Smithfield Foods CEO Shane Smith expressed optimism about the company’s future as it returned to the public stock market more than a decade after being acquired by China’s WH Group. Smith emphasized the company’s growth outlook while downplaying concerns about potential labor shortages due to mass deportations and the continued impact of bird flu on the meat industry. Smith said …
The Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) program has seen increases in participation over the years. Rusty Halvorson has a story explaining why the USDA Risk Management Agency program is an important one for livestock producers. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant …
Once she becomes Agriculture Secretary, Brooke Rollins could start off facing some staffing challenges. Mark Oppold has more details. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026
The January 2025 Rural Mainstreet Index fell below growth neutral for the 16th time in the past 17 months. For the eighth time in the past nine months, farmland prices took a tumble. On average, bank CEOs who responded to the monthly survey expect annual cash rents of $278 per acre of non-irrigated, non-pasture farmland. Farm equipment sales also dropped, …
The cost of eggs in the United States has surged in recent months, largely due to the ongoing bird flu outbreak that has led to the culling of millions of chickens. Prices have more than doubled since the summer of 2023, and with the Easter season approaching, demand is expected to drive costs even higher. According to the U.S. Department …
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS-GA) has announced a Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) sign-up. Agricultural producers and forest landowners looking to build on previous conservation efforts should apply by March 7 to be included in this funding batch. “Through the Conservation Stewardship Program, our customers continue to raise the bar on their conservation operations,” said Terrance O. Rudolph, state conservationist for NRCS …
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama (NRCS-AL) wants to remind producers in the state about the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). NRCS offers CSP through continuous sign-ups. The program provides many benefits, including increased crop yields, decreased inputs, wildlife habitat improvements and increased resilience to adverse weather. CSP is for working lands, including organic and traditional agricultural cropland and pastureland, as well as …
I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. At the age of 13, with the aid of his father, he was given an apprenticeship at a nearby orchard, and thus began his interest in growing and harvesting fruit. At the age of 18, Chapman moved from the frantic family life in Massachusetts. He had 11 younger siblings. He headed …
By Clint Thompson Peanut research is vital to the industry remaining sustainable amid challenging economic times. Much of that research was discussed during Wednesday’s Research Report Day, hosted by the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC). University of Georgia (UGA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists presented research that will help growers navigate production challenges, such as pest and disease issues, …
(NCBA/SAN ANTONIO, TX/Feb. 4, 2025) — The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) recognized seven of the nation’s top cattle operations during CattleCon 2025 in San Antonio as Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) Regional winners for their conservation efforts. “Conservation practices of cattle farmers and ranchers across the country help to preserve natural resources and provide wildlife habitat,” said NCBA President Mark …
