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 Legacy of Land-Grant Universities in American Agriculture History
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 …
The Louisiana Purchase: How $15 Million Reshaped American Agriculture
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 …
Trump Administration Announces $12 Billion Bridge Payment to Support Farmers
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 …
Secretary Brooke Rollins Celebrates Opening of Pratt Industries Box Factory in Byron, Georgia
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 …
U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council Reports Record-Setting 2025 Corn Crop Quality
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. …
Analysts Warn Farmers to Check Soil Fertility Before Renting Farmland for 2026
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 …
Southern Ag Today Releases 2025 Crop Year Review Highlighting Challenges for Southeast Row Crops
Southern Ag Today has released its annual review of the past crop year, offering a detailed look at the realities row crop producers faced across the Southeast. According to the publication, “row crop producers across the south faced another difficult year in 25.” Weather remained one of the most significant challenges, creating major variability in yields from one region to …
Peanut Market Update: Harvest Nears Completion as 2026 Trade Shows Approach
As the 2025 peanut crop year wraps up, producers across the Southeast continue to make steady progress in harvest and preparations for the year ahead. According to the latest update, “We’re checking the peanut market. We’re still harvesting peanuts, believe it or not, and now we’re about 90 percent complete.” Despite being late in the year, a small portion of …
Elanco Invests $400 Million in Indiana to Expand U.S. R&D and Manufacturing Operations
Elanco has announced a major boost to its U.S. operations with a $400 million investment in its Indiana facilities, strengthening both research and development capabilities and domestic manufacturing capacity. The expansion will support operations at the company’s new global headquarters in Indianapolis while reinforcing its U.S.-based production footprint. As part of this momentum, the USDA has granted an accelerated pathway …










