The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in a post on X from the New World Screwworm Rapid Response account confirmed the first captured wild New World Screwworm (NWS) fly. This fly was caught in a trap located in Brewster County, Texas. The post also describes NWS combat strategies, saying, “Our surveillance system is working, using targeted fly traps, animal checks, …
ARC and PLC Program Updates
Well agricultural producers can now begin enrolling in the Agricultural Risk Coverage Program or ARC and the PLC Price Loss Coverage Program. USDA says they have applied 30 million new base acres to all the farms and now you can start planting your individual farm. Producers can now change your election and enroll in ARC, or you can enroll in …
World Forage Super Bowl Competition
The winner of the Super Bowl will be announced tomorrow in Madison, Wisconsin. It’s the 42nd year of the World Forage Super Bowl competition, all part of the World Dairy Expo that kicks off today in Madison. Over 230 entries, some from this area, sent samples of hay in August. They were tested, analyzed, and scored. Nearly $30,000 in prize …
4-H Roots Trace Back to the Smith-Lever Act of 1914
Cooperative Extension Service Helped Shape Rural America The roots of one of America’s best-known youth agricultural organizations can be traced back to legislation passed more than a century ago. In this edition of the American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold explains how the Smith-Lever Act of 1914 helped establish the Cooperative Extension Service and ultimately played a key role in …
Chairman Boozman Shares thoughts on Farm Bill 2.0
U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman recently made further comments on the Farm Bill 2.0 passing and its importance in the agriculture industry. Senator Boozman said, “Our farmers played a major part in helping us get this over the line and out of committee, and we’re going to rely on them once the election is …
Rural Electrification Transforms American Agriculture
Bringing Electricity to Rural America In the early 1930s, electricity was still a luxury for most rural American families. Roughly nine out of every 10 rural homes were without electric power, leaving farm families to rely on traditional methods to complete daily chores and operate their homes. Without electricity, rural families made the most of every available hour of daylight. …
Reopening of Southern Port of Entry for Live Cattle
This week another southern port of entry for Mexican live cattle is scheduled to reopen. This reopening is a key part of the gradual resumption of southern border livestock entry, working alongside New World Screwworm Protection Protocols. Chief Economist Justin Benavidez describes it further. “USDA will open the Santa Teresa, New Mexico port of entry. For the first month of …
Corn and Soybean Futures
This year’s corn and soybean crop not even in the bin yet, but bottom-line grain analysts are keeping an eye on 2027 December corn 2027 November soybean futures. A Rising tide lifts all ships. It said networks in the grain trade as well. Next December 2027 corn futures have risen from early summer lows to a 52-week high recently over …
The Story Behind Ralston Purina’s Famous Checkerboard Logo
The checkerboard logo associated with Ralston Purina is one of the most recognizable symbols in American agriculture. Its origins date back to 1904, when company founder William Danforth adopted the distinctive pattern for his animal-feed business. From Childhood Clothing to an Agricultural Trademark The story of the checkerboard begins with Danforth himself. As a child, he often wore clothing made …
NPPC Fall Legislative Action Conference
Nearly 150 pork producers from across the country traveled to Washington D.C. pressing lawmakers on issues they say are critical to the future of the U.S. pork industry. The producers, representing nearly 30 states, took part in the National Pork Producers Council‘s Fall Legislative Action Conference. The top priority during this conference was a new farm bill that includes a …










