The agriculture community often tells consumers to “thank a farmer” but we should be thankful for consumers, writes Kate Miller.

Rep. Jimmy Panetta and Rep. Billy Long introduced the Agricultural Fairs Rescue Act to help preserve agricultural fairs across the country and offset the devastating financial losses they have experienced.

New Jersey senator and Democratic presidential candidate Cory Booker has proposed legislation that would ban new CAFOs (controlled animal feeding operations) and require existing ones to close by January 2040.

The price shoppers pay for items like meat at the grocery store are expected to continue the rapid rise. An updated Consumer Price Index shows wholesale beef prices could increase 20% this year.

The fourth-quarter seasonal price pattern over five years has seen a 12% increase from September through year end. Weekly carryover must shrink before packers see a supply incentive to move bids significantly higher.

Producers who have relocated their cattle out of state for winter feeding this year should consider having a weed management protocol in place when the cattle return.