USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey has the latest look at the nation’s cotton crop. When it comes to the peanut crop, Rippey notes they are one crop developing ahead of schedule. In Alabama, 64 percent of the cotton is squaring, that compares to only 43 percent this time last year. 5 percent is setting bolls. 53 percent of the peanut crop …
USDA Will Defend Trade Aid at WTO
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has been receiving complaints about the aid money that U.S. farmers are getting from the government. However, Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says he’s not concerned that the payments will be a problem. “We had to design a program very carefully to make sure we do not violate the WTO limit,” he said to reporters in …
Report Shocks Corn Markets, Boosts Soybean Markets
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) had some surprises for the corn markets in its acreage and stocks reports released today. According to a report from USDA’s Gary Crawford, the soybean markets got an unexpected boost from those same reports. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record …
USDA Research is Driving Technological Innovation
USDA scientists and researchers reported 320 new inventions in 2018 (Salinas, California — USDA) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its annual Technology Transfer Report (PDF, 14.9 MB), which highlights innovations from scientists and researchers that are solving problems for farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers; and creating opportunities for American businesses to thrive. Secretary Perdue discussed the release …
Snapshot of Animal Pharma Industry Trends
The incentives that companies use to help develop new antibiotics for food animals are coming under pressure. A USDA research economist said those incentives are being pressured by high development costs, changing markets, and shifting consumer trends. Sales in antibiotics in both the U.S. and Europe are dropping, and incentives for companies that manufacture new branded or generic products are …
USDA Farm Bill Implementation Progress Update
Washington, D.C., – (USDA) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced an update on the implementation status of the 2018 Farm Bill. President Trump signed this Farm Bill into law on December 20, 2018, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) promptly began implementing key programs. In addition, USDA held several listening sessions with stakeholders and the public specific to …
Waiting on USDA Trade Aid
It’s been just over a month now since the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced they will be taking several actions to assist farmers in response to trade damage from unjustified retaliation and trade disruption. While many in agriculture are waiting for more details, there have been various questions as to how the $16 billion in programs will be implemented. …
Honeybee Losses Jumped Sharply Higher Last Winter
Bee colony death numbers are continuing to climb. The Bee Informed Partnership released its latest survey last week, saying U.S. beekeepers lost 40 percent of their colonies last winter. That’s the largest number of overwintering hive losses since the survey began more than a decade ago. The total annual loss in 2018 was estimated to be slightly above average. An …
Large Cattle Feedlot Inventories
USDA’s latest Cattle on Feed Report indicates 11.7 million head were on feed as of June 1, 2019, two percent above June 1, 2018. And according to a story from Gary Crawford, that is despite a slowdown in placements. Also in that report, USDA notes marketing’s of fed cattle during May was 2.07 million head, 1 percent above 2018. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement …
Good Growing Conditions for Cotton and Peanuts
U.S. Department of Agriculture meteorologist Brad Rippey says weather conditions have been good for growing cotton. He also discusses an improvement in the peanut crop. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well Received By LegislatorsJanuary 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Supports Beef Education and Promotion ProgramsJanuary 23, …