The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is ramping up hiring of new team members to help implement $19.5 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for conservation programs. A part of this initiative, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently opened job announcements for soil conservationists. This batch of job openings is part of a broader effort by NRCS to help producers develop conservation …
Economic Research Service: Farm Income Decline Varies by Region
After reaching recent highs in 2021 and 2022, the average net cash income of U.S. farm businesses is expected to decline by 18 percent in 2023 compared with 2022. Farm businesses across the country are forecast to see higher production expenses, lower cash receipts, and lower Government payments in 2023, resulting in lower expected average net cash farm income. However, …
AEM Offers Ways to Address the Industry’s Technician Shortage
It’s no secret to anyone working in equipment manufacturing the ever-growing technician shortage is a problem poised to get a lot worse before it gets better. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. According to a 2020 report, the ag equipment industry may need to fill as many as 73,500 heavy equipment technician positions by 2025. In addition, the …
Peanut Contracts Available
While some are waiting for rain to plant their peanuts, putting seed in the ground is still underway in other areas. Today, Tyron Spearman looks at what contract prices are currently being offered. 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, …
35th World Pork Expo Coming in June
The World Pork Expo is returning to the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines for its 35th year June 7-9. Presented by National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), this year’s event will mark a major milestone for the world’s largest pork-specific trade show. Pork producers and industry professionals will be able to celebrate 35 years of the event with the best programming, educational seminars and networking …
Alliance Wants to Protect Specialty Crop Program
Few programs within the farm bill are designed for specialty crops, and even fewer are designed specifically for specialty crops. However, the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) program is just that, and the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance wants to keep the program how it was intended twenty years ago. TASC was first passed in the 2002 farm bill. …
No Surprises in the Cotton Trade
Tracking cotton futures, Mark Oppold notes there are no big surprises with what has been transpiring as of late. 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
Smaller U.S. Cattle Herd Squeezing Meatpacker Profits
America’s beef cow herd hasn’t been this small since 1962. Drought and the high cost of feed forced producers to cut their herd sizes instead of keeping animals for breeding. Livestock producers who fatten cattle suddenly have leverage over meatpackers as they negotiate cattle prices with organizations like Tyson Foods, JBS, and Cargill. U.S. News says meat processors are assessing …
Ag Exports in 2021 Generate Billions in Economic Activity
How much do ag exports contribute to the nation’s economic activity? That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. A new USDA report says exports constitute a significant market for American farm and food products and send ripples of activity through the nation’s economy. The USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) says America’s agricultural exports, valued at $177.3 billion in 2021, …
Bill Could Help Black Farmers in Florida Get Pot Licenses
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE,FL/May 9, 2023) — Black farmers who didn’t make the cut last year could have another opportunity to vie for medical-marijuana licenses, under a bill approved by lawmakers in the final days of the 2023 legislative session. The bill, which awaits a decision by Gov. Ron DeSantis, is part of years-long efforts aimed at giving Black farmers an entry into …