The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Beagle Brigade continues to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the country’s farms and crops from invasive pests. Deployed at major airports, border crossings, and …
Vilsack Finalizes Third Rule Under the Packers and Stockyards Act
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack has finalized a third rule under the Packers and Stockyards Act aimed at leveling the playing field for farmers who contract with meat and poultry processing …
NFU Prioritizes Maintaining Viability of Farming Operations
The National Farmers Union (NFU) prioritizes maintaining the viability of farming operations amidst economic challenges, emphasizing the need for a robust safety net, strong crop insurance, and continued investment in …
California Wildfires Also Affecting Agriculture
Although you’re hearing a lot about how the wildfires are affecting populated areas in Southern California, they are also affecting agricultural areas in the hilly areas just outside of Los …
USDA Announces Grants and Technical Assistance Funding
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced it is providing a total of $14.4 million in grants and technical assistance through two separately funded projects to support urban agriculture …
Rebuilding Cattle Inventories Remains Ongoing Question
The process of rebuilding U.S. cattle inventories will remain an ongoing question well into 2025. Texas A&M extension livestock economist David Anderson says coming into 2024, the beef cow herd …
Craig Denounces Proposed Cuts to Farm Bill Programs
House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig released a statement criticizing a new Republican proposal she says would reduce funding for essential farm bill programs in order to pay for …
November U.S. Beef Exports
In November, U.S. beef exports increased by 10% in volume and by 11% in value. The export value per head of fed slaughter increased by 13%-the highest since June. Asia, particularly …
American Agriculture History Minute: Ohio State University Founded
I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. Ohio State University was founded in 1870 as a land-grant university under the Morrill Act of 1862. And the name Ohio …
USDA Confirms Poultry Rule Will Not Be Finalized
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has announced the withdrawal of the proposed rule, Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets, originally issued on June 28, …
Livestock Producer Evaluates Trump Pick for Ag Secretary
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, he has nominated Brooke Rollins, a former White House aide, to serve as the Secretary of Agriculture. Rollins’ nomination …
Western Snowpack Gives Insight into Water Supplies
The first outlook of Western Mountain snowpack for the new year gives some insight to potential water supplies for the region’s farm irrigators and municipalities this Spring and Summer. Rod …
Ports Agreement Secures Future for U.S. Red Meat Exports
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) have reached a tentative agreement on a six-year master labor contract covering ports along the East and Gulf Coasts. …
Specialty Crop Growers Experiencing Varying Wage Changes
Specialty crop growers in the US are experiencing varying wage changes for temporary agricultural workers. Wages are rising across the board, with the Southeast and some regions seeing significant increases, …