In a story from the National Association of Farm Broadcasters (NAFB), farmer sentiment in May climbed to its highest level since May of 2021. The Purdue University CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index reached 158, 10 points above April. Behind the sentiment improvement, farmers’ views were much more optimistic about U.S. agricultural export prospects combined with a less negative view …
American Agriculture History Minute: One-Room Schoolhouses Move West with Agriculture
I’m Mark Oppold with an American agriculture history minute tells us today about how One-room schoolhouses are part of American agriculture history. The Eureka Schoolhouse in Springfield, Vermont, was one of the earliest recorded one-room schools built in 1785. As settlers moved west, the one-room schoolhouse model moved with them. Abraham Lincoln attended a one-room school in 1822 in rural …
Fair and Free Trade for Beef A Component of Trade Negotiations
As tariff discussions and trade negotiations continue, the need for fair and free trade amongst nations is a key factor for the cattle industry according to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. We spoke with Kent Bacus, Executive Director of Government Affairs with NCBA who highlighted the non-tariff items that could impact the cattle industry. To learn more, visit southeastagnet.com. Dale …
Peanut Usage Trends: Snack Market Up, Candy and Butter Down
Each month, the USDA releases its Peanut Stocks and Processing report, a valuable benchmark for U.S. peanut farmers and processors. The latest numbers for the period August through April reveal a mixed story of consumer behavior, government purchasing, and market shifts. Key Peanut Product Trends Snack Market Grows In contrast, peanuts used in snack foods rose 3.9% in the most …
NAFB Purdue Researchers Develop a New Avian Influenza Test
Purdue University researchers have developed an innovative, paper-based diagnostic test for rapidly detecting avian influenza. The novel test addresses the urgent need for an efficient and cost-effective surveillance tool to combat the global threat posed by avian influenza viruses. The test is suitable for use in field settings, including areas with limited access to advanced laboratory facilities. A key advantage …
Top Traded Commodities in 2025: Snapshot of Winners-Losers
As we cross the five-month mark in 2025, a new ranking of top-traded commodities highlights some unexpected leaders and laggards in the market. From precious metals to grains and livestock, market performance tells a dynamic story of economic sentiment, supply pressures, and shifting demand. Top Performers So Far Leading the pack is gold, which has seen a remarkable 22.4% increase …
Key Insights for Battling Aphids in Soybeans and Cotton
As Cotton and Soybean producers look to make this year’s crop the best, pests like aphids seek to threaten those goals. We spoke with Dr. Albre Brown, Technical Marketing Manager with BASF who shared key insights in combatting aphids in both cotton and soybeans this season. To learn more, visit southeastagnet.com. Dale Sandlin reporting for Southeast AgNet. Sponsored ContentWhat Sets …
American Agriculture History Minute: Farmland Values and Location
I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute discusses farmland values having always been part of American agriculture history. Recent stories indicate that farmland values in some areas of the country are leveling off or even declining. But, in real estate, it’s all about location, location, location. Such was the case for this farm in October 2024. 90 acres, 20 …
American Agriculture History Minute: One-Room Schoolhouses Move West
Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute relates that one-room schoolhouses are a part of American agriculture history. Early settlers knew the importance of education, and since a large portion of the population lived in small rural communities or isolated rural areas, local one-room schools were the answer, often built by nearby farmers. In fact, most of the teachers …
The Importance of Proactive Disease Control
Peanut Growers put their best efforts into their crop year in and year out. As growers determine the best course of action to battle Leaf Spot and White Mold, BASF is reminding growers of the importance of proactive disease control and the potential damages they can cause to crops. We caught up with BASF’s Abraham Fulmer who provided some insights …