Vertical farming won’t replace conventional farming, but researchers say vertical farming is happening now, and growing. Research by Stanford University shows vertical farming is growing and will likely be needed to complement traditional farms to “meet the food demands of tomorrow.” Vertical farming is the practice of producing food in vertically-stacked layers. The farms are in enclosures that provide a …
No Link Between Small Wild Birds and Rodents to 2014-15 HPAI Outbreak
A study by Iowa State University found no evidence that small wild birds and rodents were possible sources of the avian influenza virus that decimated Iowa poultry flocks in 2015. The study investigated wild birds and rodents around poultry operations to see if they carried the virus or had been exposed to it. Avian influenza is caused by Type A …
Demand Supporting Hog Prices
U.S. hog prices are being supported by strong demand, according to Purdue University economist Chris Hurt. He says pork production is expected to rise by three percent in the first-half of 2018 and by near four percent in the last-half of 2018. The theme for the pork market in 2017 was higher production and higher prices when pork production rose …
NAFTA Withdraw Threats Put Transportation Jobs in Jeopardy
Withdraw threats by President Donald Trump regarding the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) are putting transportation jobs at risk. Politico says that thousands of transportation jobs up and down the Mississippi River and across truck and rail networks are at stake, including those involved in the shipment of agricultural products. Barges loaded with grain shipped along the Mississippi River …
Farm Groups Launch ‘Farm Town Strong’ Campaign to Address Rural Opioid Epidemic
As farming communities face mounting challenges with the nation’s opioid epidemic, the nation’s two largest general farm organizations are teaming up to confront the issue. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and National Farmers Union (NFU) announced a new campaign, “Farm Town Strong,” to raise awareness of the crisis’ impact on farming communities. The campaign will also provide resources and …
U.S. Sugar Prepares for Cold Weather in South Florida
With South Florida expected to experience some of the coldest weather of the season, U.S. Sugar and its family of farmers have begun making preparations to limit any impact on crops. U.S. Sugar’s Senior Director for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Judy Sanchez issued the following statement: “As the coldest weather of the winter thus far approaches, like most farmers …
A Look Ahead to Livestock Markets in 2018
Livestock producers are heading into 2018 with both increasing production and demand. However, exports are critical to keep that trend moving. Mike Zuzolo (Zoo’-zuh-low) of Global Commodity Analytics says for beef producers, the path of least resistance for market prices is lower. Beef International demand remains strong for pork, with U.S. production increasing. He says export demand and slaughter capacity …
New Questions in 2017 Census of Agriculture
As farmers and ranchers are filling out the 2017 Census of Agriculture, they will notice some new questions compared to the last questionnaire five years ago. The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Erik Gerlach, State Statistician for South Dakota, explains what’s new in the 2017 Census of …
Tax Reform Will Benefit Ag Community in Many Ways, Right Away
A U.S. representative from Washington State says the end of 2017 tax reforms will benefit agriculture immediately. Central Washington representative Dan Newhouse says there will be many benefits to the ag industry, and many, right away. Tax Newhouse added, while a few details have yet to be realized, and some of the benefits will not take place immediately, he’s confident …
World Meat Congress U.S. Bound In 2018
For the first time in more than 20 years the United States will host the World Meat Congress. The event will take place in Dallas, Texas, May 30th through June 1st. U.S. Meat Export Federation CEO Emeritus Philip Seng says the meeting, which occurs every other year, is a gathering of different trade associations, government officials as well as private …