exports

Benefits to Proposed Rule for Competition in Meatpacking Industry

Dan Agri-Business, Beef, Cattle, Legislative, Regulation

USDA recently released its fifth and final proposed rule to beef up competition in the highly consolidated meatpacking industry – seeking advice on price discovery and competition in markets for fed cattle. Rusty Halvorson has the story.  Joe Maxwell, the co-founder of Farm Action, says one of the real problems facing cattle producers is a lack of transparency. “In cattle …

cattle

Various Factors Affecting Livestock Trade

Dan Cattle, Marketing

Various factors are affecting livestock markets at this time. Mark Oppold explains what those are and what can be expected the next few days. 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, …

U.S. egg production

U.S. Egg Production Down Two Percent, Milk Production Slightly Higher

Dan Dairy, Eggs, Poultry, USDA-NASS

U.S. egg production totaled 8.92 billion during September 2024, down two percent from the same time last year. Production included 7.65 billion table eggs and 1.27 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.18 billion were broiler-type and 91.3 million were egg-type. The average number of layers in the U.S. during September totaled 375 million, down three percent from last year. September …

topsoil

Latest Topsoil Moisture Condition Report

Dan Environment, Soil, Soil, USDA

USDA’s latest topsoil moisture condition report reflects a dramatic increase in very-short to short ratings from the previous week, as well as levels not reached in two years. Rod Bain has more. 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 …

off-farm

Regional Conservation Partnership Program Project Investments

Dan Conservation, Environment, Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), USDA-NRCS

The Agriculture Secretary this week announced the latest in Regional Conservation Partnership Program project investments. Here’s Rod Bain. 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 Cattle Enhancement Board Supports Beef …

loan assiatance tool

FSA Updates Loan Assistance Tool to Support Lenders

Dan Agri-Business, Economy, Funding, USDA-FSA

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) has updated its Loan Assistance Tool (LAT) to better assist lenders with the loan application process. Originally designed to help farmers and ranchers streamline their loan applications, the LAT now offers new features tailored to meet the needs of lenders, improving access to resources and simplifying loan guarantees. The LAT provides an interactive, step-by-step guide, …

American Agriculture History

American Agriculture History Minute: Tennessee Valley Authority Act Passes

Dan American Agriculture History Minute, Legislative, This Land of Ours

I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. In the early 1930s, roughly 9 out of 10 rural homes were still without electric power. Farm families quickly learned to use every minute of sunlight for outdoor chores and lift their homes with kerosene lanterns at night. That would begin to change in May 1933, passage of the Tennessee Valley …

beef export

USDA Raises Beef Production Outlook, Trims Dairy Expectations

Dan Beef, Cattle, Dairy, Marketing

USDA’s October beef production outlook was noticeably higher compared to the prior month’s forecast. Rusty Halvorson has more details. USDA outlook board chairman Mark Jakenowski says beef production is expected to grow both this year – and next year. “Beef production was raised 210 million pounds for 2024. We’ve been seeing some increased steer and heifer slaughter and also higher …

FFA Week

National FFA Convention & Expo Continues

Dan Agri-Business, Education

FFA members and supporters from across the country are in Indianapolis this week for the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo. This is the largest gathering of FFA members annually. Attendees are competing, explore various careers and meeting with other members from across the country.  This Saturday, on the last day of the event, the new National FFA Officer team will …

Wall Street

Wall Street Discussing Interest Rate Cuts

Dan Commodities, Economy

Cuts in interest rates are once again topping conversations on Wall Street. Mark Oppold explains what the thinking is at this time. 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 Cattle …