The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer climbed to 152 in February, 11 points higher than January. An improvement in the current situation on U.S. farms drove the stronger sentiment among producers. The Current Conditions Index hit 137, 28 points higher than January. The Future Expectations Index rose only three points in February to 159. This month’s Current Conditions Index …
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has been conducting tabletop exercises. According to a story from Rusty Halvorson, these are to prepare for a possible animal disease outbreak. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Supports Beef Education and Promotion ProgramsJanuary 23, 2026Florida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 16, 2026Florida Cattle Industry …
The U.S. agricultural sector has expressed strong concerns following the President’s decision to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. Industry leaders warn that these measures could have significant repercussions for American farmers and agribusinesses. Rob Larew, President of the National Farmers Union, emphasized the potential economic fallout, stating, “We’re already grappling with significant financial uncertainty, and these tariffs only …
I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. Prior to the 1800s, most of the tools and equipment farmers and ranchers used were handmade. The growing use of factory-made agricultural equipment increased farmer production and encouraged more commercial farming. These developments included: That’s today’s American Agriculture History Minute. I’m Mark Oppold. Thanks for reading. I’ll see you next time. …
The tariffs put in place by President Trump that went into effect this week will impact the U.S. peanut industry. Tyron Spearman explains how. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Supports Beef Education and Promotion ProgramsJanuary 23, 2026Florida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 16, 2026Florida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement …
Over the years, there have been various groups that have opposed commodity checkoff programs, and those efforts continue. As Rusty Halvorson reports, another group has contacted the new Agriculture Secretary in efforts to stop checkoff programs. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Supports Beef Education and Promotion ProgramsJanuary 23, 2026Florida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle …
Recent polls are showing a decline in consumer sentiment. And as Mark Oppold reports, that means a pullback in overall spending. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Supports Beef Education and Promotion ProgramsJanuary 23, 2026Florida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 16, 2026Florida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement …
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins addressed farmers attending Commodity Classic in Denver earlier this week and outlined the USDA’s plan to distribute $30 billion in economic and disaster relief. She also met with leaders from the corn, soybean, wheat, and sorghum industries. Rollins called the current farm economy one of the worst in a century but expressed optimism for improvement. …
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Cotton Commission and Camp Hand, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension cotton agronomist, advise growers about what they could be doing now in preparation for planting this year’s crop. “Certainly, some things I’d be thinking about is getting pre-plant fertility stuff out there; of course, spraying burn-down herbicides; getting geared up for it, trying to dot …
I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. Agricultural production continued to expand in the early 1800s, but still by 1850, it took 75 to 90 labor hours to produce 100 bushels of corn, and that took 2.5 to 3 acres. That would begin to change. 1862 to 1875 signaled a major change in agriculture from hand power to …
