Fed Rate Cut Likely in September, CME FedWatch Shows 85–87% Probability As the Federal Reserve’s September meeting approaches, market expectations for an interest rate cut have surged. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, there is now an 85 to 87 percent chance that the Federal Reserve Board will cut interest rates at the conclusion of the meeting. This represents a …
As the U.S. cotton crop moves closer to harvest, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its August cotton crop progress and condition report. According to USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey, the crop is developing at a slightly slower pace than average, with regional differences and weather-related stress impacting progress. “Taking a look at the cotton crop, we did pass …
As August comes to a close, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is drawing attention to the latest corn and soybean crop progress, emphasizing how late-summer weather has influenced maturity and condition ratings. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey offers critical insight into the state of the nation’s crops amid developing drought conditions. “Looking at the key production states, 18 of them, …
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced it will discontinue the Farm Labor Survey, a decision that may have significant implications for farm wage reporting and the future of agricultural labor programs like H-2A. According to a filing in the Federal Register, USDA is ending the long-standing survey due to “recent improvements to the Department of Labor’s Bureau of …
Early Recognition of Forest Stewardship Even as America’s early settlers were clearing land to establish homesteads and plant crops, the government recognized the importance of protecting and managing the nation’s forests. By the mid-19th century, concerns about forest conditions and sustainability began to take shape in national policy. Establishing Federal Oversight In 1876, Congress created an office within the U.S. …
By Clint Thompson The cotton jassid is the newest threat to Georgia’s cotton industry. It has forced University of Georgia entomologist Phillip Roberts to redirect all of his resources this year to learn more about the pest and what can be done to halt its impact on the cotton industry. “There’s no question that this insect has really exploded in …
The Roots of Agricultural Support The Department of Agriculture was first established in 1862, but it would take more than 50 years before one of its most impactful programs came to life. With the passage of the Smith-Lever Act in 1914, the USDA Extension Service was officially created. This initiative formed a partnership between the USDA and land-grant universities to …
Farm Families and the Birth of Agricultural Policy As farm families moved westward and settled across the American heartland, they were unknowingly shaping the foundation of U.S. agriculture. Their struggles, innovations, and resilience created a living history that would later influence government officials tasked with developing agricultural policy. Recognizing the importance of this legacy, a few forward-thinking scholars insisted that …
The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association is making big moves to support the next generation of cattle producers with an action-packed week of educational and leadership-building events. We spoke with Bailey Watson, Youth Programs Director at the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, who shared exciting updates for young cattle enthusiasts across the state. “We have our fall youth field days coming up, both north …
Georgia Cotton and Peanut Day Highlights Industry Research and EU Trade Progress The Georgia Cotton Commission and the Georgia Peanut Commission are joining forces to host Cotton and Peanut Day this week, offering producers valuable updates on research, policy, and international trade developments. “Coming up on the peanut calendar this week, the Georgia Cotton Commission and the Georgia Peanut Commission …
