Shutterstock image Plant genetic researchers, including those at USDA, are relying on genetic resources like data to help expedite the crossbreeding process to develop new grape varieties. Rod Bain has…
AgNet News Hour Tuesday, 04-01-25
Get the latest agriculture news in today’s AgNet News Hour. The Ag Net News Hour’s Lorre Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The AgMeter” discussed the new USDA Emergency Commodity Assistance Program…
NACD Welcomes New NRCS Chief Aubrey Bettencourt
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) applauds the appointment of Aubrey Bettencourt as Chief of the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). In her new role, Bettencourt will oversee…
USDA Decides to Delivers on Rural Energy Commitments
…USDA says it is a shift toward investments that prioritize rural economic growth and energy development. USDA Decides to Delivers on Rural Energy Commitments Sponsored Content Let’s Talk Livestock Risk…
Progress Report on HPAI Prevention and Mitigation Strategy
The Agriculture Secretary recently provided the first progress report associated with USDA’s five-prong strategy to combat both High Path Avian Flu outbreaks in poultry flocks and higher egg prices. Rod…
American Agriculture History Minute: Missouri Established Among Farming Leading States
…around 1725 by French settlers near St. Louis and of course the Mississippi River. And as of the latest USDA Census of Agriculture, Missouri has the second most farms in…
Analysis Finds Majority of CA Farms have a Woman at the Helm
…industry forward, particularly in specialty crops, small livestock operations, and greenhouse production. Women’s Growing Role in Farming Nationwide According to the USDA, 1.2 million women are actively involved in farming…
Factors Behind March Cattle on Feed Report
How do lower placements of cattle in feedlots for the month of February factor into USDA’s latest look at cattle inventory? Rod Bain reports. Factors Behind March Cattle on Feed…
AgNet News Hour Friday, 03-28-25
…the Supreme Court’s intent. Thomas-Hart emphasizes the importance of public comments and collaboration with agencies like the US Army Corps of Engineers and USDA to avoid unintended harm to cattle…
Lawmakers Criticize USDA Decision to Halt Food Bank Funds
Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has decided to halt $500 million in funding for food banks across the country, a move that has…
Appointments of FPAC Leadership, Bettencourt in NRCS Role
USDA’s Farm Production and Conservation mission area now had leadership of its three agencies after recent appointments. Aubrey Bettencourt of California will serve as Chief of the Natural Resource Conservation…
Developing Markets and USDA-Led Ag Trade Missions
Development markets for U.S. farm and food goods are among the targeted destinations for USDA-led agricultural trade missions in 2025. Rod Bain has more. Developing Markets and USDA-Led Ag Trade…
AgNet News Hour Wednesday, 03-26-25
…Additionally, the conversation touched on the consolidation of USDA offices to reduce costs and the administration’s efforts to improve water infrastructure in California. Listen to previous AgNet News Hour episodes……
Details about ECAP
With sign-up underway for USDA’s Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP), what should eligible growers know about program logistics? Rod Bain reports. Details about ECAP FPAC_ECAP FactsheetDownload Sponsored Content Let’s Talk…




















