When ag labor costs rise, specialty crop growers are usually among those hit hardest. Now, a new USDA report goes in-depth on how fruit and vegetable growers are handling the higher costs of labor. The report says farm labor costs increased from 2010-19 for several reasons, including fewer newly-arrived unauthorized workers, rising State minimum wages, and new requirements to pay …
Agricultural Tractor Unit Sales Fall in June
U.S. agricultural tractor sales fell in June, while harvester sales grew. This is according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). U.S. total farm tractor sales fell 8.2 percent for the month of June compared to 2021. The 100+ horsepower 2WD tractor segment was the only one in the black for the fourth month in a row, up …
World Food Prices Fall in June
Costs may still feel high, but food prices are falling. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. World food prices fell for a third straight month in June. However, the United Nation’s food agency says those prices are close to record levels set in March. The Food and Agriculture Organization’s food price index tracks the most globally-traded food commodities, …
U.S. Economy Can Stand More Interest Rate Hikes
A new report indicates the U.S. economy can stand more interest rate hikes. Mark Oppold has more details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provided Opportunity To Highlight Difficult Farming SubjectMarch 20, 2026Valley Helps Growers Get The Most Out Of Every AcreMarch 19, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Builds Relationships Between Researchers and Cattle ProducersMarch 13, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Helps to …
Weather Conditions Could Affect Gasoline Prices
As we know, it is hurricane season. And as Mark Oppold reports, many are watching the tropics on a regular basis. One reason why is because if something develops, gasoline prices could be affected. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provided Opportunity To Highlight Difficult Farming SubjectMarch 20, 2026Valley Helps Growers Get The Most Out Of Every AcreMarch 19, 2026Florida Cattle …
Best May Ever for U.S. Agricultural Export Values
May was another stellar month for U.S. agricultural export sales. But a story from Gary Crawford looks at whether this year’s agricultural exports reach the record high levels being projected. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provided Opportunity To Highlight Difficult Farming SubjectMarch 20, 2026Valley Helps Growers Get The Most Out Of Every AcreMarch 19, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Builds Relationships …
War in Ukraine Takes Increasing Toll in Food Inflation, Global Hunger
The warning signs are growing that Russia’s war on Ukraine will increase hunger and mass starvation this fall, especially in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. Arizona Rep. David Schweikert’s fears in March that war in Ukraine would lead to increased hunger and starvation are now being confirmed by news reports and global food groups—warnings that started in …
More Flexibility for Specialty Crop Growers in Crop Insurance Reporting
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced some new crop insurance rules that may help lift one burden that many specialty crop producers have had to deal with. Gary Crawford has more information. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provided Opportunity To Highlight Difficult Farming SubjectMarch 20, 2026Valley Helps Growers Get The Most Out Of Every AcreMarch 19, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement …
Farmers Received Smaller Share of Price for Fresh Tomatoes in 2021
The farm share of the retail price of fresh, field-grown tomatoes—the ratio of what farmers received to what consumers paid—fell from 43 percent in 2020 to 36 percent in 2021. While the national, monthly average price of such tomatoes at grocery stores fell 11 cents to $1.85 per pound in 2021, the monthly average price received by farmers simultaneously fell …
Farmer Optimism Remains Weak
The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer continued lower in June, down two points to a reading of 97. The barometer’s Index of Future Expectations also dropped, falling five points to a reading of 95, the lowest level since 2016. But producers were slightly more optimistic about their current conditions, as the Index of Current Conditions rose five points to …