In the late 18th century, a young Massachusetts farm boy named Eli Whitney unknowingly set the stage for a major turning point in American agriculture. At just 12 years old, Whitney demonstrated his mechanical talent by crafting a handmade violin and later running his own nail-making business. While attending college, Whitney stayed at a widow’s home where he overheard a …
Here are the weekly livestock market reports for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia for the week ended July 11, 2025, compiled by the Livestock Market News Service for all three states. AL Livestock Market Report: At Alabama Livestock Auctions, for the week ended July 11, 2025, receipts at 16 markets totaled 10,454 head compared to 0 last week due to July …
US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced that the USDA will be expediting the implementation of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program for producers impacted with eligible crop losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. The $16 Billion in assistance will be distributed in two stages. Secretary Rollins said, “American farmers are no stranger to natural disasters that …
August Crop Report Will Reflect Real Field Data, Not Just Models The upcoming August 12th USDA Crop Report is expected to carry significantly more weight than the July update, especially within the grain trade. According to agricultural broadcaster Mark Oppold, this report will be the first of the season to rely on actual in-field surveys rather than computer-generated models. Starting …
A “Beautiful Bill” Aims to Reshape Agriculture and the Economy In Washington, lawmakers are discussing what’s being called “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a major legislative proposal that promises to boost economic growth and restore fiscal sanity—especially in agriculture. The bill has received vocal support from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, who says it includes transformative policies across the board. …
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has paused the phased reopening of ports along the US Mexico Border due to further northward spread of the New World Screwworm in Mexico. Earlier this week, Mexico’s National Service of Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety and Quality reported a new case of New World Screwworm in Veracruz, approximately 160 miles northward of the current sterile …
Over 40 U.S. agricultural groups, including the National Corn Growers Association, sent a letter to President Trump asking him to quickly nominate a Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the USTR Office. The groups said the nomination is critical to prioritizing the needs of American agriculture amid the ongoing reciprocal trade negotiations. “The chief agricultural negotiator is an asset to farmers and …
In today’s American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold takes us back to one of the most pivotal innovations in U.S. farming history—the invention of the steel plow. As pioneers moved west in the early 1800s, they struggled with the dense, damp soils of the Midwest. Early plows—crafted from wood or iron—were easily bent, broken, or rendered ineffective. Even the iron …
U.S. Agricultural Exports to Mexico Hit $30.2 Billion in 2024 According to the latest USDA report, Mexico was the number one destination for U.S. agricultural exports in 2024, receiving $30.2 billion worth of goods. Nearly half of that came from consumer-oriented products such as meat, dairy, processed foods, and beverages. Bulk commodities accounted for one-third of total shipments, led by …
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ended its emergency response to bird flu as the outbreak that sickened dozens of people, spread to cattle, and drove up egg prices has abated. Bloomberg said the emergency designation ended last week. The CDC is combining bird flu updates with the routinely reported seasonal influenza infections. It will also post the …
