Farmland prices and farm equipment sales declined in the August Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index. The overall index fell for the fifth straight month, for August slumped to 44.0 from 46.0 in July. The index ranges between 0 and 100, with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral. The region’s farmland price index for August declined to 60.0 from July’s …
How Poultry Grower Contracting and Compensation Works
USDA recently announced the public comment period had been extended for proposed rule on greater transparency in poultry contracting and the poultry tournament system. This system is unlike any other part of farming, and Rod Bain talked to a USDA official who describes how it works. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 8, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Critical Role To …
USDA Announces New Opportunities to Improve Nutrient Management
Now that both the U.S. Senate and House have passed the Inflation Reduction Act, it only awaits the signature of President Biden. And the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) welcomed the passage of the Act, which they note will deliver $19.5 billion in new conservation funding to support climate-smart agriculture. Funding from the Act is designed to will bolster new steps …
Pork Exports Down First Half of 2022 but Show Signs of Improvement
U.S. pork exports for the first half of the year were down by 19% in volume and 18% in value over the same period of 2021, according to recently released data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. From January through June, the U.S. pork industry shipped to foreign destinations almost 1.1 million metric tons (MT) of product valued at $3 …
Forage Producers Reminded to Enter World Forage Analysis Superbowl
Forage producers are invited to enter the 2022 World Forage Analysis Superbowl, a contest set to award over $26,000 in cash prizes. The deadline to submit entries is August 25. The $35 entry fee provides entry into the contest along with a detailed sample analysis that is sent to entrants after judging is complete. Entry forms are available at foragesuperbowl.org. Each …
USDA Boosts Conservation on Grazing Lands and Support for Farmers and Ranchers
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced they are investing up to $12 million in partnerships that expand access to conservation technical assistance for livestock producers and increase the use of conservation practices on grazing lands. NRCS will accept proposals through its Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) until September 22, 2022. Project proposals for GLCI Cooperative Agreements will identify and address barriers …
Tyson Foods Reports Sales Slump
Reduced domestic and international demand for pork is hitting Tyson Foods, one of the nation’s top pork producers. The Arkansas-based meatpacker reported this week that the company earned approximately $25 million from its pork business for the three months ending on July 3. That’s about 63 percent lower than the same quarter in 2021. The company reports that China, the …
South Korea Opens Duty-Free Quota for Imported Beef
South Korea is currently the leading value market for U.S. beef exports, with shipments on pace to possibly reach $3 billion this year. But rising food prices are a concern in Korea, and the government is taking steps to ease the burden on consumers. As part of this effort, Korea recently opened a 100,000 metric ton duty-free quota on imported …
USDA Takes Action to Prevent Salmonella in Poultry Products
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service announced it will declare Salmonella as an adulterant in breaded and stuffed raw chicken products. “Food safety is at the heart of everything,” says Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This is an important first step in launching a broader initiative to reduce Salmonella illnesses associated with poultry in the U.S.” By declaring Salmonella an …
New NPB VP Suggests Volunteering, Talks Priorities
Strengthening the pork industry through volunteers. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Volunteer involvement will strengthen any organization. Bob Ruth, the newly elected National Pork Board (NPB) vice president, was ecstatic to share why producers should get involved at the local, state, or national levels. He says the passion one has for the industry magnifies the story. “I …