An ag economist says cattle placed into feedlots were up 4 percent from last year. Charley Martinez is with the University of Tennessee. “Part of the reason why we see that and kind of going against the trend that we saw last year,” he says. “I think drought’s really putting some pressure on folks throughout the country that we just can’t hold on to some of these animals.”
Read MoreCotton’s three-week rally gave us the 68 cents suggested last week, and then some. Yet, the market has now posted three consecutive down days. That should not be viewed as evidence that the rally is over. To the contrary, the same factors that sent prices higher are still in the market
Read MoreThe initial planting for a soybean date of planting by population trial at the Dean Lee Research and Extension Center occurred on March 3, 2026. On March 17, 2026, a freeze event resulted in damage to the unifoliate leaves and apical meristem (the primary growing point) of the main stem. However, by March 23, 2026, most plants exhibited axillary branch development originating from the cotyledon node.
Read MoreAs part of a suite of product improvements for the 2026 hurricane season [PDF], NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC) is implementing two new tropical products and services: a new operational hurricane track cone map, and new storm surge alerts for Hawaii.
Read MoreWith freezing temperatures hitting early-planted corn, farmers are weighing the costs and benefits of replanting. An LSU Extension specialist urges most of them to wait and see.
Read MoreUSDA’s Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation says the agency is working to fast-track disaster assistance for producers impacted by recent wildfires.
Read MoreA surge of U.S. soybean shipments to China is providing a boost to export demand, even as uncertainty grows over the future of trade talks between the two countries. Recent export activity shows increased volumes of U.S. soybeans moving to China, the world’s largest buyer, as previously arranged purchases are fulfilled. Bloomberg reports the shipments come amid shifting global competition, particularly from Brazil, and reflect continued reliance on the Chinese market for U.S. growers. However, market sentiment has been tempered by delays surrounding a potential summit between U.S. and Chinese leaders, raising questions about future trade policy and demand stability. Analysts say uncertainty over negotiations could weigh on soybean prices and influence farmer marketing decisions. China remains the top destination for U.S. soy exports, making trade relations a key factor for the farm economy. Any disruption or delay in talks could have ripple effects across commodity markets.
Read MoreFrom barns to show rings, producers and students say that livestock events offer economic opportunity and life lessons. Let’s take a look at some shows across the southeast in Georgia, Virginia, and Louisiana, showcasing the hard work and talents of rural youth in 4-H and FFA.
Read MoreAs Congress considers a military funding package, relief for farmers might become a key component of the legislative equation. More than 50 farmer groups are asking President Trump and Congress to include aid in the package. The letter sites severe weather conditions, the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and sustained market pressure as their reasons for additional funding.
Read MoreIn another sobering reminder of the economic challenges facing America’s farmers and ranchers, new data show that farmers’ share of the money consumers spend on food continues to shrink, even as expenses rise. The latest Market Intel from American Farm Bureau Federation economists shows that in 2024 farmers and ranchers received a combined 5.8 cents of every food dollar after accounting for expenses, down from 5.9 cents in 2023. 2024 is the latest available data from USDA.
Read MoreA bipartisan group of U.S. Senators introduced a bill that would require mandatory price reporting of fertilizer — a bid for more market information after the war in Iran prompted the biggest surge in crop nutrient costs in years.
Read MoreThe National Family Farm Coalition, an advocacy group that has historically been critical of large-scale and corporate agriculture, is raising concerns over a reported delay to a federal poultry rule it says is critical for contract growers.
Read MoreAt the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference, U.S. Department of Agriculture Administrator for the Rural Business and Cooperative Service J.R. Claeys announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture is guaranteeing $115.2 million across eight states through the Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program (TPEP) to ensure sawmills and other wood processing facilities have the necessary funding to establish, reopen, expand, or improve their operations.
Read MoreWhen we sit down to eat crawfish, we hardly ever think about the process of getting these crustaceans from wetlands onto our plates. By learning about this process, we can better appreciate the time and efforts crawfish farmers and catchers put in to ensure we can enjoy this Louisiana staple.
Read MoreThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced approval of Section 18 emergency exemptions for the use of Courier® SC (A.I. buprofezin) insect growth regulator for the control of the rice delphacid (Tagosodes orizicolus) in the rice production regions of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
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