National Ag Day will be observed Tuesday, March 18th. The day, with the theme “Together, We Grow,” is to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Every year, producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies, and countless others across America join together to recognize the contributions that agriculture makes to our lives. The Agriculture Council of America hosts the …
American Agriculture History Minute: Farm Machinery Makes a Difference
I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. In 1850, it’s estimated it took 75 to 90 labor hours to produce 100 bushels of corn, and that would take 2.5 to 3 acres. By 1890, that reduced to 35 to 40 labor hours to produce the same 100 bushels, but still took 2.5 to 3 acres of corn. But …
Peanut Industry Discusses Farm Bill Needs
We told you yesterday that representatives of the peanut industry were in Washington D.C. campaigning for a new Farm Bill. Tyron Spearman has more details about that recent trip. Sponsored ContentWhat Sets Provysol® Fungicide ApartJuly 8, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024
Recent News May Overshadow New Crop Report
Recent news affecting grain markets may overshadow the new crop report coming out tomorrow. Mark Oppold has more details. Sponsored ContentWhat Sets Provysol® Fungicide ApartJuly 8, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024
Time Change Coming This Weekend
Early this Sunday morning, we officially spring forward an hour as Daylight Savings Time will begin. Mark Oppold has a look at the history of this time change event. Sponsored ContentWhat Sets Provysol® Fungicide ApartJuly 8, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024
Agricultural Sector Responds to Tariff Implementation
The U.S. agricultural sector has expressed strong concerns following the President’s decision to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. Industry leaders warn that these measures could have significant repercussions for American farmers and agribusinesses. Rob Larew, President of the National Farmers Union, emphasized the potential economic fallout, stating, “We’re already grappling with significant financial uncertainty, and these tariffs only …
Standing Up for Checkoff Programs
Over the years, there have been various groups that have opposed commodity checkoff programs, and those efforts continue. As Rusty Halvorson reports, another group has contacted the new Agriculture Secretary in efforts to stop checkoff programs. Sponsored ContentWhat Sets Provysol® Fungicide ApartJuly 8, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024
USDA Secretary Announces Aid Plan at Commodity Classic
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins addressed farmers attending Commodity Classic in Denver earlier this week and outlined the USDA’s plan to distribute $30 billion in economic and disaster relief. She also met with leaders from the corn, soybean, wheat, and sorghum industries. Rollins called the current farm economy one of the worst in a century but expressed optimism for improvement. …
Rural Mainstreet Index Plunges to New Low Amid Economic Uncertainty
The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) continued its downward trend in February, marking the 17th decline in the past 18 months. The index, which measures the economic health of rural communities across a ten-state region dependent on agriculture and energy, fell to 38.0, down from 42.3 in January. A reading below 50 indicates economic contraction. Economic uncertainty remains a key concern, …
Congressional Leaders on Importance of Disaster Relief
We told you last week that Congressional leaders sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins hoping the Agriculture Department will get disaster relief out to farmers soon. Tyron Spearman has more information about that letter and the importance of this relief. During the recent Ag Outlook Forum, Secretary Rollins told those in attendance that the U.S. farm economy is dire, and she …