Some new highs have been seen when it comes to cattle futures. Mark Oppold has been watching what has transpired over the past week. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well Received By LegislatorsJanuary 30, …
Farm Bankruptcies Climbing in 2025
Farm bankruptcies grew 55 percent from 2023 to 2024 and are trending even higher in 2025. Farmers are continuing to struggle with low prices for their agricultural commodities and the high costs of inputs needed to grow those crops. Bloomberg says unpredictable tariffs, immigration overhauls, federal programs being cut, and frozen USDA funding are now part of the challenges farmers …
American Agriculture History Minute: Homestead Act of 1862
I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. The federal government issued 160-acre tracts to about 400,000 families who settled a new land under the Homestead Act 1862. Even larger numbers purchased lands at very low cost as new railroads tried to create new markets. The railroads advertised heavily in Europe and brought over hundreds of thousands of farmers …
More on Changes to SNAP
We told you yesterday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently issued a statement concerning proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Today, Tyron Spearman has even more details about the possible changes coming to SNAP. USDA Reiterates Importance of Those Who Can Work, Should Work While Receiving SNAP (Washington, D.C., April 17, 2025)—Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a memorandum to all …
Lower Dollar Helps Grain Exports
Due to the lower dollar, grain exports are seeing two-year highs. Mark Oppold has a look at how that and other factors might affect the grain trade. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well Received …
Hemp Planted Acreage Jumps 64%
The value of U.S. industrial hemp production reached $445 million in 2024, representing a 40% increase over the prior year. That’s according to the National Hemp Report that came out last week. Total planted area for hemp jumped to almost 45,300 acres, 64% higher than in 2023, with harvested area also rising to just under 32,700 acres. Floral hemp has …
American Agriculture History Minute: Western Great Plains Becomes Open Cattle Range
I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. The western Great Plains became open range country hosting cattle ranching. In the spring and fall ranchers held roundups where the cowboys would brand new calves, treat them and sort them for sale. Ranching began early in Texas gradually moving northward. Cowboys drove cattle north to the railroad lines, cities like …
USDA Issues Statement Concerning SNAP
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently issued a statement concerning the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, otherwise known as SNAP. Tyron Spearman has more details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well Received By LegislatorsJanuary 30, 2026Florida …
Quarterly Earnings Season Continues
Quarterly earnings season continues this week. Mark Oppold has a look at what some reports are showing thus far, and what others are coming out yet this week. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well …
White House Budget Plan Proposes Local FSA, NRCS Office Closures
The Trump administration is planning to severely scale back or outright eliminate funding for many programs across the Agriculture Department, according to White House documents obtained, as it slashes workers and closes offices at the local level. The ‘passback’ document from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposing fiscal 2026 funding levels would gut research and conservation efforts, trim …










