Plans are in development to construct a $1.1 billion next-generation livestock processing facility in western South Dakota. The one-million-square-foot facility will process beef and include a specialty bison line. Kingsbury and Associates and Sirius Realty of Rapid City, South Dakota, are currently in the research and development phase of the project. “We aim to restore competition in American meat processing,” …
Georgia State Veterinarian on HPAI Confirmation
Thursday, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) and USDA’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a non-commercial, backyard flock located in Toombs County, Georgia. Samples were taken on May 29th after the flock owners reported sick birds and an increased rate of mortality. After testing for the H5N1 avian influenza virus, …
Drivers Across the U.S. Reach 30 Billion Miles on E15 Fuel
A sector of the clean fuel industry is celebrating a milestone. That’s today’s This Land of Ours. The biofuel association Growth Energy this week announced that drivers around the nation have logged 30 billion miles on the road using E15. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor calls it a testament to the rising popularity of E15. The ethanol blend is made …
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Confirmed in a Backyard Flock in Georgia
(ATLANTA/June 2, 2022) — The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) have confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a non-commercial, backyard flock (non-poultry) located in Toombs County, Georgia. This is the first confirmation of HPAI in Georgia. Avian influenza does not pose a risk to the …
Peanut Crop Update
As of this past week, the peanut crop was 80% planted and for the first time this year, USDA is releasing weekly crop condition reports. Tyron Spearman runs through the latest numbers. Sponsored ContentFlorida 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, 2026Florida Cattle …
From Agatha to Alex?
Many in South Florida are carefully watching a rare weather event that could take place later this week. As Rod Bain reports, an eastern Pacific hurricane crossed Mexico and is currently in the Atlantic Basin. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey explains how the recent Eastern Pacific hurricane could develop into a named Atlantic tropical storm system by the end of this …
USDA Sends Out ERP Applications
Last week, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) mailed 303,000 pre-filled applications for the Emergency Relief Program (ERP). It’s a new program designed to help agricultural producers impacted by wildfires, droughts, hurricanes, winter storms, and other qualifying natural disasters experienced during calendar years 2020 and 2021. This all stems from legislation that Congress passed, and President Biden signed into law. It’s known as the Extending Government Funding …
Consumer Confidence Index Continues to Erode
When talking markets, many times we hear about the U.S. Consumer Confidence Index (CCI). The survey measures how optimistic or pessimistic consumers are regarding their expected financial situation. And according to Mark Oppold, that index continues to erode. The CCI is based on the premise that if consumers are optimistic, they will spend more and stimulate the economy. But, if they are pessimistic, …
NPPC Pushing for Market Access in Asia-Pacific Countries
Last week the Biden Administration launched the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). It’s a U.S.-led trade initiative that includes Australia, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. But, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) continues to push for better market access through the elimination of tariffs and non-tariff barriers in a number of the IPEF …
Sustainability in Agriculture
The lasting trend of sustainability in agriculture. That’s today’s This Land of Ours. Sustainability is nothing new in agriculture. After all, humans have needed a sustainable food supply for all of our existence. However, in the last several years, it’s become a buzzword for the general public as well. Allison Nepveux is the Director of Sustainability at Bushel Inc. and …