Farmer Sentiment Drifts Lower on Weaker Future Expectations
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Farmer sentiment drifted downward in June as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer reading of 105 was 3 points lower than a month earlier. The overall decline in sentiment was due to a 5-point
Grassley Says Vilsack Wrong on Lowering Farm Bill Expectations
A top Senator says USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack’s call for the GOP to lower its farm bill expectations is “wrong.” Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley isn’t buying it, not given the state of U.S. agriculture today. Asked about
Thirty Million Farm Acres Abandoned Since 1986
In 2022, a University of Wisconsin study claimed that U.S. farmers had converted several million acres of pristine grassland and other “semi-natural areas” to cropland. Researcher Tyler Lark said that was in response to the Renewable Fuel
Smithfield Foods to Close Altoona, Iowa, Facility
Smithfield, Va., July 1, 2024 — Smithfield Foods will close its Altoona, Iowa, ham boning facility and consolidate production volume at other locations to improve the efficiency of its manufacturing platform. Smithfield will provide transition assistance to 314
Stabenow Talks About the SNAP Payment Error Rate
Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), chair of the Senate Ag Committee, released a statement on the payment error rate for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. “While states faced many challenges ensuring access to SNAP during COVID and unwinding
Corn and Soybeans Both 67% Good to Excellent Nationwide
(WASHINGTON D.C.)– The latest Crop Progress Report shows that the U.S. corn and soybean crops are both equal in terms of good to excellent conditions. As of Sunday, June 30th, both corn and soybeans are 67% good
NMPF Statement on USDA’s Recommended FMMO Modernization Plan
ARLINGTON, VA – From Gregg Doud, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation: “Based on our initial reading, NMPF is heartened that much of what we proposed after more than two years of policy development, and another year of
North Dakota Firefighters Battling New Mexico Wildfires
(Bismarck, ND) — Eight North Dakota firefighters are currently in New Mexico to help battle ongoing wildfires. North Dakota is part of the Great Plains Interstate Fire Compact, which allows states to provide assistance in fighting forest
Woman Injured In Valley City Crash
(Valley City, ND) — A woman is recovering from injuries following a single-vehicle crash near Valley City. It happened early Monday morning on I-94, where the North Dakota Highway Patrol says the woman’s car veered off the
Third Street Bridge To Remain Closed In Minot
(Minot, ND) — The Third Street Bridge in Minot will remain closed amid safety concerns about its structural integrity. City Engineer Lance Meyer says an inspection found deteriorating concrete on one of the bridge’s piers, prompting the