A bill by Senator Bernie Sanders seeks to make big companies pay up for SNAP benefits their employees receive. Sanders, of Vermont, plans to introduce the bill next week on the same day the farm bill conferees meet. The bill would impose a 100 percent tax on government benefits including food stamps received by workers at companies with 500 or …
Dairy Farms Turning to GoFundMe to Stay in Business
The wife of a Wisconsin dairy farmer started a GoFundMe page to help their family farm survive. With a goal of $35,000, the story made national headlines over the weekend, and as of Tuesday, donations have reached $90,000. In her message, the wife was “asking for help to keep our small family dairy farm going.” The family farm recently went …
USDA Payments Expected After Labor Day
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) expects to send payments to farmers after the Labor Day holiday as part of a trade relief package. The $12 billion package is intended for farmers who have been affected by foreign tariffs on U.S. farm products, all in retaliation to President Trump’s trade agenda. A USDA spokesperson confirmed to the Hagstrom Report the department …
USDA Expected to Announce Trade Relief Package Friday
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expected to release further details of its trade relief package Friday. The aid package previously announced by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue will provide $12 billion in assistance to farmers hurt by President Trump’s trade agenda. Agri-Pulse reports that sources involved with the process say the payment rate for soybean farmers has been preliminarily proposed …
Commodity Prices Have Landowners Searching for Additional Income
Low commodity prices have landowners searching for alternative incomes, according to Farmers National Company. The company says this is especially true as farmers head into harvest of the 2018 crops with current prices impacted by trade issues. In some states, landowners have also been facing increased costs due to rising property tax bills. For owners who have the right type …
Rural Mainstreet Index Rises
The Rural Mainstreet Index climbed above growth neutral this month. The monthly survey of bank CEO’s in ten Midwestern states climbed to 54.8 from 53.8 in July. The index ranges between 0 and 100 with 50.0 representing growth neutral. Organizer Ernie Goss of Creighton University says the survey shows expansion of the economy outside of agriculture, but adds “the negative …
Survey: Commodity Prices Impacting Ag Retailers
A recent survey shows agriculture retailers are feeling the burden of fluctuating commodity prices. Low commodity prices and a volatile market stemming from trade concerns are on the minds of retailers, according to the survey published by Proagrica. 65 percent of respondents are feeling financial pressure due to fluctuating commodity pricing and competition. Elsewhere, 68 percent felt that enhanced management …
Farm Milk Prices May Increase Next Year
Dairy producers could see higher milk prices and improved margins next year. Gary Crawford has the story. Farm Milk Prices May Increase Next Year Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 8, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Critical Role To Extend ResearchNovember 7, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funded Research Impactful for the Future of the Florida Cattle IndustryOctober 31, 2025
Ag Lenders Worried About Farmers
Depressed commodity prices, poor weather, and trade war ramifications aren’t just worrying for the nation’s farmers. The second quarter Agriculture Credit Conditions Survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis says ag bankers are worried as well. The report, which covers April through June, says farm income, spending on capital equipment, and household purchases all decreased. Nearly half of the …
Trump: “Farmers Are Doing Well”
President Trump spoke recently during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, saying farmers are starting to prosper. However, a Bloomberg article says the numbers tell a different story. “I hear they’re starting to do well in spite of everything,” the President said during comments from the meeting. “They’re selling corn, they’re selling soybeans, they’re selling everything, at levels that …