h5n1

H5N1 Outbreak Continues to Trouble U.S. Dairy and Poultry Industries

Dan AFBF, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), Avian Influenza, Cattle, Dairy, Poultry

Since 2022, the U.S. poultry industry has been battling a particularly persistent strain of H5N1, or avian influenza, and more than 100 million birds have been affected over the last two and a half years. Bernt Nelson, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), says turkeys and egg layers have been hit the hardest.  “Broiler flocks tend to benefit from …

four

Four Start-ups Advance in 2025 Ag Innovation Challenge

Dan Agri-Business, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF)

Four start-up companies have advanced to the final round of the 2025 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge, competing for a top prize of $100,000. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), in partnership with Farm Credit, hosts the annual contest to highlight entrepreneurship in agriculture. “This competition helps entrepreneurs grow their ideas into products that support farmers and ranchers in their …

farmers

Farmers Face Jan. 1 Deadline to File Federal Ownership Reports

Dan Agri-Business, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), Economy

Thousands of farmers could face severe penalties, including fines and jail time, if they do not meet a new federal reporting deadline. The U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) requires businesses, including many farms, to submit Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) by January 1, 2025. A recent analysis from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) estimates that more …

congress

Farmers Face Uncertainty as 2018 Farm Bill Extension Expires Without Replacement

Dan Agri-Business, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), Economy, Farm Bill, Funding, Legislative

With the expiration of the extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, U.S. farmers and ranchers could already be feeling the impact. Key programs supporting agriculture have been disrupted, and uncertainty looms over the industry. Sam Kieffer, vice president of public policy for the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), highlighted some of the immediate consequences. “Most impacts won’t be felt until …

farm bill

Consequences of No New Farm Bill

Dan Agri-Business, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), Farm Bill, Funding, Legislative

The farm bill is already a year late, the stakes are high, and time is running out. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) released its Market Intel Analysis of the consequences of not finishing the legislation and adding another extension of the 2018 bill. While crop insurance is a permanent program, it does need improvements to make it more affordable …

AFBF Urges USDA to Restore NASS Surveys

Dan Agri-Business, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), USDA-NASS

Last week, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) urged USDA to reverse its decision to cancel livestock and crop surveys that are crucial to the success of America’s farmers and ranchers. The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) recently announced it would no longer provide a July cattle inventory survey, as well as county-level estimates for crops and livestock and the …

Agriculture Greenhouse Gas Emissions Lower

Dan American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), Environment, Greenhouse Gas, This Land of Ours, USDA-EPA

Agriculture again reduces its greenhouse gas emissions. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. New data released this month from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows agriculture decreased its greenhouse gas emissions in 2022. The EPA recently released the Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2022. American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Economist Danny Munch explains the results. …

Farm Bureau Increases Top Prize for Ag Innovators

Dan American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), This Land of Ours

There’s a bigger prize for top ag innovators. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), in partnership with Farm Credit, is doubling the top prize at this year’s Ag Innovation Challenge. Chase Heineman (HY-neh-man), director of industry affairs for AFBF, says Farm Bureau wants to ensure they have the resources to continue that …

Farm Bureau Backs American Sugar Producers

Dan American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), Specialty Crops, Sugar

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is backing sugar producers. As part of the policy resolutions set during their recent national convention, the American Farm Bureau continued support for a no-cost sugar policy. Cassie Bladow, chairperson of the American Sugar Alliance says the alliance appreciates farm bureau’s support, and they appreciate having AFBF as a strong partner as they advocate for …