As the U.S. cotton crop moves closer to harvest, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its August cotton crop progress and condition report. According to USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey, the crop is developing at a slightly slower pace than average, with regional differences and weather-related stress impacting progress. “Taking a look at the cotton crop, we did pass …
As August comes to a close, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is drawing attention to the latest corn and soybean crop progress, emphasizing how late-summer weather has influenced maturity and condition ratings. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey offers critical insight into the state of the nation’s crops amid developing drought conditions. “Looking at the key production states, 18 of them, …
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced it will discontinue the Farm Labor Survey, a decision that may have significant implications for farm wage reporting and the future of agricultural labor programs like H-2A. According to a filing in the Federal Register, USDA is ending the long-standing survey due to “recent improvements to the Department of Labor’s Bureau of …
Early Recognition of Forest Stewardship Even as America’s early settlers were clearing land to establish homesteads and plant crops, the government recognized the importance of protecting and managing the nation’s forests. By the mid-19th century, concerns about forest conditions and sustainability began to take shape in national policy. Establishing Federal Oversight In 1876, Congress created an office within the U.S. …
The Roots of Agricultural Support The Department of Agriculture was first established in 1862, but it would take more than 50 years before one of its most impactful programs came to life. With the passage of the Smith-Lever Act in 1914, the USDA Extension Service was officially created. This initiative formed a partnership between the USDA and land-grant universities to …
Farm Families and the Birth of Agricultural Policy As farm families moved westward and settled across the American heartland, they were unknowingly shaping the foundation of U.S. agriculture. Their struggles, innovations, and resilience created a living history that would later influence government officials tasked with developing agricultural policy. Recognizing the importance of this legacy, a few forward-thinking scholars insisted that …
Georgia Cotton and Peanut Day Highlights Industry Research and EU Trade Progress The Georgia Cotton Commission and the Georgia Peanut Commission are joining forces to host Cotton and Peanut Day this week, offering producers valuable updates on research, policy, and international trade developments. “Coming up on the peanut calendar this week, the Georgia Cotton Commission and the Georgia Peanut Commission …
USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden Updates on New World Screw Worm Prevention Efforts During last week’s Farm Progress Show in Illinois, U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden provided an important update on the New World Screw Worm, a pest posing a threat to livestock and humans. Vaden addressed recent concerns following a human detection case, sharing crucial insights …
Fall Pork Outlook: Tighter Supply, Competitive Prices, and Pork Month Demand As the fall season approaches, the pork industry is bracing for tight supplies and shifting market dynamics. According to a new report from the National Pork Board, pork is expected to remain a price-competitive protein option for consumers, even as production lags behind expectations. “A National Pork Board report …
December Corn Tests Resistance as Cattle Markets Hit All-Time Highs The grain and livestock markets are showing diverging trends as December corn flirts with technical resistance, while October live cattle and feeder cattle post record highs. “December corn stalled just short of that 50-day moving average. We do still see that pre-harvest low near 390 holding through the harvest.” As …
