USDA Ag Outlook Enters a New Era as Chief Economist Seth Meyers Retires The name Seth Meyers may not be familiar to most farmers and ranchers, but within the world of farm broadcasting and agricultural markets, his influence has been significant. Meyers is retiring after serving as USDA’s Chief Economist since 2021, marking the end of a key chapter for …
The Ohio and Erie Canal: A Turning Point in Ohio’s History In the early 19th century, Ohio leaders recognized the need for better transportation to support agriculture, commerce, and settlement. One of the most ambitious projects of the era was the Ohio and Erie Canal, a waterway designed to connect Lake Erie with the Ohio River and open new economic …
USDA Establishes First-Ever Unified Terms and Conditions for Future Awards U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has signed a new Secretary’s Memorandum directing all USDA staff offices and agencies to “immediately adopt and implement the first-ever set of USDA General Terms and Conditions for all future awards.” The action marks a major shift in how USDA administers grants, cooperative agreements, …
USDA Releases Per-Acre Payment Details for Farmer Bridge Assistance Program Payments for the new Farmer Bridge Assistance Program are just around the corner, providing much-anticipated financial support for farmers facing continued economic pressure. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced the next phase of the program, confirming that eligible commodities will receive one-time per-acre payments designed to help producers …
USDA Names Dr. Justin Benavidez as Chief Economist, NCBA Responds The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the appointment of Dr. Justin Benavidez as USDA’s new Chief Economist, a key leadership role responsible for guiding economic analysis and forecasting across the department. Agricultural organizations, including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), are welcoming the decision and highlighting the importance of …
Grains and Livestock Futures Reflect Market Calm Amid Venezuela Geopolitical Shift It’s been 85 years since the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. January 7th, 2026 won’t be remembered in the same way, but military action in Venezuela years from now could be seen as a major turning point in world events. Recent geopolitical developments in Venezuela have …
Ohio’s Early Role in American Agriculture In the early 1800s, Ohio was widely considered the agricultural capital of the United States. As westward expansion pushed settlers beyond the Appalachian Mountains, the fertile plains of Ohio quickly became a destination of choice. Despite the difficulty of the journey, many settlers were drawn to the region’s productive land, which offered strong opportunities …
USDA Announces New Farm Security Actions to Protect Agricultural Research and Innovation U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced a series of coordinated actions focused on agricultural research, innovation, and national security through USDA’s National Farm Security Action Plan. The initiatives are designed to strengthen oversight of foreign involvement in U.S. agriculture while ensuring federal programs prioritize American farmers, …
USDA Announces $12 Billion Farmer Bridge Assistance Program USDA and President Trump have announced the creation of a new Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, providing another round of economic support for U.S. producers as they navigate continued low commodity prices and market uncertainty. The program represents approximately $12 billion in assistance tied to 2025 crop production, offering short-term financial relief while …
Beef Checkoff Program Builds Demand and Adds Value for Cattle Producers The beef checkoff program works every day on behalf of cattle producers to strengthen beef demand, grow markets, and increase the value of every animal. Through research, promotion, and market development, the program ensures that producer dollars are invested strategically and responsibly to benefit the entire beef industry. To …
