A “Beautiful Bill” Aims to Reshape Agriculture and the Economy In Washington, lawmakers are discussing what’s being called “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a major legislative proposal that promises to boost economic growth and restore fiscal sanity—especially in agriculture. The bill has received vocal support from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, who says it includes transformative policies across the board. …
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has paused the phased reopening of ports along the US Mexico Border due to further northward spread of the New World Screwworm in Mexico. Earlier this week, Mexico’s National Service of Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety and Quality reported a new case of New World Screwworm in Veracruz, approximately 160 miles northward of the current sterile …
Over 40 U.S. agricultural groups, including the National Corn Growers Association, sent a letter to President Trump asking him to quickly nominate a Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the USTR Office. The groups said the nomination is critical to prioritizing the needs of American agriculture amid the ongoing reciprocal trade negotiations. “The chief agricultural negotiator is an asset to farmers and …
In today’s American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold takes us back to one of the most pivotal innovations in U.S. farming history—the invention of the steel plow. As pioneers moved west in the early 1800s, they struggled with the dense, damp soils of the Midwest. Early plows—crafted from wood or iron—were easily bent, broken, or rendered ineffective. Even the iron …
U.S. Agricultural Exports to Mexico Hit $30.2 Billion in 2024 According to the latest USDA report, Mexico was the number one destination for U.S. agricultural exports in 2024, receiving $30.2 billion worth of goods. Nearly half of that came from consumer-oriented products such as meat, dairy, processed foods, and beverages. Bulk commodities accounted for one-third of total shipments, led by …
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ended its emergency response to bird flu as the outbreak that sickened dozens of people, spread to cattle, and drove up egg prices has abated. Bloomberg said the emergency designation ended last week. The CDC is combining bird flu updates with the routinely reported seasonal influenza infections. It will also post the …
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has announced the 2025 Regional Environmental Stewardship Award Winners. This year’s regional winners were recognized during the NCBA Summer Business Meeting in San Diego and highlighted six farms and ranches across the country. The 2025 Southeast Region winner is the M&D Overstreet Ranch in Kathleen, Florida. The other regional winners are Whispering Hills Farm …
USDA/NASS Releases 2025 Crop Acreage Estimates The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA/NASS) has released its latest estimates for the 2025 planted crop acreage. While farmers have until July 15 to report their final figures to the Farm Service Agency (FSA), current projections provide a clear picture of national planting trends. Peanuts Acreage Up 5.2% Peanut growers nationwide have expanded …
Weather and Trade Take Priority Over Latest Crop Report In this month’s bottom-line analysis, Mark Oppold of Southeast AgNet reports that the latest USDA Crop Report is shaping up to be a non-factor for markets. Instead, the agricultural spotlight shifts to two dominant forces: short-term weather forecasts and ongoing tariff uncertainties. According to Oppold, “Corn pollination peaks next week in …
The US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced The National Farm Security Action Plan during a press conference earlier this week. USDA in a post on X said, “The National Farm Security Action Plan elevates American Agriculture as a key element of our nation’s security addressing urgent threats from foreign adversaries and strengthening the resilience of our nation’s food and …
