As cotton harvest 2025 continues across the southern U.S., USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey shared a timely update on crop development and field progress as of September 21. “60 percent of the U.S. cotton bowls open, one point ahead of the five-year average, but two points behind last year at this time. Some of the earlier delays that we saw in …
A Vital Waterway in the Heart of the Midwest The Illinois River has long been an essential part of America’s agricultural history. Stretching 273 miles, the river begins at the confluence of the Des Plaines and Kankakee Rivers in the Chicago metropolitan area. From there, it flows southwest across the state of Illinois, eventually joining the mighty Mississippi River near …
NCBA Urges Fast Action as New World Screw Worm Nears U.S. Border As the New World Screw Worm inches closer to the U.S. border, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is urging immediate and decisive action to protect the American cattle industry. Following the detection just 70 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, NCBA CEO Collin Woodall shared the association’s position …
UGA Expert Offers Winter Grazing Advice Amid Georgia Drought Conditions As drought conditions continue across much of Georgia, producers are facing tough decisions about planting winter grazing. We spoke with Dr. Lisa Baxter, Extension Forage Specialist with the University of Georgia, to get her insight on managing planting strategies during this unusually dry fall. “The what-ifs of planting when we …
Peanut Market Stalls as Dry Conditions Challenge Harvest Across the Peanut Belt As the 2025 peanut harvest begins to unfold across the peanut belt, producers and buyers alike are keeping a close eye on market conditions—and the news isn’t great. “The market right now is at a standstill. Market sentiment for this crop has hit a price very low as …
As harvest begins across parts of the Deep Southeast, farmers in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia are now contending with D1 drought status, adding pressure to an already intense season. With high temperatures lingering and limited rainfall, the USDA is monitoring conditions closely. However, there may be relief on the horizon, according to USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey. “Now, for other parts …
Every major sport has its Hall of Fame—and so does American agriculture. Just outside of Kansas City, the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame in Bonner Springs, Kansas, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the nation’s food, fiber, and farming industries. “Every major sport has its Hall of Fame. So does agriculture. The National …
A Vital Waterway in American Agriculture The Colorado River, stretching an impressive 1,450 miles, stands as the fifth-longest river in the United States. Its name, Colorado, comes from the Spanish word for “colored reddish,” a reference to the river’s heavy silt load that once gave it a distinctive hue. Originating in the central Rocky Mountains, this river plays a critical …
Governor Kay Ivey Proclaims October 12 as Farmer’s Day in Alabama Farmers across Alabama are getting long-overdue recognition thanks to a new statewide observance. Last week, Governor Kay Ivey officially proclaimed October 12th as Farmer’s Day in Alabama, joined by Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate. We spoke with Commissioner Pate to learn what inspired this important …
Cattle Futures Remain Strong Amid Tight Supply, Heifer Retention Trends Live cattle and feeder cattle futures continue to hold strong as the market processes last week’s mostly neutral Cattle on Feed report, which, despite its tone, still reflects historically tight numbers in the U.S. cattle supply. “Keeping an eye on live cattle and feeder cattle futures, especially after the neutral, …
