A new report by Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences warns that the world’s agricultural productivity is slowing at a concerning rate. The 2024 Global Agricultural Productivity (GAP) Report, titled Powering Productivity: Scaling High-Impact Bundles of Proven and Emerging Tools, highlights a growing challenge in feeding the planet’s increasing population. According to the report, while innovations in farming …
USDA Launches New Tools to Improve Fertilizer and Grain Transportation Visibility
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has introduced two new tools to boost transparency and resilience in the agricultural transportation sector. Announced today, the Fertilizer Transportation Dashboard and the Pacific Northwest Barge Rate Data Series are now available on the Agricultural Transportation Open Data Platform (AgTransport). The Fertilizer Transportation Dashboard provides up-to-date information on key fertilizer supply chain indicators. These …
Video: Secretary Vilsack On USDA Efforts for Farmers and Communities Affected by Hurricanes
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack talks with Sabrina Halvorson about the USDA’s efforts to assist farmers, ranchers, and communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
U.S. Sales of Agricultural Tractors and Combines Fall in September
According to new data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), U.S. sales of agricultural tractors decreased 19.2% in September 2024 compared to the year before, while sales of combines dropped 40.7% compared to 2023. “September’s sales of ag tractors and combines follows a summer that showed a cyclical slowdown in sales,” said AEM Senior Vice President Curt Blades. “These declines point …
USDA Invests $46 Million to Support Veteran and Underserved Farmers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a $46 million investment in projects aimed at supporting America’s veteran, underserved, and beginning farmers and ranchers. Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small made the announcement, highlighting the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to helping aspiring farmers enter the industry and improve their operations. “Starting or taking over a farm takes courage,” said Torres Small. …
USDA Awards $25 Million to Support Specialty Crop Exports
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced over $25 million in funding for eight projects under its new Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) initiative. The program, launched in January 2024, aims to reduce non-tariff trade barriers for U.S. specialty crops like fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and horticultural products. USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Alexis M. …
Organic Valley to Host Live Virtual Farm Tour for National Farmers Day
Organic Valley is celebrating National Farmers Day with a unique experience, bringing the sights and sounds of small organic family farms directly to viewers through a live virtual farm tour. On Friday, Oct. 11, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST, people can tune in to Organic Valley’s YouTube livestream to visit farms from coast to coast. The event will …
Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation Collecting Fencing Materials for Cattle Producers in North Carolina, Florida and Georgia
(ACA/MONTGOMERY, AL/Oct. 10, 21024) — The Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation (ACF) is hosting a relief effort benefitting cattle producers in North Carolina, Florida and Georgia affected by recent hurricanes. In coordination with the North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association, the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, the effort will focus on collecting fencing materials and monetary donations. The donation window is …
Alabama Farmers Helping Farmers Affected by Hurricane Helene
(ADAI/Montgomery, AL/Oct. 9, 2024) — The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is working to assist farmers who suffered catastrophic losses caused by Hurricane Helene. Torrential rains, exceeding many rainfall records, devasted crops, livestock operations and infrastructure. “We know it will take a long time for these farmers to recover,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate. “Alabama …
International Development Through USDA Programs
Two programs offered by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service provide resources for global development focus areas such as nutrition, education, and self-sufficiency. Rod Bain has more. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Major Role In Applied Beef Cattle ResearchOctober 17, 2025FCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term Research ProjectsOctober 10, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Advances Forage ResearchOctober 3, 2025