The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced it will discontinue the Farm Labor Survey, a decision that may have significant implications for farm wage reporting and the future of agricultural labor programs like H-2A. According to a filing in the Federal Register, USDA is ending the long-standing survey due to “recent improvements to the Department of Labor’s Bureau of …
USDA Fires 70 Foreign Researchers Following Security Review
USDA Acts on National Security Concerns in Food Supply Chain In a significant development reported by the National Association of Farm Broadcasters, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has terminated 70 foreign contract researchers. The move follows a national security review aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the U.S. food supply from foreign adversaries. A USDA spokesperson confirmed the action, …
EPA Announces Reduction in Force
EPA Restructures to Refocus on Core Mission and Science Priorities The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a major reduction in force (RIF) as part of its broader restructuring strategy, marking a significant shift in the agency’s approach to science, research, and regulatory support. This realignment is projected to save $748.8 million and will primarily affect the Office of Research …
Shrinking Labor Force Poised to Threaten US Economic Growth
Declining labor force participation, lower birth rates and a collapse in net migration are combining to squeeze the U.S. labor supply. The looming labor shortage could begin to weigh on businesses and strain economic growth as soon as later this year, according to a new quarterly report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange. With the labor supply about to get tighter, businesses …
U.S. Ag Economy Outlook: Stable but Challenging for Farmers
USA Peanut Congress 2025: Ag Economy Stable, But Challenges Remain At the recent USA Peanut Congress, agricultural economist Jeffrey Dorfman of North Carolina State University provided an in-depth look at the U.S. economic and agricultural outlook for the coming year. Dorfman highlighted that supply chains are mostly back to normal, giving the broader economy a solid footing. However, housing remains …
Trade Update with China
We are hearing a lot of stories about the trade war currently underway with China. Mark Oppold has a look at what is being discussed by some about the situation. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Acts As Catalyst For Timely ResearchSeptember 26, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities For Research Not Found ElsewhereSeptember 19, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funds Research …
Pivotal Week of the Year
With a big report coming out this week and other market factors being felt it could very easily be considered one of the most pivotal weeks of the year. Mark Oppold has more details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Acts As Catalyst For Timely ResearchSeptember 26, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities For Research Not Found ElsewhereSeptember 19, 2025Florida Cattle …
New Numbers for Beef Producers
New numbers for beef producers were available in a recent report. Rusty Halvorson has more on that, along with information about labor issues for hog producers. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Acts As Catalyst For Timely ResearchSeptember 26, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities For Research Not Found ElsewhereSeptember 19, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funds Research to Sustain Beef Industry …
Duvall Addresses Ag Labor, Other Topics at AFBF Convention
Speaking at the 2025 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention held this weekend in San Antonio, TX, AFBF president Zippy Duvall talked about the work the organization is doing when it comes to the agricultural workforce. ?“Your American Farm Bureau team is pressing House and Senate leaders to understand the urgency of ag labor reform. And we’ve hosted fly ins to …
DOL is Cracking Down on JBS
Today, Rusty Halvorson has information of why the DOL is cracking down on JBS, and also a quick note concerning cage-free egg laying hens. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Acts As Catalyst For Timely ResearchSeptember 26, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities For Research Not Found ElsewhereSeptember 19, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funds Research to Sustain Beef Industry and EnvironmentSeptember 11, …