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Could Food Prices Ease in 2023? USDA's New Consumer Food Price Forecast Has a Bit of Good News
Could Food Prices Ease in 2023? USDA's New Consumer Food Price Forecast Has a Bit of Good News

USDA raised its consumer food price forecast again, to 8.5% to 9.5% for 2022. The agency had initially predicted a 2% to 3% rise in prices. Eggs, fats and oils, and poultry prices are making the biggest gains.

Trucker Blockade Shuts Down Major California Seaport for Second Day
Trucker Blockade Shuts Down Major California Seaport for Second Day

Truckers protesting California's new "gig worker" law blockaded the state's third-busiest seaport for a second day on Thursday, stalling agricultural exports and threatening to worsen U.S. supply chain backups.

Trouble Shipping Grain And Feed Via Rail Far From Over, Concerns Now Growing About Possible Worker Strike At Harvest
Trouble Shipping Grain And Feed Via Rail Far From Over, Concerns Now Growing About Possible Worker Strike At Harvest

A potential stoppage on the nation's railways this fall is spurring concern, even after President Biden signed an executive order Sunday to keep U.S. rail traffic on track and the collective bargaining process going.

Labor Contract Negotiations Continue Past Deadline at Some of America's Most Important Ports
Labor Contract Negotiations Continue Past Deadline at Some of America's Most Important Ports

U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh remained optimistic about contract negotiations between workers and shipping companies for some of the country’s most important ports, even as talks extend past a previous deadline.

Meet the Farm Kid Who Became the Youngest Green Beret on a Daring U.S. Military Mission
Meet the Farm Kid Who Became the Youngest Green Beret on a Daring U.S. Military Mission

Terry Buckler, a Missouri farm kid, shares the story of his time as a Green Beret and the historic raid on Son Tay prison in Vietnam.

USDA Reveals Farmers Have Received More Than $4 Billion in ERP Payouts to Date
USDA Reveals Farmers Have Received More Than $4 Billion in ERP Payouts to Date

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced agricultural producers have already received more than $4 billion through the Emergency Relief Program (formerly WHIP+), representing 67% of the $6 billion projected to be paid.

Could the High Heat Cause Corn Prices to Repeat 1988 and 2012 Levels?
Could the High Heat Cause Corn Prices to Repeat 1988 and 2012 Levels?

Heat seemed to be the focus of the markets this week. Two veteran market analysts say if this heat continues, and drought becomes an even larger concern, commodities could see a violent run-up in prices.

Gas Prices Crush Another Record, Prices Now On Track to Top $5 Soon
Gas Prices Crush Another Record, Prices Now On Track to Top $5 Soon

Gas prices crushed another record to start June, and experts say there's no sign of a slowdown yet with $5 gas a strong possibility as the summer driving season pushes into high gear.

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Will Record-High Diesel Prices Race Even Higher with EU's Partial Ban on Russian Oil?

Even with the partial ban by the European Union, one industry expert says it's possible diesel prices will see a slight reprieve in the coming weeks; however, it won't come in the form of dollars.

The Warning Signs of a Recession Are Now Heating Up
The Warning Signs of a Recession Are Now Heating Up

From record-high gas and diesel prices on the road to a major spike in the price Americans paid for their Memorial Day weekend barbecue essentials, shoppers are seeing price spikes everywhere they go.

Equip Future Agricultural Leaders: AgCareers.com Roundtable to Discuss Pivotal HR Trends
Equip Future Agricultural Leaders: AgCareers.com Roundtable to Discuss Pivotal HR Trends

From recruitment to retention to building trust in the workplace, AgCareers.com will host their annual HR Roundtable on June 15, discussing current trends and issues in the agriculture industry workforce.

From Combat Boots to Agriculture Roots: Veterans Become ‘Armed to Farm’
From Combat Boots to Agriculture Roots: Veterans Become ‘Armed to Farm’

Serving military veterans across the country, NCAT's Armed to Farm training provides resources and education for veterans to start and operate their own agricultural business.

Diesel Prices Jump 37% in 10 Weeks, Gas Prices Projected to Hit $6.20 by August
Diesel Prices Jump 37% in 10 Weeks, Gas Prices Projected to Hit $6.20 by August

The White House is considering waiving U.S. gasoline environmental rules aimed at reducing summertime smog, hoping the waiver will combat rising pump prices, Reuters reported.

Filling A Tractor Tank Daily Now Costs Some Farmers $1,000, Double What It Did a Year Ago
Filling A Tractor Tank Daily Now Costs Some Farmers $1,000, Double What It Did a Year Ago

U.S. diesel prices are the highest ever, with warnings of shortages, especially in the eastern U.S., and the most intensive part of the farming season is still ahead.

New Employee Training Sets Strong Roots for Success
New Employee Training Sets Strong Roots for Success

A trifecta of trends drive how livestock producers seek feed products: products that work, products they can trust, and it's convenient for them to order.

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Are Diets Based on Plants or Meats Better for Kids?

Researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Canada recently published a study showing kids who eat a vegetarian diet had similar growth and nutrition compared to children who consume meat.

How Much Do Consumers Love Meat? Rising Prices Will Soon Tell
How Much Do Consumers Love Meat? Rising Prices Will Soon Tell

Higher costs for feed, energy and labor have yet to fully impact meat prices, but that will soon change, says CoBank's Brian Earnest. Will consumers trade down when producer price inflation hits the meat case?

If You Think the Wind is Worse Than Normal This Year, Data Proves You're Right
If You Think the Wind is Worse Than Normal This Year, Data Proves You're Right

Farmers and ranchers have had to endure high winds for months. The powerful gusts haven’t just been annoying; it’s caused disasters across the U.S. High winds have been the culprit of wildfires and more.

Invasive Jumping Worm Thrashes Into 14 Midwest States
Invasive Jumping Worm Thrashes Into 14 Midwest States

The invasive, jumping worm makes its way through 14 states in the Midwest, disturbing native soil and plant species and causing an infestation with only one worm.

Factors That Will Shape the 2023 Farm Bill
Factors That Will Shape the 2023 Farm Bill

With Ukraine and Russia at war in the midst of a world moving away from the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a lot to consider in the 2023 Farm Bill. Industry experts weighed-in to share their predictions.

From All Angles: Food Chain Mandates Threaten Producers, Impact Consumers
From All Angles: Food Chain Mandates Threaten Producers, Impact Consumers

Precedent-setting mandates are coming at ag from all angles, undermining freedom of farmers. These regulations aren't based on science. They aren't based on experience. Many argue they aren't based on a shred of truth.

Texas Tornado Destroys Ag Shop, But Doesn’t Stop FFA Members From Helping Community
Texas Tornado Destroys Ag Shop, But Doesn’t Stop FFA Members From Helping Community

A line of storms snaked through Texas, resulting in several tornadoes on March 21. An F3 tornado touched down outside of Jacksboro, ripping buildings to shreds, including the local high school and ag shop.

Virginia Farmer Was Stranded After His Tractor Ran Over Him; What Happened Next Will Restore Your Faith in Humanity
Virginia Farmer Was Stranded After His Tractor Ran Over Him; What Happened Next Will Restore Your Faith in Humanity

John Moody was stranded and thought he was paralyzed after his tractor ran over him last March. His rural mail carrier found him, repaired the fence, got John's belongings, and still finished his mail route that day.

Major Flooding Possible After Exceptional Drought in North Dakota
Major Flooding Possible After Exceptional Drought in North Dakota

Based on the National Weather Service North Central River Forecast Center’s latest forecast, there is a 90% chance that the Red River will exceed the major flood stage this spring.

In this May 18, 2015 photo, irrigation pipes sit along a dry irrigation canal on a field farmed by Gino Celli, who relies on senior water rights to water his crops, near Stockton, Calif.
Drought Coverage Now Rivals 2012, Wheat Belt and Cattle Country Conditions Continue to Crumble

Drought covering the continental U.S. grew by 2 points this week, now covering nearly 60% of the country. As the drought grips the Wheat Belt and key areas for cattle production, it's creating concern for 2022.

U.S. Trade Tactics to Evolve with China's Infrastructure Plan
U.S. Trade Tactics to Evolve with China's Infrastructure Plan

With the U.S. on the back end of COVID-19 and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine unraveling, USTR Katherine Tai says her office is currently focused on three themes: resilience, sustainability and competition.

Russian Invasion of Ukraine Overtakes Other Washington Issues as Congress Returns this Week
Russian Invasion of Ukraine Overtakes Other Washington Issues as Congress Returns this Week

Congress returns Monday, but to a very different situation due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is expected to be one of the key issues President Biden talks about during his State of the Union address.

Cargill Confirms Chartered Vessel Hit by Attack in Black Sea as Ukraine-Russia Crisis Continues
Cargill Confirms Chartered Vessel Hit by Attack in Black Sea as Ukraine-Russia Crisis Continues

Despite signs Russian President Vladimir Putin may be ready to talk with representatives from Ukraine, Cargill confirmed a ship it chartered was hit in the Black Sea on Thursday. The vessel was empty at the time.

Here's Why the Russia-Ukraine Crisis Creates a Realignment of World Trade
Here's Why the Russia-Ukraine Crisis Creates a Realignment of World Trade

The Russia-Ukraine crisis sent wheat prices skyrocketing 50 cents higher, with corn up 30 cents at one point Thursday. Crude oil also soared above $100 per barrel, hitting the highest level since 2014. 

Three Big Weather Factors Loom for 2022 Crop Season
Three Big Weather Factors Loom for 2022 Crop Season

Three big weather players may impact the 2022 crop season, according to Eric Snodgrass, principal atmospheric scientist for Nutrien Ag Solutions.

U.S. Ag Exports Shatter Records in 2021
U.S. Ag Exports Shatter Records in 2021

The top 10 export markets all saw gains in 2021, with six of the 10 (China, Mexico, Canada, South Korea, the Philippines and Colombia) setting new records.

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Rural Economy Posts Growth for 15 Straight Months

For 15 straight months, the rural economy has posted healthy and consistent growth.

 “Not About The Cow, But The How” Carbon Program Pays Ranchers $200k
“Not About The Cow, But The How” Carbon Program Pays Ranchers $200k

Grassroots Carbon has provided payment to 10 Texas ranchers for their adoption of reversative grazing pastures which have resulted in nature-based, measured, verified and certified carbon credits.

Horizon Award Honors Husband-and-Wife Team for Their Drive and Focus
Horizon Award Honors Husband-and-Wife Team for Their Drive and Focus

Congratulations to Martin Angus, the 2022 recipient of the Tomorrow’s Top Producer Horizon Award. Take a virtual trip to their diversified operation nestled in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.

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Judge Blocks Biden Measure for Calculating Climate Risks, Including Agriculture Impact

A federal judge on Friday blocked for now the Biden administration from restoring Obama-era values for calculating the cost of climate change in the government's permitting, investment and regulatory decisions.

U.S. December Exports to China Drop, Cementing 'Phase 1' Purchases Shortfall
U.S. December Exports to China Drop, Cementing 'Phase 1' Purchases Shortfall

U.S. goods exports to China fell in December, cementing a $45 billion increase in the 2021 U.S.-China trade deficit and a major two-year shortfall in Beijing's purchase commitments under the "Phase 1" trade deal.

Desperate for Rain, Widespread Winter Storm May Not Be Enough to Cure Concerns in Areas of Texas
Desperate for Rain, Widespread Winter Storm May Not Be Enough to Cure Concerns in Areas of Texas

More than 70% of the country is still covered in drought. And while the latest winter storm was packed with needed moisture for some areas, it didn't blanket every area needing moisture to restore depleted soils.

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USDA Partnership to Ease Port Congestion, Restore Disrupted Shipping

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced plans to increase capacity at the Port of Oakland in Oakland, Calif., and improve service for shippers of U.S. grown agricultural commodities.

Food Inflation Makes Your Super Bowl Party Cost More
Food Inflation Makes Your Super Bowl Party Cost More

“Food inflation is a hot topic,” Michael Swanson says noting that overall prices in the category are running at 6% higher than a year ago, whereas typically year-to-year food inflation is 1%.

Kentucky Farmers Endure Epic Ruin And Worst Storm Damage In State History As Agriculture Rushes To Rebuild
Kentucky Farmers Endure Epic Ruin And Worst Storm Damage In State History As Agriculture Rushes To Rebuild

On Dec. 10, 2021, a tornado tore across Kentucky demolishing areas in its path. Farmers and state leaders say it will be a long road to recovery with trouble sourcing even enough fencing supplies to rebuild.

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Rural Bankers Rank the Greatest Threats for 2022

For 14 straight months, the rural economy has posted healthy and consistent growth.

EXCLUSIVE: Dr. Fauci on COVID Pandemic — "It Will End"
EXCLUSIVE: Dr. Fauci on COVID Pandemic — "It Will End"

Rural communities are likely to see an outbreak of the COVID-19 variant omicron later than big cities but Chief Medical Advisor to President Biden, Dr. Anthony Fauci says the pandemic will eventually end.

Ordinary to Outrageous: Top 10 Agricultural Seizures of 2021
Ordinary to Outrageous: Top 10 Agricultural Seizures of 2021

It’s no surprise pork products made the U.S. CBP's Top 10 Agriculture Seizures of 2021 list more than once. Protecting animal ag is a high priority, especially as deadly swine viruses like ASF move closer to the U.S.

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China’s Central Bank Cut Rates for First Time in Two Years

On Monday the People’s Bank of China also announced a 0.1 percentage point cut to two of its key policy rates. It acted after GDP grew by more than 8% in 2021, but slowed down in the fourth quarter.

Texas rural land values rose again in 2016, marking six consecutive years of increases, according to data gathered by the Texas Real Estate Center (REC) and Texas A&M University.
White House Will Recruit Rural Land For New Clean Energy Projects, Could it Create Too Much Competition for Land?

The Biden Administration is deploying money and resources to ramp up clean energy projects across rural America. The White House says the plan taps federal lands to install wind, solar and geothermal energy projects.

White House Will Push China to Make Up for $16B Trade Deficit in Phase One, Vilsack Tells American Farm Bureau
White House Will Push China to Make Up for $16B Trade Deficit in Phase One, Vilsack Tells American Farm Bureau

AFBF's in-person annual convention focused on everything from H-2A workers, drought, supply chain chaos and policy changes like the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack addressed the group Monday.

Machinery Pete Says 2021 Produced the Hottest Used Tractor Market He's Ever Seen
Machinery Pete Says 2021 Produced the Hottest Used Tractor Market He's Ever Seen

Equipment prices soared in 2021. As equipment manufacturers had issues sourcing parts to build new, it placed even higher demand on used. Machinery Pete weighs in on lessons learned during such a dynamic year.

2022 Weather Outlook: La Niña’s Encore
2022 Weather Outlook: La Niña’s Encore

How will she impact drought conditions in 2022?

Clinton Griffiths: Review of 2021 and Preview of 2022
Clinton Griffiths: Review of 2021 and Preview of 2022

This past year is one many of us would sooner forget than remember.

How High Can Farmland Prices Go?
How High Can Farmland Prices Go?

Prepare for a dynamic farmland market in 2022.