USDA Releases More Details on Bridge Assistance Program Payments Additional details are emerging about the new Bridge Assistance Program funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, providing farmers with clearer guidance on eligibility, payment limits, and reporting requirements. The program is designed to strengthen the farm safety net by offering targeted financial support based on 2025 planted acres, with payments …
U.S. Cattle on Feed Down One Percent
USDA’s first Cattle on Feed Report for 2025 shows the trend of a shrinking cattle inventory continues from 2024. Rusty Halvorson has the story. USDA’s first Cattle on Feed Report for the year shows the nation’s cattle inventory continues to be tight. Here’s USDA livestock economist Mike McConnell. “The major story that continues when it comes to cattle on feed is that …
Almost All U.S. Farms are Family-Owned
The USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) 2024 edition of America’s Farms and Ranches at a Glance says most U.S. farms (86 percent) are small family farms. These farms operate on 41 percent of U.S. agricultural land and account for 17 percent of the total value of American production. Large-scale family farms accounted for 48 percent of the total value of production and 31 percent …
Lower Forecast for Farm Net Income
The latest forecast from the Economic Research Service notes farm net income will decrease this year. Tyron Spearman has the story. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 16, 2026Florida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Significant Support For ResearchDecember 19, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board …
Key Numbers from USDA’s Farm Income Forecast
Farm production expenses may fall this year. USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer has some key numbers from USDA’s 2024 Farm Income Forecast. Meyer said a downward trend is being found in livestock feed prices, fuel, pesticide and fertilizer expenses. While some expenses are up from last year overall there is a bit of an easing on some input prices. Sponsored ContentFlorida …
Opposing Views of USDA September Net Farm Income Report
There are some opposing views of the USDA’s September Net Farm Income Report. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Administrator of USDA’s Economic Research Service, Spiro Stafanou, says despite a forecast calling for lower farm incomes this year, the financial health of the farm sector is still strong. “It comes to the balance sheet for the ag sector. …
Soybean Seed Costs Have Risen Sharply Since 1997
According to a new report from the Economic Research Service (ERS), the cost of soybean seeds per acre has risen more than 260 percent since 1997, while total soybean production costs have risen 157 percent. “In 1997, U.S. farmers spent an average of $19.72 per acre on soybean seeds,” the ERS report says. “That expense rose by more than 260 …
Drought Conditions Influence Fluctuations in Beef Cattle Herd
New data from USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) shows that changes in drought conditions impact the size of the U.S. beef cattle herd. Specifically, when the percentage of land area of drought increases for an extended period as noted in the U.S. Drought Monitor, the U.S. beef cattle herd often declines. In 2023, with more than 65 percent of U.S. …
Farms Received Nearly a Quarter of Each Food-at-home Dollar in 2022
In 2022, farm establishments received 24.1 cents for each dollar spent on food at home and 3.6 cents for each dollar spent on food away from home. These amounts, called farm shares, highlight the different paths that food takes from farms to consumers’ points of purchase, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service. Food-at-home dollars include food purchases from outlets such …
Disease Mortality Gap Growing Between Rural and Urban Areas
The difference between rural and urban is growing when it comes to disease mortality. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Over the last two decades, disease-related mortality rates have widened between rural and urban areas, especially for the prime working-age population, aged 25–54. Researchers with USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) compared natural-cause mortality in rural and urban areas …







