Top Stories
How will proposed H-2A changes impact farmers and farmworkers?
In late September, the U.S. Department of Labor announced it was lowering the H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rate, better known as AEWR. If the interim rule is adopted, it means rates will drop to around $1.80 an hour in Idaho, $2.10 in Oregon, and nearly $2.50 an hour in Washington, and will go lower in other states as well. Enrique Gastelum, CEO of the Worker and Farmer Labor Association, said these proposed changes are far from a “silver bullet,” but he feels this will help farmers and perhaps...
Is the economy affecting Farm Bill progress?
Despite the high rises of the DOW and the S&P 500, the economy for the average American is not in a good place. Political and economic pundits are arguing back and forth whether we are in a recession or not. If we are in one, it hasn’t been an epic recession, but...
Growth Energy highlighting biofuel opportunities
Heading further into 2024, one of the top missions for Growth Energy is year-round, nationwide access to E15. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor spoke on E15 during her keynote address at the group’s annual meeting. Skor said it’s a proven fact that year-round E15 will save...
Competition in overseas markets increasing during 2024
USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer talked about the state of the ag economy and the headwinds it faces in 2024. During his speech at the 100th Annual Ag Outlook Meeting, he said there are challenges ahead. “We've seen a lot of growth in trade for agricultural...
2022 Census Of Agriculture indicates loss of farms and farmland
The USDA released the 2022 Census of Agriculture this week. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says some of the results were concerning, especially the number of farms and total amount of farmland across America. While those numbers sound large, Secretary Vilsack was able to...
Crop insurance costs to jump 29 percent
The federally-subsidized crop insurance program will cost an additional $27.7 billion over the next decade. A Congressional Budget Office report says the government pays roughly 62 cents of each dollar in premiums, and sales of livestock and forage policies are...
Could whole & 2% milk be returning to schools?
During the Obama Administration, then-First Lady Michelle Obama spearheaded changes to the school lunch program for Public Schools across the country. The effort was presented to the American people as a chance to bring kids healthier lunches. Much debate has ensued...
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More Ag News
Iowa approves carbon pipeline project
The Iowa Utilities Board granted approval for a proposed carbon pipeline project to begin in the state. That clears the way for Summit Carbon to build that segment of the pipeline that covers 688 miles in 29 Iowa counties. The board hasn’t yet granted a permit that...
Hot weather impacting livestock gains
The hot weather we’ve been experiencing lately has been dangerous for anything and anyone outside, especially when it comes to livestock. Animals want to avoid eating when it’s hot out, as digestion creates even more heat in their bodies. Tyler Schau of AgMarket.Net...
What to expect in the USDA acreage and quarterly grain stocks reports
On Friday the USDA will publish its Acreage and quarterly Grain Stocks reports at 11am. Will the reports be in line with industry expectations, or will there be any surprises included in the data on Friday? Jim McCormick, co-founder of AgMarket.Net, says that the...
Traceability is key to managing foreign animal diseases
Biosecurity has never been more important for the nation’s pork farms, especially in the face of diseases like PRRS and African Swine Fever. Dr. Brent Pepin, director of swine health at the National Pork Board, said the industry is working together to improve...
State disasters declared due to flooding
The governors of Iowa, South Dakota, and Minnesota have all issued emergency declarations as heavy rains that began late last week flooded several rivers in the Upper Midwest. A large number of counties in southeastern South Dakota, southwestern Minnesota, and...
