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 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; …
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 …
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 …
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 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 …
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 …
Five-Year Fertilizer Duty Review is Underway
A five-year review of countervailing duties on phosphate imports from Morocco and Russia is underway. Agri-Pulse reported that fertilizer producers Mosaic and Simplot say they’re in favor of keeping the duties in place. The tariffs range from 16.6 percent to over 47 percent, and have been in place since 2021 when Mosaic filed a countervailing duty case. The Commerce Department’s …
Livestock Legacy to Corn Innovation: The Story of Eugene Funk
The Roots of Agricultural Excellence Mark Oppold, in his American Agriculture History Minute, highlights the remarkable journey of Eugene Funk—a figure whose contributions helped shape modern corn production in the United States. Eugene Funk was born into a family deeply rooted in agricultural success. He was the grandson of Isaac Funk, one of the earliest settlers in McLean County, Illinois. …
Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Hosts Youth Field Day
The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association recently held a field day for young cattle producers and we caught up with Bailey Watson with ACA to learn more. Watson said, “So last Wednesday, April 1st, we held our spring AJCA Youth Field Day. Usually we hold this year, we only did one this spring because of competition, but we still had a great turnout. …










