Weekly planting updates, no surprise showing soybean planting nationwide at a record pace corn planting as expected making good progress. Last week as well up nearly 15% in one week, but we’re keeping an eye on that northern belt weather north of I-90. As spring wheat planting the slowest in three years. We see sorghum planting in that area the slowest in four …
A Constant in Agricultural History Farmland values have always played a central role in the story of American agriculture. From the earliest days of settlement to today’s highly productive farming regions, the worth of land has reflected not only its productivity, but also its location, accessibility, and long-term potential. As highlighted by agricultural broadcaster Mark Oppold in his American Agriculture …
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced an investment of funding to support projects to address plant pests and diseases. The announcement included more than $90 million under Section 7721 of the Plant Protection Act and includes 441 projects that “ will strengthen the nation’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to invasive plant pests and diseases; safeguard the U.S. nursery …
Farm Bill 2.0 has passed the U.S. House of Representatives 224 to 200, and this strengthens the operation of the Market Loan Assistance Program that was in that first bill, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that was passed earlier in the year. The good news in this part of the 2.0 is that the bill includes important provisions related to international and …
We all saw the headlines a week ago today, the Federal Reserve Board leaving interest rates unchanged. But Bottom Line analysts found some interesting side notes since then that will be interesting to follow in the months ahead, especially with the new Fed chairman. Last week, 12 governors voted, and 11 voted to leave rates unchanged. The Fed governor, Stephen Miron, dissented in favor of …
A Foundation Built by Farmers In the earliest days of American settlement, education was not seen as a luxury—it was a necessity. As communities spread across vast rural landscapes, access to centralized schooling simply wasn’t practical. Instead, settlers—many of them farmers—took education into their own hands. One-room schoolhouses quickly became the solution. These modest buildings were often constructed by local …
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced Ernie Barnett as this year’s recipient of the Agricultural-Environmental Leadership award. Presented annually since 1994, this award highlights “environmentally innovative growers and ranchers who share a commitment to protecting and preserving Florida’s resources while continuing to produce the world-class agricultural goods we rely on.” Commissioner Simpson said, “Ernie Barnett has spent more …
The Farm Food and National Security Act of 2026 has passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The vote 224 to 200. The Farm Food and National Security Act is commonly called a Farm Bill 2.0. It builds on the traditional Farm Bill provisions that were included in the One Big Beautiful Bill that passed earlier this year. Specifically on 2.0, the legislation strengthens …
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced an expanded partnership with the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM). This partnership is expected to increase domestic ag production and exports, while reducing the ag trade deficit. In addition to this partnership, USDA also announced the launch of the Financial Assurance to Revitalize Markets Initiative, an effort to strengthen and modernize …
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an Emergency Use Authorization for a topical powder to prevent and treat New World Screwworm infestations. According to the FDA, “The FDA has concluded that based on the scientific evidence available, it is reasonable to believe that Negasunt Powder may be effective for the prevention and treatment of NWS myiasis in cattle, …
