NCBA Opens Nominations for 2026 Environmental Stewardship Award The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Environmental Stewardship Award, which celebrates exceptional conservation practices among cattle producers across the United States. “Since its inception 35 years ago, this prestigious program has recognized 235 cattle operations for their stewardship efforts. We look forward to finding the …
Wall Street Eyes Earnings Reports and Fed Decision as Market Risks Grow Despite the ongoing government shutdown, Wall Street has shown resilience, setting new all-time highs earlier this month. However, the next few weeks could bring significant volatility as quarterly earnings reports begin and U.S.-China trade relations continue to deteriorate. “We’ve mentioned on previous reports Wall Street seemed unconcerned with …
America’s Agricultural Roots In the early 1800s, American agriculture was the backbone of the national economy. As Mark Oppold explains in An American Agriculture History Minute, most citizens relied on farming not only for income but also for food security. Families grew crops and raised animals primarily to sustain themselves, with only a small portion sold at nearby local markets. …
U.S. Red Meat Export Opportunities Grow Following UK Trade Mission Jay Thieler, chair-elect of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), recently returned from a trade mission to the United Kingdom with Idaho Governor Brad Little, where the delegation explored the expanding potential for U.S. red meat exports—particularly beef and pork. Thieler shared his insights on the trip and the market …
Government Shutdown Creates Major Headaches for U.S. Farmers and Ranchers The ongoing government shutdown is causing widespread disruption across America’s farm country, delaying essential services and creating more stress for already burdened farmers and ranchers. According to Politico, the shutdown is having a direct impact on the agricultural sector: “Politico points out that the shutdown is stalling the delivery of …
U.S.-China Trade Relations Reach New Low Over Rare Minerals, Tariffs Tensions between the United States and China escalated late last week, and markets—including Wall Street and the CME Group—continue to respond with volatility and concern. “U.S. and Chinese trade relations began to sour late last week, Wall Street and the CME Group continue to react even today.” What many hoped …
Ethnic Traditions and the Roots of American Farming In the early days of the United States, immigrant farmers played a defining role in shaping American agriculture. As Mark Oppold explains in An American Agriculture History Minute, ethnicity influenced how settlers worked the land, managed livestock, and produced food in the New World. Farmers from Germany, England, Scotland, and Ireland each …
Record-Breaking Year for Hay Contest at 2025 Sunbelt Ag Expo The hay contest at Sunbelt Ag Expo continues to be a source of pride for hay producers across the Southeast. We caught up with Dr. Lisa Baxter to learn about the highlights of this year’s competition, including a record-breaking number of entries and standout winners. “This is our 21st year …
Gold Market Surges Past $4,000 Amid Government Shutdown The first government shutdown in almost seven years has given a major boost to an already strong precious metals market. Investors looking for safe-haven assets are turning to gold amid ongoing political and economic uncertainty. “As one investor said, the best place to pull over and park your money in uncertain times …
U.S. Ag Secretary Addresses Soybean Trade and Farm Economy Amid China Talks With ongoing trade discussions with China affecting the sale of U.S. soybeans, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently shared insights into the current state of the agriculture economy during an appearance on Fox News. Rollins discussed highlights from a recent cabinet meeting and emphasized the importance of …
