes? Ideas for how we can make this better? Email us at agronomy@wyffels.com. Wyffels Hybrids. Fiercely independent, and proud of it.

Listen to the SF Daily podcast for today, July 22, 2025, with host Lorrie Boyer. These quick and informative episodes cover the commodity markets, weather, and the big things happening in agriculture each morning. The managed money crowd is focused on equities, limiting upside potential. Weather in the Corn Belt is mixed, with some regions facing drought and heat stress. Trade is cautious due to late-season stress and the lack of progress on trade deals with the EU, China, and Japan. Wheat inspections rose to 732,290 metric tons, soybean inspections increased to 364,990 metric tons, but corn inspections declined. The cattle complex reached new highs despite declining boxed beef prices. Extreme heat warnings are in effect across several regions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 Dome of Doom3:35 The Funds6:07 Bangladesh Deal7:29 China Soybean Imports9:04 Stablecoin Bill

Listen to the SF Daily podcast for today, July 21 2025, with host Lorrie Boyer. These quick and informative episodes cover the commodity markets, weather, and the big things happening in agriculture each morning. Corn and soybeans faced pressure from weekend rains in the Corn Belt, with funds heavily short on corn and a variable crop yield predicted at 181 bushels per acre. Trade tensions with China and improving relations with Brazil impacted soybeans. Money managers turned bearish on soybeans, with a net short position of 17,192 futures. In wheat, hedge funds held a net short position of 63,034 soft red winter wheat futures. Cattle futures closed higher, with a net long position of 126,572 live cattle contracts. Extreme heat warnings were issued for several states, with heat indexes reaching up to 115 degrees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 Trump and Coke3:17 Soybean Rally4:41 US Weather8:23 US/China Tensions Ease9:37 Ethanol Production10:28 Trump and Powell

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 Stupid Theory4:47 Corn Belt Rain7:48 Soybean Crush9:13 Indonesia Trade Deal10:53 Brazil Tariffs and Beef Imports

July weather in the Corn Belt? Let's just say…temperamental. Storms here. Dry there. Lots of heat. Foggy mornings. Mother Nature is throwing everything at us, and it could lead to a tricky end to the growing season.  On this week's show, the Wyffels agronomy team covers disease management, wind damage from recent storms, and closes out the episode with a corn rootworm pressure check-in. Links discussed in this episode:Between the Rows® - Damage from Summer StormsBetween the Rows® - Tar SpotBetween the Rows® - Fungicide Use on Wyffels HybridsCrop Protection Network - Crop Disease Forecasting ToolWyffels Hybrids - Corn Rootworm MapWe want to hear from you. Have questions you want us to address on future episodes? Ideas for how we can make this better? Email us at agronomy@wyffels.com. Wyffels Hybrids. Fiercely independent, and proud of it.

19 Minutes PodcastThis week on the AgView Pitch, Chris and Jeff Fichtelman dig into the frustrating disconnect between strong crop conditions and disappointing market prices. With near-ideal weather across much of the Corn Belt, crop potential is sky-high — but farmer selling, fund pressure, and export uncertainty continue to weigh on futures. They discuss why fundamentals aren't driving prices, how undersold producers could limit rallies, and what to consider when making sales ahead of harvest. Topics include crop insurance strategy, cash flow planning, basis negotiation tips, and long-term survival strategies in a tightening ag economy

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 No Trade Deals, Markets Tumble2:07 OBBB and Farmers3:42 Tariff Deadlines6:38 Drought/Weather Update8:23 Record Corn Export Program Possible?9:50 Russia Slashes Wheat Export Tax10:57 Flash Sales

Listen to the SF Daily podcast for today, July 7, 2025, with host Lorrie Boyer. These quick and informative episodes cover the commodity markets, weather, and the big things happening in agriculture each morning. President Trump's visit to Iowa highlighted trade pressures, with the US tariff deadline pushed back to August 1. The weather in the Corn Belt is beneficial despite elevated temperatures. Indonesia's agricultural imports from the US, valued at $2.9 billion in 2024, have increased significantly, particularly in soybeans and wheat. US exports of feed ingredients and dairy products have risen. Cattle markets saw steady trade, with improved packer margins. Flooding in Central Texas, with 82 deaths reported, is expected to worsen due to additional rains in the forecast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 Trump, Iowa and Trade Deals4:45 Vietnam/US Trade Deal6:50 US Weather Update8:33 Ethanol Production11:45 Stock Market Records

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 Intro0:40 Corn and Soybean Bounce2:00 Hot and Dry3:59 The Funds6:11 USDA Preview7:40 Brazil Harvest8:52 Record-High Stock Market11:24 Flash Sale

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 Iran and Markets3:02 Soybean and Wheat Rally4:45 Drought + US Weather9:12 Export Sales10:31 Ethanol Production11:32 Flash Sale12:02 Cattle on Feed

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 Housekeeping1:06 MAHA and Farm Groups3:45 45Z News and Tax Package5:56 US Weather Forecasts9:11 Brazil Currency10:48 Meal Flash Sale

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 Corn Belt Heat2:45 Bean Oil, Meal6:07 Crop Ratings and Progress8:35 Corn Shipments are Still Strong9:50 NOPA Crush11:06 Russia Wheat12:09 Middle East Update

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 Biofuel Blockbuster4:06 Middle East and Crude5:59 US Weather and Market Impact9:40 The Funds10:31 Brazil Corn Harvest

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 US/China Deal2:31 Drier Forecast, Iowa??5:14 USDA Report Tomorrow8:48 US/Mexico9:57 John Deere, Right to Repair Stuff

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 Corn Tumbles1:58 Too Much Rain for a Rally6:24 Crop Progress & Conditions9:36 Brazil Corn Update11:04 US/China Talks12:13 Grain Shipments

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 Boring Weather Market3:28 US/China Update6:30 "The Funds"7:41 China Pathogen Smugglers8:40 Fake Screwworm Investigation