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Strong opinions on proposed railroad merger
A proposed merger between the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Railroads is now before the Surface Transportation Board for possible approval. Mike Steenhoek, the executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, called this a “seismic development” for the rail industry. However, there are opponents to the merger who fear higher transportation costs. Steenhoek said fewer rail operators typically means higher rates. It will take a lot of time before a decision is made on whether to...
AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference is “Rooted in Resilience”
The 2026 American Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Leadership Conference is coming up quickly. “Rooted in Resilience” is the theme for the 2026 YF&R Conference, set for March 13–16 in Portland, Oregon. Ryan MacKay, this year’s YF&R Chair, talked about...
Callahan is the new chief agricultural negotiator
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative welcomed Julie Callahan as its new Chief Agricultural Negotiator. The U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council applauded the news, saying, “She’s a seasoned professional with years of experience in sensitive trade negotiations...
USDA efforts to ensure pigs don’t fly this holiday season
USDA is working hard to ensure that pigs don’t fly this holiday season, by encouraging international travelers not to bring pork products back with them to the U.S. Fernando Lugo of the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service explains. USDA is working to...
Ragland says farmers should not face stress alone
After another year of financial stress and market uncertainty, many farmers are carrying more than just the weight of tight margins. They are also carrying the emotional load that comes with making hard decisions, managing risk, and wondering what the year ahead will...
Food safety tips for holiday leftovers
While the Christmas feast is one of the best parts of the holiday festivities every year, some people might argue that the leftovers the following days are even better. However, it’s important to practice proper food safety steps in storing holiday leftovers for...
‘Product of USA’ meat labeling rule takes effect Jan. 1
A new USDA labeling rule takes effect Jan. 1, tightening standards for when meat, poultry and egg products may be identified as a product of the United States. Under the regulation, finalized in March 2024, companies may use labels such as “Product of USA” or “Made in...
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Using soil tests to adjust nutrient applications in 2026
When it comes to having a successful crop season, soil nutrition is key. But it’s not just about having the proper nutrients in the soil- farmers need to focus on making sure those nutrients are available to the crops at the right time. Derek Emerine, national...
Farmers and ranchers encourage to share thoughts on WOTUS
The Environmental Protection Agency proposed a new Waters of the U.S. Rule to give U.S. agriculture more clarity on what constitutes an actual water of the U.S. The public comment deadline is rapidly approaching. Courtney Briggs, senior director of government affairs...
Disease pressures and the livestock sector in 2025
Disease pressures in the livestock sector featured prominently in 2025 across the spectrum from poultry to cattle. Two of the biggest stories about animal diseases in the past year were highly pathogenic avian influenza and New World screwworm. Former USDA Chief...
U.S. hog inventory up one percent
The U.S. hog inventory is growing. As of December 1, there were 75.5 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms, which is up one percent from December 2024 and slightly higher than the numbers on September 1, 2025. That’s according to the Hogs and Pigs report published by...
Farmers see big returns with John Deere See & Spray
John Deere’s See and Spray technology continued its rapid climb in 2025 as farmers looked for ways to stretch input dollars, protect yields, and improve application efficiency. What started as a promising tool only a few seasons ago has now grown into one of the most...
