USDA Releases December 2025 Cotton Production Report for the Southeast The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has released its December 2025 cotton production report, offering an updated look at national and Southeast regional crop conditions. According to the latest forecast, all U.S. cotton production is projected at 14.3 million 480-pound bales, up one percent from the …
USDA Announces $12 Billion in One-Time Bridge Payments for American Farmers President Donald Trump, joined by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bissett, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman, Senator Deb Fischer, Senator John Hoeven, and Representative Austin Scott, has announced a major new effort to assist American farmers still struggling from years of …
Markets Focus on Federal Reserve as USDA Monthly Crop Report Takes Backseat Yesterday’s USDA monthly crop report (WASDE Report) entered a market environment already dominated by two major developments: the administration’s $12 billion farm aid package and expectations of another Federal Reserve rate cut. With financial markets laser-focused on interest rate movements, both Chicago grain traders and Wall Street placed …
The earlier mentioned one-time bridge payments to American farmers are intended in part to aid farmers until investments from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes a 10 to 21 percent increase in reference prices, are set to reach eligible farmers on October 1, 2026. Farmers who qualify for the FBA Program can expect payments to be released by …
The Morrill Act of 1862 and the Birth of Land-Grant Universities Land-grant universities have played a defining role in shaping American agriculture, research, and education. As Mark Oppold explains in this American Agriculture History Minute, these institutions were established largely through the landmark Morrill Act of 1862. The Act provided federal land to states, enabling them to fund colleges focused …
A Landmark in American Expansion In 1803, the United States completed one of the most important land acquisitions in history: the Louisiana Purchase. For just $15 million, approximately $18 per square mile, the U.S. acquired a vast territory from France. This purchase would not only expand the nation geographically but also profoundly impact the future of American agriculture. Over 530 …
Farmers across the United States will soon see significant financial assistance following the Trump administration’s announcement of a $12 billion one-time bridge payment delivered through USDA’s Farm Service Agency. According to the administration, these funds are being provided in response to “temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs.” The temporary support is designed to help producers navigate current economic …
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins visited Byron, Georgia, late last week to celebrate the grand opening of Pratt Industries’ new fruit and vegetable box factory, a major investment aimed at strengthening both American manufacturing and agricultural supply chains. The event drew industry leaders, policymakers, and local producers who toured the state-of-the-art facility before the official opening ceremonies. Secretary Rollins …
The U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council has released its annual year-end corn quality report—its 15th consecutive edition—and the 2025 results show one of the best U.S. corn crops ever produced. According to the report, “U.S. corn producers delivering one of the highest quality crops on record.” The 2025 harvest not only achieved historic volume, but also showcased exceptional grain quality. …
As rental agreements shift hands heading into the new year, Bottom Line grain analysts are urging farmers to take a close look at the fertility of any farmland they plan to rent for the 2026 season. According to the latest Bottom Line report, “Bottom Line grain analysts caution producers to check the fertility of grounds they intend to rent next …
