grain markets

Grain Markets Test Lows Heading Into Critical Mid-July Period

Dan General

Seasonal Pressure Builds Across Corn, Soybeans, and Wheat As mid-July arrives, grain markets are entering a critical period that may shape prices well into harvest. While “Beware the Ides of July” may not carry the literary weight of March’s warning, this time of year is no less consequential for agricultural markets—especially for corn, soybeans, and wheat. Corn Dips to New …

Steamboats

Steamboats, Settlers Drove American Agriculture Westward

Dan American Agriculture History Minute, General, This Land of Ours

By 1790, the western boundary of the young United States had reached the eastern edge of the Appalachian Mountains—roughly 255 miles inland from the Atlantic. With a population nearing 4 million, an overwhelming 90% of Americans were farmers, forming the backbone of the nation’s economy and expansion. Just a decade later, wagon trains and caravans carried ambitious settlers westward into …

cattlefax

Cattle Industry Largely Supports Big Beautiful Bill Tax Provisions

Josh McGill General

As the Big Beautiful Bill advances in the U.S. Senate, cattle producers are keeping a close watch. NCBA President Buck Wehrbein shared his optimism, especially regarding estate tax reform—a top priority for the industry. Senator John Thune has emerged as a strong ally, championing efforts to preserve the stepped-up basis and oppose the death tax. Wehrbein emphasized that while no …

fair

Senate Tax Bill Maintains Key Provisions for Livestock Producers

Josh McGill General

The Senate version of the “Big Beautiful Bill” tax package brings mostly positive news for livestock producers. Kent Bacus, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs, explained that many provisions from the House version have carried over—most notably, the increase in the estate tax exemption to $15 million per individual ($30 million per couple), adjusted for inflation and made permanent. Other …

New World screwworm

New World Screwworm Spread Slows Amid USDA, NCBA Response

Josh McGill General

U.S. officials are reporting positive developments in the fight against the New World Screw Worm. Once spotted 700 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, the pest’s northward advance appears to be slowing, thanks in part to intensive surveillance and targeted interventions. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins recently ordered the border closed to cattle originating from Mexico to prevent the parasite’s spread. Ethan …

New World Screwworm

NCBA Reacts to USDA Plans for Screwworm Sterile Fly Facility

Josh McGill General

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced the development of a sterile fly production facility to combat the New World Screw Worm, a significant threat to livestock. Located at Moore Airfield in Texas, the project will enhance domestic production and support operations in Panama. Ethan Lane, Senior VP of Government Affairs at the NCBA, joined USDA officials on-site and praised …

ECAP Rollout

USDA FSA County Committee Nominations Now Open

Josh McGill General

The USDA FSA has opened the nomination period for its 2025 County Committee elections. With more than 2,200 committees nationwide, these local governing bodies play a critical role in how federal programs are implemented at the local level. FSA Director Bill Beam highlights that nearly 7,700 producers serve on FSA committees, each comprised of 3 to 11 elected members who …

wildland firefighters

Wildland Firefighters Prepared as Peak Fire Season Begins

Josh McGill General

As summer temperatures rise, so does the risk of wildfires across the United States. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking decisive action in anticipation of an above-normal fire season, with nearly 96% of the Forest Service’s 11,300 firefighter hiring target already met and full staffing expected by mid-July. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins emphasized that America now …

Protecting Peanuts: Managing Fungicide Resistance with Smart Strategies

Josh McGill General, Instagram

Peanut growers pour their energy into every growing season, aiming for healthy crops and high yields. But as challenges like white mold and leaf spot persist, experts are urging producers to be proactive—especially when it comes to fungicide resistance. We spoke with Abraham Fulmer of BASF, who emphasized the importance of diversifying fungicide programs and staying ahead of resistance. “Fungicide …

senate

Alabama Cattlemen’s Previews National Legislative Efforts

Dale Sandlin Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA), Beef, Cattle, General

Alabama Cattlemen’s Association is joining other state cattlemen’s associations this week in Washington DC as part of NCBA’s Region 1 & 2 Legislative Fly-in. We caught up with Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Executive Erin Beasley who previewed the trip and the legislative policies they are working on. Sponsored ContentWhat Sets Provysol® Fungicide ApartJuly 8, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata …