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Hesitation could hinder screwworm eradication efforts
The effort to prevent New World Screwworm from reestablishing itself in the United States continues on multiple fronts. While officials are expanding the infrastructure needed to combat the pest, animal health experts say success will also depend on vigilance and cooperation from livestock producers. One of the primary tools used against New World Screwworm is the sterile insect technique. The strategy involves releasing large numbers of sterile male flies into affected areas. When those flies...
World Food Prize laureates receive their honor
World Food Prize week in Iowa culminated last Thursday with the award of what is considered the "Nobel Prize of Agriculture.” The laureate awards were awarded to two advocates of plant genetic diversity and global seed banks. World Food Prize Foundation President...
Farm loans soar as ag economy deteriorates
Farmers are taking out loans at a rate and scale not seen in years as weakened crop prices weigh on the agricultural sector, according to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. The volume of new operating loans increased at its fastest pace since 2017,...
Rural Mainstreet Index showing lackluster results
The economy has been in a weird place. The DOW is strong, the dollar is strong, job numbers seem better than anticipated, and consumers are still paying for what they want. However, buying power is lower because prices are higher. Look no further than your local...
TN visa program is a key part of the ag labor force
With agricultural labor challenges across the entire sector, some farmers and ranchers are turning to a unique type of visa to alleviate the burden. Samantha Ayoub, an associate economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the TN visa program is meant to...
Champion Seed looking at different ways to cut input costs
Every year, farmers have to consider what they can do to minimize inputs while still maximizing their yields. Brandon Hulme, an agronomist with Champion Seed, said they’ve been looking at biologicals as a solution that will utilize the nutrients in the soil in order...
Making the proper fertilizer decisions this fall
A frequent topic of discussion among farmers is whether or not to cut back on fertilizer usage, especially in the face of increasingly tight margins. However, hasty decision making could cause farmers to face higher fertilizer prices in the spring. Instead of relying...
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Naig confident about future of conservation farming support
After some uncertainty, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has authorized the long-delayed cost-share payments, offering temporary relief to farmers who rely on these funds. While this decision provides some reassurance, concerns remain about the future of these...
Rural Americans face higher risk of cardiovascular disease
Rural Americans are disproportionately impacted by many health conditions, as found by studies compiled by the National Grange. One of the most serious conditions is cardiovascular disease. Chris Hamp, President of the National Grange, said their work revealed the...
U.S. pork exports to Central America set new records in 2024
U.S. pork exports to Central America set new records in 2024, breaking previous highs in both volume and value. Lucia Ruano, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) representative in the region, said that consumer education programs- made possible through support from...
Federal lawyers file to further delay 2026 Renewable Fuel Standards
For the 2026 Renewable Fuel Standards, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was supposed to have finished its work by the start of November last year. That did not happen, even though the EPA is required by law to finalize Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes 14...
AFBF comments on USDA’s HPAI strategy
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins recently announced a blueprint intended to bring avian influenza under control. Bernt Nelson, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the current outbreak dates back almost three years. Many Americans are concerned about...
