Margin Protection for Corn and Soybean Farmers Expanded by USDA

(USDA-RMA/WASHINGTON/March 30, 2023) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding its Margin Protection insurance plan, adding more than a thousand counties to the insurance option that provides coverage against an unexpected decrease in operating margin for corn and soybean producers. This expansion, which is in direct response to growing interest among producers, will be available by June 30, 2023. Interested …

Farm Bill Listening Sessions Planned

Congressman Barry Moore is hosting several Farm Bill Listening Sessions for Alabamians to attend regarding the upcoming Farm Bill reauthorization. The Alabama Peanut Producers Association says attendees are encouraged to bring a hard copy of their questions, comments, or concerns along with their contact information so Congressman Moore and his staff have an opportunity to follow up with attendees after …

Strong Rebound in China

A recent report indicates a strong rebound is underway in China. Mark Oppold looks at how that could affect agriculture here in the U.S. 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 …

Groups Call for Checkoff Reform in the 2023 Farm Bill

This week, a coalition of 131 groups representing farmers, the food system, the environment, animal welfare, and antimonopoly advocacy called on Congress to restore accountability and transparency to commodity checkoff programs by supporting inclusion of the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming (OFF) Act (S.557 and H.R.1249) in the 2023 Farm Bill. Checkoff programs are funded through mandatory fees on farmers and ranchers producing …

Is U.S. Losing Trade Competitiveness?

The U.S. remains the top exporter of a few commodities, but the competition is getting closer. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) released a report on the competitiveness of U.S. exports, and it shows while we’re still top in some categories, the competition is getting hotter. The report says that export shares …

A Remarkable Boost in Funding for USDA Conservation Next Year

The USDA conservation budget for next year could see what the Agriculture Secretary calls a “remarkable” increase. Gary Crawford has more details. 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 through …

Bankers Report an 8.1 Percent increase in Farm Bank Lending

Despite numerous headwinds in 2022, agricultural lending by U.S. farm banks increased by 8.1 percent in 2022 to $103.1 billion. The American Bankers Association’s annual Farm Bank Performance Report says the change is due to a 9.7 percent increase in outstanding loans secured by farmland and a 5.9 percent increase in agricultural and production loans. The report also says farmland …

U.S. Peanut Federation Joins Ag Groups Urging Help from Budget Committee

We told you yesterday that various agricultural groups are asking the U.S. Senate and House Budget Committees for help this year. Tyron Spearman reports that one of those groups is the U.S. Peanut Federation (USPF). 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 …

USDA Central America-Dominican Republic Trade Mission

USDA leaders visit Panama for a trade mission. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor arrived in Panama City Monday to launch a regional agribusiness trade mission. Taylor and the trade delegation on the trip look to develop stronger ties and build economic partnerships between the United …

Budget Committees Asked for Help

Various agricultural groups are asking the U.S. Senate and House Budget Committees for help in 2023. Tyron Spearman has more details. 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 through SharpShooter™June …