Price Spread for Pork Products Increases as Processing Plant Labor Shortages Continue

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to worsen longstanding labor shortages in the U.S. pork processing industry. Because the production of deboned products requires more labor, associated prices are higher than bone-in product prices, which have smaller labor requirements, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service. When labor shortages are severe, as in the spring of 2020, when COVID-19-related infections of processing plant …

Fall Favorites to Add Seasonal Color to Your Garden

Some fall favorites to add seasonal color to your garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.  Freshen up your garden by planting these classic plants that will look colorful until frost. Pansies are cheerful, edible flowers that come in red, orange, yellow, white purple, and blue. If you haven’t tried Strawflower, you’re in for a treat. It has …

Peanut Market Update

Tyron Spearman has this week’s peanut market update. 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

October USDA Deadlines Approaching

Covid-19 has impacted many agricultural and forestry operations across the country, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering financial assistance for farmers and ranchers and even timber harvesters and haulers. But USDA reminds those interested the signup deadlines are coming up next week. The signup deadline for three pandemic assistance programs are: ·        Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 – October 12 …

August Beef Exports Top $1 Billion

U.S. beef exports set another new value record in August, topping the $1 billion mark for the first time. Information released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) also notes pork exports saw another strong month in August, remaining ahead of the record pace set last year. Led by record shipments to …

Higher Loan Limit Now Available for USDA Guaranteed Farm Loans

This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced higher loan limits will be available for borrowers seeking a guaranteed farm loan. The loan limit, as of October 1, 2021, went from $1.776 million to $1.825 million. FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux said “Farm loans are critical for our customers’ annual operating and family living expenses, emergency needs, and cash flow.” …

More States See Record Land Prices

Many states are experiencing record land prices across the Midwest. Aggressive bidding continued into summer and the fall selling season, with new high prices often being reached in Iowa. But the land market is also strong in most other crop regions. Farmers National Company recently sold a client’s land in northeast Nebraska at a simulcast auction for $12,950-$13,400 per acre, …

Farmer of the Year Luncheon Still Slated for First Day of Sunbelt Ag Expo

By Clint Thompson The dawn of another Sunbelt Ag Expo means a new Swisher Sweets Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year will soon be named. The annual Willie B. Withers Luncheon and 30th annual farmer of the year announcement is still scheduled for noon on Tuesday, Oct. 19, despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, says Chip Blalock, Sunbelt Ag …

Hanging Baskets for Vertical Vegetable Farming?

Crops that grow well in hanging baskets. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Hanging baskets are a great solution when growing gardens vertically.  Not only are they are a space saver, but you could practically grow everything you’d want in a salad. Or, just some of your favorite flowers. While any tomato plant can work in a hanging …