Chickens: The Early Livestock Staple of Pioneer Farms Cattle and hogs are widely recognized today as major livestock staples on American farms and ranches. However, during the mid-1800s, it was actually chickens that held the coveted position in many pioneer households. Chickens were especially popular among settlers moving westward due to their ease of transport compared to larger livestock. Once …
USDA Expands Fight Against New World Screwworm with $750M Texas Facility The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is ramping up its battle against the reemergence of the New World screwworm, a dangerous pest threatening livestock across the southern U.S. border. In a major announcement last week, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins detailed the expansion of the USDA’s five-pronged plan …
USDA Peanut Production Forecast Shows Gains in Acreage and Yields Across Southeast The USDA’s Agricultural Statistics Service has released its latest peanut production forecast for the upcoming year, and the outlook is strong for growers across the Southeast. With increases in both planted acreage and expected yields, the U.S. peanut industry is heading into harvest season with optimism. They’re showing …
Kellogg’s Agrees to Remove Toxic Dyes from Cereals in Landmark Deal with Texas AG In a major win for consumer health and food safety, WK Kellogg Co., better known as Kellogg’s, has agreed to permanently remove artificial food dyes from its cereals sold in the United States. The commitment follows a formal investigation and negotiation process led by Texas Attorney …
The Early Midwest Homestead In the 1840s Midwest, the average family farm covered about 100 acres—large enough to support crops, livestock, and a self-sustaining lifestyle. Homes were often handmade one-room log cabins, sometimes with a loft to make space for a growing family. These early Midwest farmhouses were built from local timber, providing shelter through harsh winters and humid summers. …
Here are the weekly livestock market reports for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia for the week ended August 15, 2025, compiled by the Livestock Market News Service for all three states. AL Livestock Market Report: At Alabama Livestock Auctions, for the week ended- August 15, 2025, receipts at 16 markets totaled 11,450 head compared to 13,002 last week and 9,832 last …
CBP Seizes Over 6,000 Pounds of Smuggled Meat from China in Los Angeles Port U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists in Los Angeles made a significant seizure earlier this week, confiscating over 6,000 pounds of poultry and meat products illegally shipped from China. The shipment, falsely labeled as tilapia, included unmanifested swine, avian, and ruminant products—a major biosecurity …
USDA Forecasts Record-High Peanut Crop with Increases in Acreage and Yields The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has released its big crop estimate for the upcoming year, offering detailed projections across major U.S. commodities. Among the highlights is a strong year ahead for the nation’s peanut producers, with record-breaking figures in several key categories. Checking on peanuts first, they …
Trump and Putin Meet in Alaska as Global Stakes Rise Over Ukraine and Rare Earth Minerals In a high-stakes diplomatic moment, President Trump and Russian President Putin are scheduled to meet today in Alaska, drawing global attention and reactions from nations with a vested interest in the outcome—China among them. The meeting comes amid heightened tensions surrounding the war in …
Farm Bureau Praises EPA’s Revised Diesel Exhaust Fluid Guidelines In a major win for farmers and transporters across the country, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced revisions to Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) guidelines for manufacturers of heavy trucks and off-road equipment. The move is being widely praised by the agricultural community, including the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), which …
