The First Crops in Plymouth Colony When the first settlers arrived in Plymouth, they planted barley and peas brought from England. But their most important crop soon became Indian corn, or maize. Corn was not only more adaptable to New England’s soil and climate but also provided a dependable food source critical for survival. Native Farming Techniques and Fertilization The …
USDA Reports 2025 U.S. Cotton Harvest Progress as of September 28 Harvest for the U.S. cotton crop has officially begun, and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey shared a progress update as of September 28. According to the report, cotton harvest has reached 16% complete, which is equal to the five-year average, though three points behind last year at this time. “Cotton …
USMEF Responds to EU Deforestation Regulation Delay and Impacts on U.S. Meat Exports The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is closely monitoring developments as the European Union moves to delay the implementation of its EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This delay could have major implications for U.S. meat exports. USMEF Vice President of Economic Analysis, Erin Borer, recently addressed how the …
AGCO Seeks Appeal in FTC Right-to-Repair Case Against John Deere Over Sensitive Data AGCO is asking a federal court to approve a rare interlocutory appeal in the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) ongoing right-to-repair lawsuit against John Deere. The company is pushing back against an August ruling that allows Deere to access confidential competitor information, including AGCO’s own sensitive pricing, sales, …
Global Peanut Trade Update: Top Buyers and Market Shifts Promoting U.S. Peanuts Abroad The American Peanut Council continues to play a leading role in expanding international markets for U.S. peanuts. Through strategic programs in multiple countries, the Council works to boost global consumption and ensure steady demand for American-grown peanuts. Recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural …
Harvesting Corn at Higher Moisture Can Preserve Yields, Say Iowa State Agronomists Conventional wisdom has long said that harvesting corn at 15% moisture is ideal—but Iowa State University agronomists say it may be time to rethink that standard. Their recent studies suggest that 20–22% moisture may actually be the sweet spot for corn harvest, offering both yield and cost advantages. …
Introduction The Ohio River has played a crucial role in shaping American agriculture and commerce. Stretching nearly a thousand miles, this historic waterway has been central to trade, transportation, and irrigation, supporting communities and farmers along its banks for generations. Geography and Significance Flowing 981 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the confluence with the Mississippi River near Cairo, Illinois, the …
With the USDA’s disaster declaration announcement made last week, cattle producers across Alabama are being urged to act quickly. We spoke with Erin Beasley from the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, who is encouraging affected producers to get their paperwork filed before the fast-approaching deadline. Almost a year after a historically active hurricane season impacted much of the Southeast, 39 Alabama counties …
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced over $531 million in recovery assistance for Georgia farmers and ranchers affected by Hurricane Helene. This funding, part of the larger $30 billion disaster relief effort, aims to help agricultural producers in Georgia recover from the economic losses caused by the hurricane. Major Financial Relief for Georgia’s Agricultural Community U.S. Secretary of …
USDA Trade Plan Sparks Strong Response from U.S. Meat Export Industry With the recent release of the USDA’s three-point plan to support American agricultural producers and exporters, the U.S. meat industry is reacting positively. Last week, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg unveiled the initiative during the annual meeting …
