markets

Cattle Markets Reacting To NWS Detections

It’s been interesting to watch live cattle and feeder cattle futures reaction to confirmation of a screwworm (NWS) case in Texas last week. A newborn calf in southern Texas, the first confirmed case in the U.S. since 1966. Now, on the surface, one would expect a very negative market reaction, but so far, Trader is looking at further tightening of cattle numbers, lower beef …

cross-check

From Cross-Check Planting to Modern Corn Rows: How Charles Deere Helped Transform Corn Production

The Evolution of Corn Planting in Early American Agriculture American agriculture has undergone remarkable changes since the nation’s earliest farming days. One of the most significant advancements came in the way farmers planted corn, a staple crop that helped fuel the growth of the United States. According to agricultural historian Mark Oppold, corn planting methods in the late 1700s and …

Disaster Relief

USDA Announces Modernization of Loan Systems

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the modernization of their loan and grant systems that support farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Sam Berry, USDA Chief Information officer said, “At the U.S. Department of Agriculture, we are leveraging innovative technology to deliver faster, more secure services in alignment with the Secretary’s vision for a modern and customer-focused USDA. In 2026, …

final

Ag Estimates for 2026 Peanut Crop

USDA’s Ag Statistics Service has made their first estimate on the peanut crop for this coming year. Production is projected to decline this year with about 6 billion pounds because of lower acreage and average yield. U.S. peanut farmers only intend to sow about 1.7 million acres this coming year as prices have been suppressed with limited demand growth resulting …

agriculture leaders

Agriculture Leaders Release Statements on NWS

After the recent discovery of New World Screwworm in Texas last week, several agriculture leaders have released statements sharing how they are taking action to combat this livestock industry threat. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson said “We have been working in close coordination with federal, state and industry partners to prepare for the New world screwworm’s arrival in the …

Deere

How Deere & Mansour Revolutionized Corn Planting in 19th Century America

American agriculture in the mid-1800s was undergoing rapid transformation as farmers searched for better tools to improve productivity and efficiency. One of the greatest challenges of the era was achieving accurate corn planting, a critical factor in maximizing yields and reducing wasted seed. The solution came through an innovative partnership that would leave a lasting mark on agricultural history. Recognizing …

Conservation Innovation Grants

USDA Announces Funding Now Available For Conservation Innovation Grants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that funding is now available for Conservation Innovation Grants. Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief, Colton Buckley, provides the details on these grants. “We have announced $65 million for this fiscal year, broken up $50 million for on-farm trials for that conservation implementation, and $15 million for CIG Classic,” said Buckley. “CIG on-farm trial …

Florida Cattle Enhancement Board

Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Encourages Research into Producers Questions

The Florida Cattle Enhancement Board encourages research into Producers questions that impact their operations. We caught up with Dr. Marcelo Wallau with the University of Florida to discuss one of his research projects to learn how these projects would not be studied without the Board’s funding and where the research questions come from. “This is the type of work that …