Sat.Dec 14, 2024 - Fri.Dec 20, 2024

article thumbnail

9 trends affecting agriculture for 2025

Real Agriculture

Lagging productivity, the diving Canadian dollar, precarious U.S. trade, and volatile global news all make the list of the top nine trends impacting agriculture in 2025. Also on the list, saysAaron Goertzen, senior economist with BMO, are increased input costs, high crop carryover, lower interest rates, and a more loose labour market. Each of these Read More Lagging productivity, the diving Canadian dollar, precarious U.S. trade, and volatile global news all make the list of the top nine trends

Carryover 268
article thumbnail

Letter to Congressional Leadership supporting Further Continuing Appropriations and Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025

NASDA

Letter Dear Speaker Johnson, Minority Leader Jeffries, Majority Leader Schumer and Minority Leader McConnell: The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture supported the draft of H.R. 10445, the Further Continuing Appropriations and Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025 and sent a letter of support to the House of Representatives.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

The first lawsuit against ultra-processed foods

Food Politics

The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee may not think there is much to ultra-processed foods (UPF), but companies making them have just been served with a lawuit. I learned about this from a tweet (x) from Carlos Monteiro , the Brazilian public health professor who coined the UPF term. CMonteiro_USP (@Carlos A. Monteiro) posted: A first-of-its-kind lawsuit against 11 UPF industries alleging they engineer their UPF products to be addictive with details on the actions taken to target children in

article thumbnail

Southern Black Farmers Sow Rice and Reconciliation

Civil Eats

In the heart of Louisiana, about 100 miles north of Baton Rouge, lies the rain-soaked farm that lured Konda Mason away from California in 2020. Reflecting on her journey to the South, the entrepreneur and spiritual teacher has no regrets about relocating from Oakland to the small city of Alexandria to start growing rice. She chuckles while explaining how she got there: in an RV with two loved ones and two dogs.

article thumbnail

Canadian Cattle Association withdraws from Sustainable Ag Strategy committee

Real Agriculture

The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) has joined a growing list of national agriculture groups that are cutting ties with the federal governments Sustainable Agriculture Strategy. The national cattle producer organization sent a letter to Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay on Thursday, Dec. 19, informing the minister of the associations withdrawal from the governments SAS advisory committee.

Cattle 306
article thumbnail

NASDA urges congressional leadership to provide economic aid and disaster assistance to farmers and ranchers

NASDA

Press Release ARLINGTON, Va. National Association of State Departments of Agriculture CEO Ted McKinney issued the following statement. Farmers and ranchers are encountering tremendous pressures under high input costs, elevated interest costs, deeply depressed commodity futures markets and poor local cash markets. Additionally, they have experienced powerful headwinds, ranging from extreme weather to uncertain global demand to supply chain disruptions.

article thumbnail

More good news: USDA is requiring testing of raw milk

Food Politics

Lets end Food Politics this year (this is the last post until January 6) with some more good news: USDA Builds on Actions to Protect Livestock and Public Health from H5N1 Avian Influenza The Agriculture Departments Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced a new National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) requiring that raw (unpasteurized) milk samples nationwide be collected and shared with USDA for testing.

Food 203

More Trending

article thumbnail

Soybean School: Does 30-inch row spacing beat 7.5 on the farm?

Real Agriculture

Every field has a test plot. Thats the modus operandi at McBlain Farms. Tyler McBlains grandfather started no-tilling back in the 1980s and was a huge proponent of on-farm testing to determine what agronomic practices work best on the farm and its unique mix of heavy clay and lighter soils. Over the years, the farm, Read More Every field has a test plot.

Farming 311
article thumbnail

Letter supporting Further Continuing Appropriations and Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025

NASDA

Letter Dear Representative: The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture urges Congress to pass H.R. 10445, the Further Continuing Appropriations and Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025. Americas farmers and ranchers are facing an increasingly perilous agricultural economy. Real incomes are being throttled by persistently high input costs and depressed commodity prices while opportunities to invest in the future are hampered by prohibitive interest rates.

article thumbnail

2024 Year in Review: Key Wins, Challenges, and What’s Next for Sustainable Agriculture

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

The NSAC staff retreat in West Virginia Theres no such thing as a quiet year when it comes to federal food and farm policy, and 2024 proved to be no exception! As the year comes to a close, we are reflecting on the progress we have made toward building a more resilient and equitable farm and food system. Amidst endless delays in Congress, a noisy election cycle, and major natural disasters that affected farmers nationwide, NSAC continued to do what we do best: advocate for better federal food an

article thumbnail

Now Hiring: Organic Project Contractor

Caff

Contract Position Title: Organic Project Contractor Location: Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, San Bernardino or Riverside Counties) Compensation: $50-80/hourly rate for up to $42,000-57,000 DOE and language skills Project Start Date: February 1, 2025 Project End Date: 12/31/25 with likelihood for extension until 12/31/26 pending a successful project review Other details: Bilingual in Spanish [not required] Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) is a 45-year-old Califo

article thumbnail

Mind Your Farm Business — Ep. 101: Keeping the farm safe in the digital age

Real Agriculture

From identify theft, to phishing scams, to data breaches and ransom wear, cyber threats are just as real to individual farmers and farm businesses as they are to the general public. Understanding where online and digital threats come from is key to building a solid risk management plan, says Eugene Ng cyber security expert with Read More From identify theft, to phishing scams, to data breaches and ransom wear, cyber threats are just as real to individual farmers and farm businesses as they are t

Farming 273
article thumbnail

Northeast Regional Food Business Center announces first technical assistance sub-award recipients

NASDA

ARLINGTON, Va. The Northeast Regional Food Business Center is pleased to award $2 million in sub-award funding to 17 technical assistance provider organizations across the Northeast. Thirteen awardees will receive grants of up to $100,000 to support small- and mid-sized food and agricultural businesses with projects that include: Business technical assistance Value and supply chain coordination Market development Financial guidance services Production expansion and new product development The C

Food 130
article thumbnail

Transforming the Delta

Food Environment and Reporting Network

This article was produced in collaboration with Switchyard Magazine. It may not be reproduced without express permission from FERN. If you are interested in republishing or reposting this article, please contact info@thefern.org. South of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the valley of the Mississippi River fans out into a broad plain known as the Delta. The name is misleading: The region lies hundreds of miles north of the true river delta at the Gulf of Mexico.

Acre 103
article thumbnail

Best Practices for Managing Plant Nutrients

Farmbrite

Nutrients and irrigation speed up crop development, increase crop yield and prevent contamination. Besides the sun, irrigation, and nutrients become the most basic requirements for plant growth and development. Implementing the following practices can increase the efficient use of nutrients in your farm or growing system. The higher the efficiency, the fewer nutrients lost and better environmental and economic outcomes.

article thumbnail

Beef Market Update: Exceptional demand is the beef story of 2024

Real Agriculture

2024 will go down as a year of market demand that was stronger than could have ever been anticipated. This exceptional demand helped to drive the smaller supply of beef to reach record prices. In this last episode of the Beef Market Update for 2024, Anne Wasko of Gateway Livestock Exchange reflects on the past Read More 2024 will go down as a year of market demand that was stronger than could have ever been anticipated.

Marketing 292
article thumbnail

Letter to the President on shipping disruptions due to the East and Gulf Coast port strike

NASDA

Letter Dear Mr. President: Our members represent a broad collection of the agricultural and food supply chains that faced severe shipping disruptions due to the East and Gulf Coast port strike that lasted from October 1 through October 3, 2024. While the strike duration was only 3 days, the impact was felt for a much longer period. Approximately a week in advance of the strike, most U.S. agricultural container shipments to the ports were embargoed to help prevent a backlog and it took weeks afte

article thumbnail

The High Tech Farm

Modern Farmer

Farming has come a long way in the last few years. We know, from the last census of agriculture , that farm life is changing. The number of farms is dropping, while the size of the average farm is going up. That means fewer farmers are working more land. In order to be efficient, farmers have to turn to technology. Whether that means electric tractors or drone sprayers, to save manpower on the fields, or installing solar panels or virtual fencing to make the most out of the acreage they have, fa

Farming 112
article thumbnail

Zero Waste Strategies Tackles Liability Fears in Food Donation

Food Tank

Zero Waste Strategies (ZWS), a Texas-based environmental consultancy, is working to clarify legal misconceptions surrounding food donation laws and ensure potential donors are informed of the incentives theyre entitled to. Through this work, they hope to ease fear of liability for food donors and mitigate food waste by redirecting safe and surplus foods to food insecure community members.

Food 98
article thumbnail

The Agronomists, Ep 178: Pulse production with Dr. Michelle Hubbard and Laura Schmidt

Real Agriculture

Pulses, such as peas, lentils, chickpeas, and faba beans, can be an excellent addition to a crop rotation as they fix their own nitrogen and even leave some for the next crop. The crops do have serious challenges, however, including aggressive root rots and diseases that can decimate yields, especially in wetter years. To unpack Read More Pulses, such as peas, lentils, chickpeas, and faba beans, can be an excellent addition to a crop rotation as they fix their own nitrogen and even leave some fo

article thumbnail

Agtech Investment Trends to Watch in 2025

World Agri-Tech

What 2025 Agtech Investment Trends Should You Know About? Leaders from FMC Ventures , The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation , Leaps by Bayer , Aqua Capital , and Grosvenor Food & AgTech share the key trends shaping the industry’s evolution. December 19, 2025 The agri-food technology market is showing signs of recovery after a turbulent period.

article thumbnail

Spotlight On the Students Growing Kalo in Hawai’i

Modern Farmer

On a Friday morning in late September, the students in Naau iwi gathered in Mhukona on the North Kohala Coast of Hawaii Island to build beehive boxes. The apiary they are building will produce honey for their secret recipe plans for the statewide Kalo Challenge , which is the culmination of their nine-month program that centers the ancestral practice of cultivating the Hawaiian staple crop kalo (taro), and serves as a competition where they do presentations on their cultural education, as well a

article thumbnail

Kroger-Albertsons Grocery Merger Fallout: Food Access at Risk

Food Tank

A federal judge and a Washington state court recently blocked the US$25 billion merger between supermarket chains Kroger and Albertsons. The ruling follows concerns from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and union representatives that the merger would hurt consumers and workers. The FTC argues that combining the two companies would reduce competition, leading to higher prices and fewer choices.

Food 98
article thumbnail

Accelerated expensing, FCC legislation promised in Liberal mini-budget that faces uncertain future

Real Agriculture

Amidst the chaos of Finance Minister Chrystia Freelands shocking resignation and the headlines highlighting the deficit ballooning to nearly $62 billion, there were a few notable measures for the agriculture sector in the Fall Economic Statement tabled by House Leader Karina Gould on Monday afternoon. Theres a huge caveat surrounding much of whats in the Read More Amidst the chaos of Finance Minister Chrystia Freelands shocking resignation and the headlines highlighting the deficit ballooning to

Finance 255
article thumbnail

House Speaker Says CR Will Have Aid for Farmers

Agwired

During a press conference Tuesday morning, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said the continuing resolution (CR) to be considered this week in Congress will have funding in it for struggling farmers and ranchers. “We can’t do all of it right now but I think what you’ll see reflected in this final package is 10 billion, to start with,” said Johnson. “So help is on the way and I’ve talked in the last 24-48 hours to a number of the leaders in the community who sa

Food 94
article thumbnail

How to maximize your pasture with the right supplements

West Texas Livestock

Regarding supplements, most cattle producers have a love/hate relationship. On the one hand, they see the value in how supplements improve cattle performance, but on the other hand, they cringe at the extra costs they bring. It’s why many producers hold off on feeding supplements unless absolutely necessary. But here’s the thingviewing supplements as an […] The post How to maximize your pasture with the right supplements appeared first on West Texas Livestock Growers.

Pasture 97
article thumbnail

The Night Shift

Modern Farmer

Every morning, for years, Josana Pinto da Costa would venture out onto the waterways lining bidos, Brazil, in a small fishing boat. She would glide over the murky, churning currents of the Amazon River Basin, her flat nets bringing in writhing hauls as the sun ascended into the cerulean skies above. Scorching temperatures in the Brazilian state of Par have now made that routine unsafe.

article thumbnail

Wheat School: Winter wheat packs potential for 2025

Real Agriculture

Despite an extremely dry September that played havoc with plant establishment, the winter wheat crop across Ontario appears to be packing plenty of yield potential as it heads into the dormant winter months. RealAgriculture agronomist Peter Wheat Pete Johnson says the crop is not as big as he had hoped estimates peg it between Read More Despite an extremely dry September that played havoc with plant establishment, the winter wheat crop across Ontario appears to be packing plenty of yield potent

Yield 252
article thumbnail

What a new government spending deal means for young farmers and the next farm bill

National Young Farmers Coalition

Earlier today , House leaders shared that they have struck a stopgap spending deal to fund the federal government through March 14, 2025. Over the weekend, conversations had broken down over economic aid for our nations farmers and conservation funding for climate. Fortunately, while text is not yet public, the deal reportedly includes an extension of the Farm Bill through the current fiscal year ending September 30, 2025 , as well as $10 billion in agricultural aid, and $100 billion in disaster

Farming 76
article thumbnail

Fruit Guys Community Fund

ATTRA

Applications are due January 31, 2025. The Fruit Guys Community Fund is accepting applications from small U.S. farms for grants up to $5,000. For-profit operations less than 250 acres that have been in business at least two years are eligible to apply, as are agricultural nonprofits that have been in operation for at least three years. Projects that promote sustainable practices and community impact are prioritized.

Acre 75
article thumbnail

Complete Practical Guide on Thyme Farming

Agric4profits

Thyme farming is a growing venture that is gaining popularity due to its versatile uses. It can be grown in small gardens, larger farms, or even in pots. Proper management ensures high-quality thyme production for various markets.

Farming 59
article thumbnail

Getting the most out of herbicide-tolerant wheat

Real Agriculture

Effectively controlling grassy weeds in a grass crop is always a challenge, and one that Dan Dall, regional commercial manager for the U.S. Central Plains, and Bailey Jenks, regional commercial manager for the Pacific Northwest, both with Limagrain Cereal Seeds (LCS) know all too well. Dall explains that the CoAXium wheat production system offers farmers Read More Effectively controlling grassy weeds in a grass crop is always a challenge, and one that Dan Dall, regional commercial manager for th

Seeding 270
article thumbnail

AWIS is Ready for Winter

Agwired

Winter is upon us and that creates a special need for weather information for farmers, especially in high value crops like fruits, vegetables and nursery. To learn how the Agricultural Weather Information Service (AWIS) creates extra weather information and forecasting I spoke to Karl Harker, Vice-President for Operations for AWIS. I asked him about any information he’d like to share and what the company offers.

Crop 74
article thumbnail

AgriThority® Announces New StatWerx™ Data Analytics Service 

World Agri-Tech

AgriThority Announces New StatWerx Data Analytics Service (Kansas City, Missouri, USA Dec. 18, 2024) Performance data is critical, especially for new agricultural innovations. But gathering data is just the first step toward gleaning actionable insights to improve product placement, technical positioning and, ultimately, adoption by growers. AgriThority joins forces with clients to deliver in-depth data analysis, analytics and benchmarking through StatWerx services.

article thumbnail

Complete Practical Guide on Almond Farming

Agric4profits

Almond farming is a profitable agricultural venture known for producing nutritious nuts that are highly demanded globally. Almond trees are well-suited to areas with Mediterranean climates, requiring careful management to ensure optimal growth and high yields. Almond farming involves the cultivation of almond trees for their edible nuts.

Farming 59
article thumbnail

Meridian adds quiet hydraulic-drive auger to its lineup

Real Agriculture

Efficiency and safety are everything when it comes time to bring the grain in. Meridian offers a few different augers of varying sizes within the TL line, including the 10- and 12-inch. The company has now also officially launched their new TL1346 hydraulic-drive auger to complement the existing line. Some of the innovations that make Read More Efficiency and safety are everything when it comes time to bring the grain in.

Grain 272
article thumbnail

UfarmX Offers Data-Driven Support for Small Farmers in Africa

Food Tank

UfarmX, an AgTech company, is working to transform the lives of smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. Founded by Alexander Zanders, UfarmX works to leverage satellite imagery, mobile apps, and AI-powered analytics to help farmers succeed. The organization focuses on three main areas: promoting climate-smart farming, improving financial access for farmers, and engaging young people in agriculture.