A Landmark in Westward Expansion: 1788 and the Northwest Territory In the annals of American history, 1788 marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s westward expansion. As settlers moved beyond the Appalachian Mountains, they laid the groundwork for a new chapter in America’s agricultural and territorial development. One key milestone was the establishment of Marietta, Ohio — the first permanent …
The second Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) report is expected to be released soon, and livestock producers are watching closely. We spoke with Sigrid Johannes, Senior Director of Government Affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), to get insight on what the cattle industry should anticipate from the upcoming publication. Johannes notes that the first MAHA report, released in …
According to the latest report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the 2025 U.S. peanut crop is estimated at 92% pegging, just slightly above the five-year average of 90%. This milestone indicates that the national peanut crop is on track and progressing well as growers move through the heart of the growing …
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has issued a stark warning to the White House, highlighting the growing economic crisis facing corn producers across the country. In a formal letter, the NCGA detailed how rising fertilizer prices, compounded by low corn prices and trade uncertainty, are creating a dangerous situation for rural America. The letter states: “Unfortunately, the combination of …
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has officially opened a public comment period on its recently announced department reorganization plan, signaling a significant structural shift intended to decentralize operations and increase efficiency. The plan, unveiled in July, is part of a broader initiative backed by President Trump to move portions of the federal government outside the National Capital Region. According …
The First Push Westward Following the end of the Revolutionary War, the United States entered a new chapter of expansion and exploration. The first major wave of westward migration began in states like Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina, where settlers began making their way beyond the Appalachian Mountains. These brave pioneers sought new opportunities in the wilderness, but they also …
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is reporting a notable improvement in drought conditions affecting cattle and hay production as the country enters August. In a recent update, USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey highlighted how reduced drought pressure is benefiting both sectors—particularly across the Great Plains, a region heavily dependent on grazing and forage. “Cattle and hay numbers for the month …
The USDA August Crop Report is just around the corner, scheduled for release a week from tomorrow, and private estimates are already stirring up conversations in the ag markets. Some corn yield models are projecting a national average yield above 185 bushels per acre, which is a full 45 percent above early trendline yields. However, the USDA is expected to …
John Powell and Ken Barton Recognized for Lifelong Service and Advocacy At the recent Southern Peanut Growers Conference held in Florida, two outstanding leaders in the peanut industry were honored with the prestigious Valor Awards, presented by Valent U.S.A. The awards ceremony was led by John Alton, who defined the significance of the award as recognizing “great courage in the …
New Platform Empowers Farmers with Equipment Repair Access While biological and chemical threats to corn yields have long been recognized and addressed, a growing concern in the agriculture industry is far more technological: farm equipment repair availability. At the center of this issue is the ongoing FTC v. John Deere right-to-repair lawsuit, which has brought national attention to the restrictions …
