Native American

Native American Agriculture: Roots of U.S. Farming

Dan Agri-Business, American Agriculture History Minute, Field Crops, This Land of Ours

Rethinking the “Pristine Wilderness” Myth When Europeans first arrived in the New World, many believed they had discovered untouched wilderness—vast forests, endless plains, and fertile river valleys waiting to be cultivated. But this perception was far from the truth. Long before European settlement, Native American communities had already been shaping, managing, and cultivating the land through advanced agricultural practices. Far …

37th Annual Georgia Peanut Tour Highlights Innovation, Trade, and Farm Bill in Valdosta

Dale Sandlin Instagram, Peanuts

A very important peanut tour is being held this week. It’s the 37th annual Georgia Peanut Tour, taking place in the Valdosta area and bringing together researchers, growers, industry leaders, and policymakers for a comprehensive look at the state of the peanut industry in 2025. “It’s the 37th annual Georgia Peanut Tour being held in the Valdosta area this week. …

cotton crop progress

USDA Releases August 2025 Cotton Report: Southeast Sees Decline in Production

Dale Sandlin Cotton, Field Crops

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA NASS) has released the August 2025 Cotton Production Report, providing updated insights into crop acreage, yield expectations, and regional production forecasts—particularly for the Southeast cotton-producing states. Becky Sommer with USDA NASS explains the key highlights from this month’s report:“Acreage updates for cotton were made in several states based on a …

peanut seed

Peanut Prices Drop as 2025 Harvest Pressures Market: What Farmers and Buyers Need to Know

Dale Sandlin Field Crops, Peanuts

Peanut prices are feeling the pressure as the 2025 harvest season kicks into full gear. With an estimated 3.6 million ton peanut crop, market prices are beginning to decline sharply. Farmers and buyers alike are closely watching this trend as raw shell peanut prices continue to fall. “Raw shell peanut prices were worth 64 cents in January, that’s 64 cents …

grain trade

U.S. Corn Harvest Begins with Mixed Crop Conditions

Dale Sandlin Corn, Field Crops

The 2025 U.S. corn harvest is officially underway in parts of the country, with early activity concentrated in the southern states. According to USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey, harvest progress is slightly ahead of the five-year average, but crop conditions are starting to show signs of stress due to continued dry weather. “Four percent of U.S. acreage harvested by September 7th, …

peanut checkoff

Peanut Market Faces Pressure as Global Surplus Pushes Prices Down

Dale Sandlin Field Crops, Peanuts

As peanut farmers prepare to enter the fields, checking crop maturity and getting ready for digging and harvest, market signals continue to raise concerns. Despite strong yields in the U.S., peanut prices are under significant pressure due to global oversupply. “Well peanut farmers are getting ready to move into the field as they check their maturity of the peanuts making …

peanut market

Peanut Prices Continue to Fall as Global Surplus Pressures U.S. Market

Dale Sandlin Field Crops, Peanuts

Let’s look at the peanut market right now. As U.S. peanut farmers bring in their 2025 harvest, they are facing growing concern over falling prices and reduced farmer stock contracts. Despite a solid crop, the market is reacting to an oversupply globally that is driving prices lower. “Peanut farmers are bringing in their crop, but why is that the price …

Henry A. Wallace

Henry A. Wallace: Father of Hybrid Corn

Dan American Agriculture History Minute, Corn, This Land of Ours

A Young Innovator in Iowa In 1904, a 16-year-old high school student in Iowa began experimenting with corn in the hopes of boosting crop yields. That student, Henry A. Wallace, was already demonstrating the vision and curiosity that would later shape American agriculture. Even while pursuing his education at Iowa State University, Wallace continued to study and refine his methods …

Peanut Achievement Club

Peanut Achievement Club Awards

Dan Peanuts

Peanut Achievement Club Celebrates Top Yield Winners as Farmers Begin 2025 Harvest As peanut farmers move into the fields now to start digging this crop, last week’s Peanut Achievement Club meeting highlighted last year’s top yield performers, celebrating outstanding productivity across several farms. “Peanut farmers are moving into the fields now to start digging this crop, but last week the …

ncga

NCGA Highlights High Production Costs Amid Crisis

Dan Corn

NCGA Warns of Economic Crisis as Corn Prices Plummet, Input Costs Stay High The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is once again raising serious concerns about the mounting economic crisis facing rural America, as corn prices continue to decline while input costs remain at near-record highs. According to NCGA, the financial pressure on corn farmers is becoming unsustainable, particularly as …