The ag trade deficit recently hit a record high and an ag economist says he’s concerned about the future of U.S. ag exports. David Widmar with Agricultural Economic Insights says ag export growth has slowed. “It’s not necessarily that export activity has stopped, it’s just that we’re not seeing exports grow,” he says “We’re buying higher priced…… Continue Reading
Corn crop still faces some challenges
An agronomic service rep says this year’s corn crop is showing strong yield-potential, but there are still some challenges ahead. Chris Munsterman, who covers eastern Nebraska with Syngenta, says disease pressure like southern rust and tar spot has been the biggest threat. “Some growers, if they are really pushing maximum yields, will need to make…… Continue Reading
Scientist recognized for breakthroughs in pepper breeding
A senior scientist at the World Vegetable Center has been recognized for his breakthroughs in pepper breeding with the 2025 Borlaug Field Award for Field Research and Application. Dr. Derek Barchenger’s work has resulted in pepper varieties that are more productive and better suited for smaller producers around the globe. “What we do is we…… Continue Reading
U.S. and China trade: actions louder than words
President Trump has signed an executive order to extend China’s tariff deadline by 90 days and the president of Missouri Farm Bureau says he’s optimistic the two countries will continue discussions. Garrett Hawkins says farmers need market certainty from China and the U.S. learned after the last trade deal, actions speak louder than words. “The…… Continue Reading
Cotton crop estimate down on month, rice up
The USDA slashed its 2025 U.S. cotton production guess while raising the outlook for rice. Cotton is now seen at a total of 13.214 million bales, including 12.85 million bales of upland cotton, both down from July and 8% lower than 2024, with acreage and average yields below a year ago at 9.136 million acres…… Continue Reading
Walmart Quietly Settles 3rd Lawsuit for Same Accusation
Walmart’s been caught overcharging in the checkout line again. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
NASCAR Driver Wins Race, Then Falls Off Roof of His Car
Connor Zilisch’s NASCAR victory at Watkins Glen took a surprising turn when he fell and broke his collarbone while celebrating. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Cash dairy prices mixed Tuesday with cheese higher, butter lower
Cash dairy prices were mixed again Tuesday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange as cheese keeps rising and butter keeps falling. Dry whey was unchanged at $0.5850. No sales were recorded. Forty-pound cheese blocks were up $0.02 at $1.88. Five sales were recorded, ranging from $1.8625 to $1.88. Cheese barrels were up $0.06 at $1.86. No…… Continue Reading
United effort in the fight against New Word screwworm
A Texas cattle producer says it’s crucial for livestock and wildlife groups to work together to protect the state’s agriculture industry from New World screwworm. Stephen Diebel is co-owner and manager of Diebel Cattle Company and first vice president of the Texas & Southwest Cattle Raisers Association. “Because of the great impact that it may…… Continue Reading
Red meat, poultry production mostly down on month
The USDA’s protein production projections were mostly below a month ago. 2025 U.S. beef production is now estimated at 25.926 billion pounds, 262 million less than in July on lower slaughter numbers and lighter dressed weights, with an average steer price of $227.06 per hundredweight, a gain of $5.75, with cuts to imports, exports, and…… Continue Reading
