U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) is taking another swing at the SWAT act. He, along with Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Mike Braun (R-IN), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) reintroduced the bipartisan Spotted Wing Abatement Trust (SWAT) Act that would reduce the spread of spotted wing drosophila (SWD). It would also advance research on the invasive insect that is hurting fruit growers …
USDA Requests Input on GHG Measurement Plans
The USDA wants the public’s opinion on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. USDA is requesting public input on the draft “Federal Strategy to Advance Greenhouse Gas Measurement and Monitoring for the Agriculture and Forestry Sectors (.pdf).” The draft Federal Strategy outlines a framework for enhancing greenhouse gas measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verification within …
U.N. Says More People Facing Hunger
There’s an increase in the number of people facing hunger. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Over 122 million more people around the world are facing hunger since 2019 due to COVID-19 and repeated weather shocks and conflicts like the war in Ukraine. That’s according to the latest “State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World” report …
Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Support American Dairy Businesses
Lawmakers just introduced the Dairy Business Innovation Act of 2023, bipartisan legislation that will reauthorize and strengthen the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives. Senators Tammy Baldwin, a Wisconsin Democrat, and Marsha Blackburn, a Tennessee Republican, introduced the bill Wednesday. Baldwin created the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives through the Dairy Business Innovation Act in 2018, which passed as part of the 2018 …
Looking Forward to August Crop Report
We mentioned yesterday that weather is top of mind right now for grain traders. And as Mark Oppold reports, many are also already looking forward to the monthly crop report coming out in August. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board provides support for cattle producers regardless of herd sizeNovember 28, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Expands the promotion and educational work of …
Land Sales Slowing, Prices Remain High
Ag land sales are slowing but the prices are staying high. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The agriculture real estate market entered a period of de-escalation beginning in the fourth quarter of 2022. The market experienced a reduction in both sales volume and value growth since that time, as interest rates increased, and inflation pressures became more …
U.S. Farm Tractor Sales See Gains in June
According to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), total farm tractor unit sales in the U.S. turned positive in June for the first time in 2023. Sales were led by continued strength in large tractors and combines. Gains in the U.S. market were led by 100+hp 2WD units, up 25.4 percent, closely followed by 4WD units …
Deadline Friday to Nominate Farm Dog of the Year
The deadline is fast approaching to nominate your farm dog for a big award. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The nomination period for Farm Bureau’s 2024 Farm Dog of the Year Contest closes Friday. Denny Ashcraft, Kansas Farm Bureau Member and owner of Tough, the 2023 Farm Dog of the Year, says the contest is a great …
Sugar Policy and International Trade Topics of Discussion
The House Ways and Means Committee this week held a field hearing on trade with a focus on agriculture and critical supply chains. The hearing took place in Kimball, Minnesota on the farm of NCBA president Don Schiefelbein of Schiefelbein Farms. U.S. sugar policy and international sugar trade were among the topics of discussion, with Congressman Dan Kildee of Michigan …
Sellers in Control of the Grain Markets
We told you yesterday that volatility would continue in the gran trade. And according to a story from Mark Oppold, sellers are now in control of the markets. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board provides support for cattle producers regardless of herd sizeNovember 28, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Expands the promotion and educational work of the Florida Beef CouncilNovember 21, 2025Florida …