Agriculture
Diesel has never been more expensive. That’s squeezing farmers as harvest begins
Conflicts in Iran and Russia are causing diesel prices to spike globally. That’s especially hurting U.S. farmers as they head into harvest season, the most fuel intensive period of the agricultural year.
This USDA lab has studied threats to food and farms for decades. Now its scientists must relocate
Federal scientists are still scrambling to find new jobs or relocate across the country as Maryland’s Beltsville Agricultural Research Center’s last days of operation approach. Even as their personal lives upend, employees are concerned that BARC’s legacy of impactful research will be left behind.
American hemp sellers prepare for a looming ban on most of their products: ‘This is devastating’
Beginning in December, new federal restrictions will make many hemp products illegal. Businesses in the industry are getting ready to close down most or all of their operations, while advocates hope there’s still time to change course before the ban begins.
As the U.S. and Canada slap new tariffs on goods, American farmers are stuck in the middle
After trade talks between the countries fell apart last month, the Trump administration and Canada’s leaders have rolled out new tariffs on everything from dairy products to machinery.
U.S. farmers lost conservation experts in Trump’s federal cuts. Now they’re hurting for help
The Natural Resources Conservation Service lost nearly a quarter of its staff nationwide in 2025 after the Trump administration’s cuts to the federal government. Many were local experts that help farmers with soil and water conservation efforts.
American ranchers are irked by Trump’s efforts to bring down beef prices: ‘This is a mistake’
The Trump administration has tried to lower beef prices for months, but demand, drought and a parasite have foiled its efforts.
Squeezed by a tough economy, many farmers are relying on decades-old machinery
More farmers are opting to repair old tractors, combines and other machinery instead of buying new upgrades. A tough farm economy and historically-high equipment prices are at least partly to blame.
Yes, there’s pesticide on your fruits and veggies. Here’s what scientists say you should do
Hundreds of pesticides are legal, but that doesn’t mean that their impacts on health are fully understood. Cleaning produce before eating it reduces your exposure.
Can purple corn replace some synthetic food dyes? Midwest scientists see potential
Shades of red extracted from an ancient corn variety held up to heat and other conditions typical of food processing and storage. Researchers are exploring whether this natural dye alternative could open new markets for Midwest farmers.
Pesticides can drift for miles, injuring plants. That can hurt farmers’ bottom-line
Dicamba, a potent herbicide, can drift miles away from where it’s originally sprayed. There’s little recourse for farmers whose plants are damaged by the pesticide.
Synthetic fabrics kneecapped American cotton. Industry leaders have a plan to revive it
Fewer people are buying cotton thanks to the rise of synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester. Now, the U.S. cotton industry wants to boost demand for American-grown cotton with tax credits and marketing campaigns.
2026 butter cow: ‘Miles of Smiles’ is State Fair’s theme in celebration of Route 66
The Illinois State Fair will run from Aug. 13-23 in Springfield.