Robert McCormick was a successful farmer in Virginia who owned a substantial 532-acre estate. This farm was nearly self-sufficient, a testament to the resourcefulness and hard work of the McCormick family. Notably, the estate included its own gristmill, which was used to grind grain into flour, providing an essential staple for the farm and its surrounding community. The McCormick farm …
The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association is once again sharing the beef story through its annual steak cookout with the Auburn football team. We spoke with Josie Jones of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association for details on this highly anticipated event. “Last night was a super fun night in Auburn,” Jones shared. “We do an annual event with the Auburn football team and …
The Reluctant Start of a Farming Innovation In the annals of American agriculture, few figures loom as large as Cyrus McCormick. His journey from invention to industrial impact is a classic tale of perseverance in the face of skepticism. In 1831, McCormick successfully demonstrated the world’s first mechanical reaper—an invention poised to transform farming. But while the machine showed immense …
We take a quick look back at the roots of American agriculture and food preservation during the earliest days of westward expansion. The first major movement west of the Appalachians began in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina, just as soon as the Revolutionary War was over. These early pioneers were among the first to push beyond the eastern seaboard, settling …
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) are congratulating Brian Nesvick on his confirmation as the next Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). This key appointment marks a significant step toward strengthening science-based wildlife management and reducing regulatory burdens on ranchers and livestock producers. Kaitlin Glover, NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources …
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has voiced strong support for the newly introduced Hauling Exemptions for Livestock Protection (HELP) Act, a legislative effort led by Representative Jeff Hurd of Colorado. This critical bill addresses growing concerns within the livestock transportation industry by seeking to permanently exempt livestock haulers from burdensome Hours of Service (HOS) rules and Electronic Logging Device …
At the recent Southern Peanut Growers Conference held in Florida, Congressman G.T. Thompson, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, addressed peanut farmers and ag professionals about the newly passed farm bill—what he proudly called a “great big beautiful bill” that aims to bring meaningful reform to rural America. The congressman highlighted several key provisions designed to benefit family farms, peanut …
Across the Southeast, peanut farmers are hoping for some rain this week as the peanut crop is suffering right now. Weather conditions have added stress to an already challenging season, but new support measures may offer some relief. This week, the USDA announced the 2025 crop loan rates for the four types of peanuts. These rates will be effective August …
With seven months of trade now in the books, we review our list of 48 commodities and their performance since New Year’s. Precious metals, far and away, are leading the list, marking a strong 2025 performance so far. Traders and analysts alike are watching trends closely as metals soar, livestock rises, and trade tensions weigh on grains. Top Commodity Performers …
The U.S. agriculture community is responding positively to the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Tyler Clarkson as General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Clarkson’s appointment, finalized last week, marks a return to a familiar leadership role for the seasoned legal expert who previously served at USDA during the first Trump administration. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins praised the …
