U.S.-UK trade

Insights Provided on US – UK Trade Deal on Beef Exports By Under Secretary

Trade negotiations have been a main focus of the Trump administration and we caught up with Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg to learn how the trade deal between the United States and the United Kingdom will impact beef producers.  Under Secretary Lindberg said, “Yeah, so one of the very first, if not, I think it …

Iran

War in Iran Impacting Farm Inputs and Outputs

It’s getting difficult in the farming area now. The war in Iran is creating some big issues on freight rates and fuel surcharges, not counting the increases in energy and fueling a spike in fertilizer prices and also cotton because of the rise and they said the price is a polyester. The cotton market is booming again. Inflation risks are elevated which could possibly …

National Proving Grounds

USDA Announces New USDA National Proving Grounds Network

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the creation of a National Proving Grounds Network for AgTech to help evaluate ag technology under real-world ranching and farming conditions. The initiative was designed to test and validate tools, existing and emerging, to provide farmers and ranchers with insights when choosing technology for their operations. Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics …

Strait of Hormuz

Blockade Of The Strait of Hormuz Impacts

On the surface, President Trump’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz deprives Iran of badly needed oil reserves, millions of dollars in insurance premiums they were collecting to assure safe passage of vessels. But depending on how long the blockade actually lasts, it increases the chance of the Beijing summit already postponed once likely being postponed again. China imports more than 1.5 million barrels …

USDA APHIS

USDA APHIS Releases New World Screwworm Response Playbook

The USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service has released the updated New World Screwworm Response Playbook in the event that the pest is detected in the United States. According to APHIS, “The updated Playbook outlines critical science-based strategies for Federal, state, tribal, and local responders, including how to: Coordinate response operations; Reduce spread and prevent establishment of NWS in new areas; …

drought

Thirty Alabama Counties Designated As Natural Disaster Areas Due To Drought

Thirty counties in Alabama have been designated as Natural Disaster Areas due to the recent drought. Twelve additional contiguous counties have been listed as disaster counties. Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate said, “These drought conditions are placing significant stress on Alabama farmers and ranchers, impacting crops, pastures and livestock across much of our state. We strongly encourage producers to …

crop

Second Weekly Crop Report Released

The second weekly crop progress report of the season yesterday afternoon. Of course, attention on planting progress for the various crops, but also a lot of attention on the improvement or lack of it for winter wheat. Some of the lowest conditions ever for early in April. Major states like Nebraska, Kansas, and that excellent category still below 10 percent. Even the good percentage …

symposium

USMEF Hosts U.S. Red Meat Symposium in Mexico City Next Week

The U.S. Meat Export Federation is hosting the U.S. Red Meat Symposium April 14-17, 2026, in Mexico City providing face-to-face opportunities between importers and prospective customers throughout Mexico. USMEF Regional Director for Mexico and Central America, Gerardo Rodriguez provides an overview of the symposium. Rodriguez said, “The exporters that are going to be having their product being showcased, they are going …

National Peanut Board

National Peanut Board Launching New Campaign Next Month

Each peanut farmer, as he produces his peanuts, is involved in a national checkoff program for the purpose of promotion, research, and education. The National Peanut Board, based in Atlanta, is the manager of that program, about 13 million dollars a year. The National Peanut Board now has announced a launch in a bold, unified campaign to put USA Peanuts front and center with …

Orion Samuelson

Remembering Orion Samuelson

I’m traveling today, sending this as I drive to Huntley, Illinois, and the visitation for farm broadcaster, Orion Samuelson. Orion would have turned 91 just before Easter, and he would have wanted all farm broadcasters to proceed as normal today and not putting him in the spotlight. Well, sorry to disappoint, Orion, but you were anything but normal for your 60 years on the …