Rural Mainstreet Index Chief Eyeing Two Economic Red Flags

The Rural Mainstreet Index has been steadily climbing over the last four months, signaling improving conditions in farm country. However, the man behind the RMI, Ernie Goss from Creighton University, says he has his eyes on two issues; trade and interest rates. A Farm Journal report says Goss credits exports as one of the biggest reasons for improving economic conditions, …

Agri View: Chicken Pickin’ Meat Processing Labor

Everett Griner talks about labor issues in today’s Agri View. Everett discusses how, and why, the meat processing industry needs a permanent labor staff. Chicken Pickin’ Meat Processing Labor Much of today’s agriculture is carried on by a migrant population. Labor comes and goes. It is almost adequate in the planning, growing, and harvesting seasons. It changes during the following …

Celebrating National Hamburger Day

If you recall, last week Cathy Isom told us all about May being National Hamburger Month. Today Cathy has us celebrating a juicy treat that’s been a staple of the American diet for decades. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Celebrating National Hamburger Day Today is National Hamburger Day! And nothing says summertime like a big, juicy hamburger. …

Agri View: Use of Water on the Farm

Everett Griner talks about farm water use in today’s Agri View. He asks some serious questions and discusses what would happen if farmers had no water. Use of Water on the Farm Water, water, water. How frequently and how much do you use? Think about it now. Personal use. Watering our lawns. Many kinds of recreational use. How much would …

Dairy Farmers Have Until June 1 to Apply for Improved Safety Net under MPP

Many Participants Will Receive Payments Beginning in Early June The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds dairy farmers of the June 1 deadline to enroll in the improved Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy).  Many producers will see payments in early June, depending on the coverage they elect. The program protects dairy producers by paying them based on the difference between …

Action Taken Against Canadian Trade Measures That Discriminate Against U.S. Wine

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and Trade Representative Robert E. Lighthizer announced that the Trump Administration has requested that the World Trade Organization (WTO) establish a dispute settlement panel to examine unfair regulations governing the sale of wine in grocery stores in the Canadian province of British Columbia (BC). The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is …

Perdue on Farm Bill

Congress is out all next week for their annual Memorial Day Holiday break, but when they return, many in agriculture hope the 2018 Farm Bill will be on lawmaker’s minds. This week, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue made these comments about the Farm Bill process. Perdue on Farm Bill Of course, he is referring to the fact Democrats voted against the …

U.S. Peanut Export Update

Tyron Spearman has an update on where U.S. peanut exports stand thus far this year. U.S. Peanut Export 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