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It’s a tale of two countries when it comes to pasture and rangeland conditions across the U.S.  The latest numbers from the USDA show the eastern half of the country benefited from a wet May and early June.   “43% of the nation's rangeland and pastures rated good to excellent, up one percentage point from last week," noted USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey.  "31% rated very poor to ... Read

As the threat of New World Screwworm continues to loom for our nation's cattle producers.   “That screwworm had moved from within 1100 miles of our border to 700 miles of our border within a matter of weeks," said Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins before House lawmakers Wednesday.  "I'll have a ...

USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitely arrived in Lima, Peru, this week to begin an agribusiness trade mission to expand market access.  The goal is to boost U.S. agricultural exports to address the $3.66 billion trade deficit with Peru.  Whitley ...

The spring wheat crop appears to be progressing nicely nationwide.   With planting wrapped up for the 2025 season, the industry can now look at emergence numbers.   “82% of the crop emerged by June 8th, one point ahead of average, four points behind last year's 86%," said USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey.  "The crop is fully...

Well, yes, a year-round treat, anytime, there is still association of strawberries ready for harvest in June in many parts of the country.  Some varieties that are day neutral can bear fruit until October in Florida.   “Florida is especially interesting because they plant in the fall and harvest in the winter,” according to USDA research geneticist Kim Lewers.  But for most types ...

New research from the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service sheds light on the causes behind the catastrophic honeybee colony losses reported by commercial beekeepers this year.  The findings point to an alarmingly high level of viral infections caused by Varroa mites that have resistant genes to a common treatment.    “Our ...

The FY ’26 Ag appropriations process has kicked off in Congress and once again, the process is partisan.  Subcommittee Chair Andy Harris launched the markup, announcing the GOP’s $25 billion bill.   “…a $1.1 billion or 4.2% decrease from FY ’25 ...

Data shows that American farmers and ranchers are getting older.  American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall discussed this issue, as well as ways to address the problem, with the Senate Special Committee on Aging.   “According to the latest USDA Census of Agriculture, nearly 40% of all farmers are now beyond the retirement age, yet only 8% of farmers are under the age of 35," Duvall told la

The USDA will lead a high-impact trade mission to Peru June 9th-12th, aimed at expanding market access and boosting U.S. agricultural exports to help address a $3.66 billion trade deficit with Peru.  The delegation includes more than 50 agribusinesses, trade organizations, and representatives from five state departments of agriculture working to strengthen economic ties.  ...

The winter wheat crop continues to progress at a quick pace.  As of June 1st, 83% of the national crop is headed, slightly ahead of both the five-year average of 79%, and last year's 82%.  USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey said harvest is already underway is some portions of the country.   “Showing 3% of ...