Top Agriculture News

What does USDA’s latest look at pulses reveal about forecasted planted acreage and other trends? Planted acreage projected for pulses, dry beans, chickpeas, dry peas and lentils for this year, according to USDA research economist Wilma Davis, looks like this. “Pulse plantings are up again in 2025, and we look at how those acre shifts […]

The recent WASDE report from the USDA confirmed that this year’s crops have great potential. Now, it’s important for farmers to keep a close eye on their crops and do whatever they can to realize those potential yields. Kurt Maertens, BASF technical service representative in Eastern Iowa, said he has observed some great crop conditions […]

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s latest forecast projects a record-setting year for corn production that caught many in the market off guard. “We’re looking at a production number of over 16.7 billion bushels,” said USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer. He added that projected corn yields are also at record highs, with “a yield of 188.8 […]

RODANTHE, N.C. (AP) — Hurricane Erin is churning slowly toward the eastern U.S. coast and stirring up waves that already have forced dozens of beach rescues several days before the biggest storm surges are expected. Forecasters remain confident the center of the monster storm will remain far offshore. But the outer edges are likely to bring damaging tropical-force winds, large swells and life-threatening rip currents. Warnings about rip currents have been posted from Florida to the New England coast. In New Jersey, towns are closing some beaches to swimming. The biggest swells along the East Coast are expected to develop Wednesday and last into Thursday.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will no longer fund solar panel projects on productive farmland or allow panels made by foreign adversaries to be used in USDA-funded initiatives, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced Tuesday during a visit to Tennessee. Rollins was joined by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty, […]

Hurricane Erin is expected to impact the Outer Banks in North Carolina, sending massive waves crashing into the islands. Officials have ordered evacuations for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, anticipating damage to the highway that connects the islands to the mainland. Residents are used to isolation, but vacationers are not. The Outer Banks are vulnerable due to rising sea levels and erosion. Despite these challenges, many residents cherish the unique lifestyle and community on the islands. The area generates significant tourism revenue, so the cycle of repair and maintenance continues.

It seems impossible to talk about most commodity markets and not mention volatility, and the cattle market is no exception. Market Analyst Brad Kooima said volatility is something producers have to adapt to. “The volatility is off the charts. I took a day off and went down to the Iowa State Fair, and I’m watching […]

Agriculture leaders from across the country recently traveled to Ireland and the United Kingdom as part of a trade mission. We caught up with one member of that delegation — South Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers — who explained that the trip helped build networks that could lead to future commerce. When asked about the […]

In the department, we recently went over our emergency response plans, which serve as a great reminder for farms and homeowners to review their emergency plans, too. Taking a few minutes to review your plans now with family and workers outside the rush of a storm can help ensure everyone knows what to do in […]

School will be in session soon across the country, if it is not already in some places. Along with the school supplies and clothes, food safety should also be a consideration for parents as they pack school lunches for their children. USDA food safety expert Meredith Carruthers says most important to remember from a food […]