USDA’s latest topsoil moisture condition report reflects a dramatic increase in very-short to short ratings from the previous week, as well as levels not reached in two years. Rod Bain has more. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics …
Regional Conservation Partnership Program Project Investments
The Agriculture Secretary this week announced the latest in Regional Conservation Partnership Program project investments. Here’s Rod Bain. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026
FSA Updates Loan Assistance Tool to Support Lenders
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) has updated its Loan Assistance Tool (LAT) to better assist lenders with the loan application process. Originally designed to help farmers and ranchers streamline their loan applications, the LAT now offers new features tailored to meet the needs of lenders, improving access to resources and simplifying loan guarantees. The LAT provides an interactive, step-by-step guide, …
American Agriculture History Minute: Tennessee Valley Authority Act Passes
I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. In the early 1930s, roughly 9 out of 10 rural homes were still without electric power. Farm families quickly learned to use every minute of sunlight for outdoor chores and lift their homes with kerosene lanterns at night. That would begin to change in May 1933, passage of the Tennessee Valley …
USDA Raises Beef Production Outlook, Trims Dairy Expectations
USDA’s October beef production outlook was noticeably higher compared to the prior month’s forecast. Rusty Halvorson has more details. USDA outlook board chairman Mark Jakenowski says beef production is expected to grow both this year – and next year. “Beef production was raised 210 million pounds for 2024. We’ve been seeing some increased steer and heifer slaughter and also higher …
National FFA Convention & Expo Continues
FFA members and supporters from across the country are in Indianapolis this week for the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo. This is the largest gathering of FFA members annually. Attendees are competing, explore various careers and meeting with other members from across the country. This Saturday, on the last day of the event, the new National FFA Officer team will …
Wall Street Discussing Interest Rate Cuts
Cuts in interest rates are once again topping conversations on Wall Street. Mark Oppold explains what the thinking is at this time. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through …
Looking Back at the Sunbelt Farmer of the Year Event
A good crowd was on hand again this year for the annual Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year Award luncheon which was held last week in Moultrie, Georgia. Tyron Spearman takes time to look back at that event and some of the other hi-lights of this year’s Expo. Faylene Whitaker, of Climax, North Carolina, was selected as the overall winner of …
USDA to Host First-Ever Trade Mission to Thailand in 2025
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) will lead its first trade mission to Bangkok, Thailand, from February 3-6, 2025. U.S. exporters interested in participating must apply by October 29, 2024. “This mission represents an important opportunity for our farmers, ranchers, producers, and agribusinesses to connect with potential partners from both Thailand and Burma,” said FAS Administrator …
Conservation Easements Program Sign-up Ends Friday in Georgia
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS-GA) wants to remind landowners that applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) for fiscal year 2025 must be submitted by October 25, 2024. The ACEP has two components, Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetlands Reserve Easements (WRE). ACEP-WRE applications are accepted directly from producers and landowners on eligible lands. These easements will restore …










