Kansas

A team of buyers from major Japanese beef importers recently visited Idaho, as well as Kansas and Colorado to learn about the beef supply chain, from ranch to feedlot, processing to retail.   “We had about a dozen buyers that represented four of the major beef importing companies in Japan come to visit us here in Idaho," said Agri Beef’s Jay Theiler, one of the hosts of the tour.  "We ha

“The heading progress for winter wheat, nationally, 8% of the U.S. winter wheat crop headed by April 13th.  That's right on par with the five-year average, two points behind last year's 10%," said USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey recapping the latest numbers from the USDA’s crop progress report.  He noted that most ...

Republican lawmakers in the U.S. Senate introduced legislation last week that would strike down California's animal-welfare law created as a result of Proposition 12.  The Food Security and Farm Protection Act introduced by Iowa’s senators Chuck Grassley, Joni Ernst,  as well as Roger Marshall from Kansas, would prevent any state or local government from passing laws that interfere with commerce a

Earlier this week senators Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota, and Kansas' Roger Marshall introduced the Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act.  It’s a bipartisan bill designed to increase access to dairy products for SNAP participants and support dairy farmers across rural America.  The Act would allo...

Congratulations to Almira, WA wheat-farmer Mike Carstensen, who was elected the U.S. Wheat Associates next Secretary-Treasurer.  Carstensen will take office this July, and serve until June 2026.   Also, at last week’s meeting in Boise, USW voted to make current Secretary-Treasurer Gary Millershaski of Lakin, KS, the next Vice Chairman, and to make current Vice Chairman Jim Pellman of McClusky, ND

Four finalists have been selected in the 12th annual NCBA National Anthem Contest, sponsored by Norbrook.  The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is inviting the public to vote for the winner through November 15.   The four finalists are Jaci Dietrick of Oklahoma, Payton Goodman of Texas, Anah Higbie of Kansas, and Hayden Ladd of Michigan.   Video...

The International Fresh Produce Association and nine co-plaintiffs filed a lawsuit contesting the U.S. Department of Labor’s regulatory overreach and limitations on the freedom of speech of farmers who employ temporary workers.   “DOL is exacerbating an already enormously challenging labor crisis for growers and agriculture employers across the country. This lawsuit ch...

We may have just wrapped up the 2024 winter wheat harvest, but it’s already time to look ahead to 2025, as planting has begun across the country.  USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey looked at planting numbers from last week.   “Showing 2% of the intended acreage planted on that date," Rippey noted.  "Right now par with the ...

An outbreak of the H5N1 virus in dairy cattle across several states in recent months has served as a reminder for the importance of bio security within livestock and poultry operations.   “When we think about endemic diseases and foreign animal diseases, the bio security practices really protect against both,” noted Megan Neidenwerder with the Swine Health Information Center.  Her organizati... Re

Senators Michael Bennet, a Colorado Democrat, and Kansas Republican Roger Marshall introduced the Advancing Cutting-Edge Agriculture Act last week.  The goal of the bipartisan legislation is to support high-risk, high-reward agricultural research and development at USDA.  The spo...