Grain and Livestock Futures Move in Opposite Directions Early in the New Year Grain and livestock futures are starting the new year on sharply different paths, highlighting contrasting supply-and-demand forces across the agricultural markets. While corn and soybean futures remain under technical pressure, cattle markets continue to surge to new highs driven by animal health concerns and border restrictions. In …
Early Life in Massachusetts John Chapman, famously known as Johnny Appleseed, holds a lasting place in American agricultural history. Born in September 1774 in Massachusetts, Chapman grew up in a bustling household with 11 younger siblings. From an early age, he developed a passion for horticulture. At the age of 13, with the guidance and support of his father, Chapman …
Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Kicks Off 2026 Membership Mailing Membership is the lifeblood of any cattlemen’s association, and the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) is starting the new year by highlighting its first membership mailing for 2026. The mailing is now circulating, and ACA leaders want producers across the state to know what to expect—and why renewing membership is so important. We …
USDA Sets New Research Priorities to Strengthen American Agriculture The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant shift in its research and development focus following the signing of a new memorandum by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. The memorandum establishes updated priorities for USDA-funded research, emphasizing national security, the protection of U.S. agriculture, and stronger support for …
Key January Agriculture Events to Add to Your 2026 Calendar As farmers, processors, and agribusiness professionals plan for the new year, several important January events deserve a spot on the calendar. These meetings, trade shows, and short courses provide valuable opportunities for education, networking, and insight into crop production, processing, and market trends across the Southeast and beyond. One of …
USMEF Highlights Strong Global Protein Demand and Export Opportunities for 2026 The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is spotlighting strong global protein demand and expanding export opportunities as the industry looks ahead to the new year and into 2026. According to USMEF President and CEO Dan Hallstrom, international markets continue to offer significant growth potential for U.S. beef, pork, and …
Agri-Marketing Stock Index Reviews Agricultural Stock Performance in 2025 After reviewing how 48 major agricultural commodities performed during 2025, attention now turns to the Agri-Marketing Stock Index and how leading agricultural stocks fared over the past 12 months. The results show solid gains for several key companies tied to global crop production, farm inputs, and agricultural equipment, reflecting continued investment …
Colonists and the Transformation of Early American Agriculture The arrival of European colonists in North America brought more than settlers—it introduced new agricultural practices that reshaped the land. While colonists had greater access to land in the United States than in Europe, this opportunity came with complex environmental challenges. European Practices Reshape the Landscape European settlers aimed to replicate the …
USDA Releases Farmer Bridge Assistance Program Payment Rates The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has officially released the long-awaited payment rates for the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program, providing clarity and certainty for producers planning for the 2026 growing season. Announced late last year, the FBA Program delivers $12 billion in total assistance, with $11 billion allocated to row crop …
Farmers Should Mark Their Calendars for January and February Meetings As the new year gets underway, farmers and agribusiness professionals are encouraged to mark their calendars for a full slate of agricultural meetings, conferences, and trade shows taking place throughout January and February. These events provide valuable opportunities for education, networking, and staying current on industry trends heading into the …
