Social Security

Looking at the National Debt

Here in 2025, there are some looking at whether the new administration can actually start trimming the national debt. Mark Oppold has the story. 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 …

h-2a

H-2A Program Sees Slight Increase

A recent report shows a small uptick in H-2A program usage for fiscal year 2024, suggesting that farmers and ranchers continue to rely on temporary workers. According to the Department of Labor, 384,900 H-2A positions were certified, marking a two percent increase—or 6,000 more positions—than fiscal year 2023. John Walt Boatright, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau …

market

Lack of 2024 Ag Market Shocks

Compared to the past four years, 2024 seemed quiet regarding the lack of a singular event causing shocks in the farm market and farm prices, according to USDA’s Chief Economist Seth Meyer. He discusses how the year resulted in minimal shock in crop markets and little in price moderations. And Meyer talks about the potential of a shock to agricultural markets …

peanut industry

Jimmy Carter’s Early Days in the Peanut Industry

The past few days we’ve been honoring former President Jimmy Carter. Tyron Spearman has talked about his career in the peanut industry, and today he looks even deeper into those days and how it all began. 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 …

jimmy carter

Remembering Jimmy Carter

Some knew him as Mr. Jimmy, others as President Carter. But all are taking time to remember the 39th President of the United States. Tyron Spearman has more details about the life of Jimmy Carter.  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, …

American Agriculture

American Agriculture History Minute: Ohio Established as a Leader in Crop Production

I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. As early settlers pushed across the Appalachians, many assumed that they continued on westward through the plains and on to California and Oregon. But many found a home in what is now Ohio. By the time European settlers established a presence in Ohio, American Indian tribes were already growing corn, soybeans, …

farm loan

USDA to Provide Assistance for Distressed Farm Loan Borrowers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced approximately $300 million in assistance to help distressed direct and guaranteed farm loan borrowers under Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act. Over the past two years, USDA acted swiftly to assist distressed borrowers in retaining their land and continuing their agricultural operations. This is expected to provide assistance to over 12,800 …

ge corn

U.S. Wins USMCA Biotechnology Dispute with Mexico, Securing Market Access for GE Corn

The United States has successfully resolved a critical trade dispute with Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), securing a victory for American agriculture. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai announced that an independent panel convened under USMCA rules unanimously sided with the U.S. on all seven legal claims related to Mexico’s restrictions on genetically engineered (GE) corn imports. The panel …

American Seed

American Seed Trade Association Receives $1 Million to Expand Global Markets

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) announced it has received $1 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) grants. The RAPP grants are designed to help American agricultural groups break into or strengthen their presence in export markets, especially in regions with growing purchasing power, such as Africa, Latin America and …

valley

American Agriculture History Minute: Center Pivot Irrigation System Developed

I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. In 1946, Robert Doherty was looking for a good business opportunity, and he recognized the potential of a small manufacturing company on a farm just west of Valley, Nebraska. After careful consideration, he invested $5 ,000, nearly his entire savings, in Valley Manufacturing and began working farm elevators. A year later, …