In a new survey conducted by the Alliance for Food and Farming (AFF), 76% of consumers said they have confidence in farmers to protect produce safety. Government agencies are also trusted by consumers, according to the survey. Despite media reports and public statements to the contrary, 78% percent of survey participants responded they were confident in regulatory systems in place …
Summer Cookout Costing More
The average cost of a summer cookout for ten people is $69.68, which breaks down to less than $7 per person, according to Farm Bureau’s summer marketbasket survey. AFBF Chief Economist Roger Cryan says the overall cost for the cookout is up 17 percent or about $10 from last year, because of several factors. “One of them is the general …
Survey Says Shoppers Want Clearer Meat Labels
The National Chicken Council (NCC) released findings from a recent national survey of Americans regarding consumer attitudes about chicken and plant-based ‘chicken’ alternatives. Survey participants included individuals who consume meat and animal products, along with flexitarians, vegetarians and vegans. The results indicate the majority of Americans want clearer product labeling and separate shopping sections for plant-based products. One in five …
Bill Would Ban US Foes From Owning Farmland
Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran would be banned from owning U.S. agricultural land under legislation just advanced by a House panel. It was the second try for House appropriators after they failed last year to get the Senate to agree to a ban on foreign ownership of U.S. ag land for the key U.S. foes in the annual USDA …
Rural Bankers Expecting Recession
Rural bankers say they anticipate a U.S. recession, according to the latest Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index. The region’s overall reading for June slumped to 49.8, its lowest level since September 2020, and down from May’s 57.7. The index ranges between 0 and 100, with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral. Approximately 92.9 percent of rural bankers surveyed rate …
Ukraine Invasion Costly for Americans
Russia’s war against Ukraine is hitting Americans in the pocketbook and many overseas in the stomach. From soaring food costs to skyrocketing fuel prices, the war in Ukraine is taking a painful toll at home and abroad. Ukrainian grain exports have collapsed, and Western sanctions limit Russian oil and fertilizer exports. Experts say all of this makes U.S. and European …
Inflation Prompts Some Trading Partners to Cut Tariffs on Red Meat
South Korea is the latest country to suspend import duties on pork and other food items in an effort to combat inflation. They join Mexico, the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam and Brazil in reducing or eliminating tariffs on certain food items to lower consumer prices. And while these tariff reductions sometimes benefit global competitors more than U.S. red meat, the overall …
Inflation, Recession Fears Persist
Fears about inflation and a possible recession continue to affect the markets, including agriculture. 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
U.S. Ag Tractor, Combine Sales below Five-Year Average in May
U.S. tractor and combine monthly unit sales in May 2022 fell below the five-year average for the first time since March 2020. The monthly data, released last week by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), shows U.S. total farm tractor sales fell 14.5 percent for the month of May compared to 2021, and U.S. combine sales for the month declined …
Investing in Farm & Ranch Land
We told you last week that stronger land prices during late 2021 continued higher through the first five months of this year. That was partially helped by investors looking for a low-risk inflation hedging investment. And Mark Oppold reports wealthy investors are turning to farm and ranch land. According to Farmers National Company, prices for good quality cropland are up 20 …