Corn Crop Matures Early, Tip-Back and Smaller Kernels Raise Yield Concerns Favorable summer weather across much of the U.S. has led to faster-than-normal corn crop maturity in 2025. While early development can benefit harvest timing, analysts warn it may impact yield quality in subtle but significant ways. “Summer weather has allowed most of the nation’s corn crop to mature ahead …
USDA Seeks Bids for 9.4 Million Pounds of Peanut Butter for Child Nutrition Program The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has announced a major solicitation for peanut butter production aimed at supporting both the Child Nutrition Program and the Domestic Food Distribution System. The new solicitation highlights continued government investment in U.S. agriculture while aiding nutrition programs …
The Establishment of the U.S. Department of Agriculture In 1862, a pivotal year for American farming and education, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was officially established. This came 42 years after the U.S. House of Representatives created the Agriculture Committee to address the growing needs of the nation’s farmers. The U.S. Senate followed suit in 1825, forming its own …
USDA Lowers Broiler, Raises Turkey Price Forecasts in August Poultry Outlook The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its August poultry meat price forecast for 2025 and 2026, offering key insights into how market trends and production shifts are expected to impact prices across the broiler and turkey sectors. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski provided details on …
Farm Progress Show Opens in Decatur as Industry Watches Economic Trends and FDA Proposes Orange Juice Rule Change The Farm Progress Show opens next week in Decatur, Illinois, and all eyes are on how the event will reflect the current state of the ag economy. While show attendance typically isn’t tied to broader economic trends, how much actual business is …
Beef Checkoff Research Finds No Link Between Unprocessed Red Meat and Obesity New research funded by the beef checkoff adds to the growing body of evidence that supports fresh beef as part of a healthy, sustainable diet. This study, conducted by Texas Tech University, challenges long-held assumptions about red meat and its impact on obesity. “Animal-sourced foods like red meat …
Peanut Industry Gathers in Albany, Georgia for Joint Shellers and Buying Points Meeting This week, leaders from across the peanut industry will gather in Albany, Georgia, for a joint meeting of the American Peanut Shellers Association and the National Peanut Buying Points Association. “Over 200 people are expected to attend.” This pre-harvest gathering is a key event for the industry, …
USDA Lowers 2025-2026 Beef and Pork Production Forecasts, Raises Price Outlooks The USDA has released its updated forecast for beef and pork production and pricing for 2025 and 2026, signaling a tightening in supply and continued upward pressure on prices. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekinowski provided key insights into the changes impacting the U.S. meat sector. “Our 2025 …
The Origins of Land-Grant Universities in American Agriculture The Morrill Act of 1862 and Its Impact In 1862, the United States passed the First Morrill Act, a historic piece of legislation that reshaped higher education in the country. This act laid the foundation for what became known as land-grant universities—institutions that received federal land to fund their establishment and operations. …
USDA Expands New World Screwworm Prevention—Here’s What Cattle Producers Can Do The USDA has begun implementing expanded efforts to combat the New World Screwworm (NWS), following an announcement from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins during a press conference held in Texas last week. With concerns rising about the pest’s potential spread, cattle producers across the country are asking: What …
