Family Farm Living Expenses

Inflation is hitting everyone, but what does it mean for the farm family? That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. A study by the Kansas Farm Management Association shows that farm family living expenses jumped 14 percent higher last year to an average of $82,000. It’s significantly higher than the previous high of $74,000 in 2014 and the largest …

Report Highlights Effects of Rising Labor Costs

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 …

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 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 16, 2026

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 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 …

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 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 …

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 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, …

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 …