food

China’s Food Self-Sufficiency Plans Hit Weather Snag

China’s plans for food self-sufficiency aren’t going as expected. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. China’s quest for becoming more food-secure is getting interrupted by extreme weather challenges. Torrential rains and floods have battered most of the nation in recent days and weeks. The South China Morning Post says that’s threatening the productivity of a farming industry that’s …

soybean

Hoping for Support in the Grain Trade

While the grain trade has been struggling, many are hoping for some support this week. Mark Oppold has more details. 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, …

global

Profit Downturn for Global Ag Traders

Lower profits for global ag traders. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Global bumper harvests, a downturn in crop markets, and slowing demand for farm equipment are shrinking profits and lowering the future outlooks for some of the world’s biggest companies. Farm Policy News says St. Louis-based Bunge posted earnings of $1.73 a share in the second quarter, …

prop

CA Prop Causing Nationwide Issues

Pork producers here are feeling the squeeze of an animal confinement law from two thousand miles away. We’re now eight months into the enforcement of California’s animal confinement legislation Prop 12, and pork producers around the nation are feeling the effect. National Pork Producers Council Economist Holly Cook said it’s a costly transition for producers. “So, from a production standpoint, …

trade mission

No Positive News in the Grain Trade

As we mentioned yesterday, the grain trade continues to struggle. As Mark Oppold has more details. 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

spring weather

USDA Discrimination Payments

The USDA works to right some wrongs. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Checks are going out for the USDA’s discrimination financial assistance program. White House Director of Public Engagement Steve Benjamin says it moves forward the goal of equity in agriculture. “This announcement is a result of hours of hard work by many individuals at USDA. And …

food waste reduction

USDA Opens Application Period for Composting and Food Waste Reduction Cooperative Agreements

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced it is accepting applications for Composting and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) pilot projects for fiscal year 2024. The cooperative agreements will use remaining funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Selected projects will develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans and are part of USDA’s …

grain trade

Grain Trade Continues to Struggle

The grain trade continues to struggle, and many farmers are already looking ahead at plans for this year’s crop. As Mark Oppold reports, that may mean more on-farm storage. 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 …

harvest festivals

Ancient and Modern Harvest Festivals of August 1st

August first marks one of the original harvest festivals. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Whether it’s Lughnasadh, Lammas, or Loaf Mass Day, August first is a harvest festival day in many cultures. Starting with the ancient Gaelic cultures of Scottland, Ireland, and Wales, Lugnasadh was celebrated about halfway between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox. It …