(AG Insider) As 2022 comes to an end and with the Holidays fast approaching our planet in worse shape than it’s ever been. The challenge of slowing global warming and the environmental, economic and social devastation underway can sometimes feel like too much — too expensive, too complicated and too… Continue reading

Americans continued to eat out while filling the pantry when Covid hit Americans flooded the supermarket when the pandemic hit in early 2020, creating well-documented spot shortages of staples. But they also patronized restaurants at a steady rate in the early weeks, according to a USDA analysis of sales data,… Continue reading

Farm income jumps 14 percent to record high High commodity prices, due in part to warfare in Ukraine, will propel U.S. net farm income to a record $160.5 billion this year, despite a steep climb in expenses, said the Agriculture Department on Thursday. Farm income, a gauge of profitability, would… Continue reading

Paid sick leave an issue as rail shutdown bill advances to Senate President Biden urged the Senate to vote by the end of the week to avert a nationwide rail freight shutdown that would wound the U.S. economy. On a bipartisan roll call, the House passed legislation on Wednesday to… Continue reading

Farm bill priorities: More stewardship, less reliance on subsidies The 2023 farm bill should eliminate wasteful subsidies to the biggest farmers and landowners in favor of programs that reach more producers at a lower cost, said a coalition of budget hawks, a consumer group and a small-farm advocacy organization in… Continue reading

U.S. disaster payments are needed, say organic livestock producers Abnormally high feed costs, partly the result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, are ruining organic livestock producers and federal relief payments are vital to keep farmers in business, said organic trade groups and businesses. “A perfect storm of trade disruptions, international… Continue reading

Farmland values gallop higher despite interest rate increases Strong commodity prices are creating opportunities for U.S. farmers to profit despite the risks posed by drought and higher production costs, said the Ag Finance Update by the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank. Bird flu losses break record A record 50.54 million… Continue reading

In many parts of the United States, fall harvest is beginning to wind down. With only 5% of the corn crop and 4% of the soybean crop still standing it looks like harvest will be over for a majority of farmers, just in time for Thanksgiving. Every year on the… Continue reading

In California’s Central Valley, Valadao prevails in race for Congress California dairy farmer David Valadao, one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach President Trump, defeated Democratic state legislator Rudy Salas for a fifth term in the House representing the agriculture-rich Central Valley, according to unofficial results. The victory… Continue reading

‘No fowl play’ as Biden pardons Thanksgiving turkeys In a traditional moment of White House whimsy ahead of Thanksgiving, President Biden pardoned tom turkeys “Chocolate” and “Chip” on Monday. An outbreak of bird flu has driven up turkey prices and crimped supplies for the holiday season. After poor start, little… Continue reading