election

Farmer sentiment dropped during March as concerns over agricultural trade and farm policy weighed on producers’ outlook for the future.  The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, released last week, fell 12 points to 140, down from 152 in February.  The Index saw...

After advancing above growth neutral in November for the first time since 2023, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index sank below the 50.0 reading in December.  That’s according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a ten-state region dependent on agriculture or energy.  The index fell fro...

Most eyes are focused on the Farm Bill, or lack thereof, but that is not the only issue farm county needs to watch as 2024 draws to a close, and we start a new year.  Mary Kay Thatcher, Senior Manager Federal Government and Industry Relations for Syngenta, said taxes will be a topic of note early in 2025.   “...

Election Day may be in the past, but that doesn’t mean the divisive political rhetoric is done.  Both sides of the political isle have asked the other to turn down the temperature on-line and on social media.   Adrienne Evans, head of United Vision for Idaho, says there's been a troubling trend where rhetoric turns many minds into an “us v. them” situation.  And som...

Farm Bill challenges will not go away in 2025 if Congress has to punt again on the top farming legislation; that, from a top American Farm Bureau official.  AFBF Director of Government Affairs Joe Gilson said there will be many challenges next year, since there will be a new Congress, new representatives, new senators, and a debt selling issue to address.  All of ...

Last month was a rough one for American farmers.  The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer for September recorded its lowest readings since March 2016.  Declining income expectations pushed farmer sentiment down as the barometer fell 12 points to 88, and the Index of Future Expectations dropped 14 points to 94.  The Index of Curr...

Scammers don’t miss an opportunity to try and take advantage of you, and some are even using the upcoming election to get people’s personal information.   “We know that emotions are high and it can be very polarizing," said Rebecca Barr, with the Better Business Bureau.  "And so, we are expe...

Decisions made in the November election will have a direct impact on the farming industry, locally, statewide and nationally for years to come, so its important voters are educated on the issues facing farm country before they cast their ballot ...

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is the new president of Mexico, winning the election in what an Associated Press article called a “crushing victory.”   The morning after he won the new job, he thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for his congratulatory message and said he’ll reach out to the U.S. leader to “reach an unde...

The midterm elections are fast approaching and the campaign trail is heating up.  As candidates fan out across the Inland Northwest seeking your vote, AARP is offering a few tips to make the most of your choices come November.  AARP’s Sean Voskuhl said it is important to remember that rural votes count.   “From ...