U.S. soybean farmers this fall had faced the grim reality of losing their largest foreign buyer, until President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping struck a deal last week.
Giant pumpkins can top the scales at more than 2,000 pounds – and caring for these behemoths is often a full-time job. But for some growers in the central U.S., the dream of raising a world record-setting pumpkin is a tantalizing prospect.
Ranchers, lawmakers and farmers’ unions are sounding the alarm over a Trump administration plan to increase beef imports from Argentina.
The USDA said each Farm Service Agency office will have two workers who will be paid even though the government remains shutdown. These offices help farmers apply for farm loans, crop insurance, disaster aid and other programs.
Farmers rely on the Mississippi River to ship grain and bring them imported fertilizer and other critical inputs. But another year of low river levels means barge travel will be more expensive.
Scientists and seed companies are working on shrinking corn. The subtle difference in height has led to some big changes in how shorter corn can be planted and managed in the Corn Belt.
The American Heartland has experienced a boom in wineries over the last three decades. But with U.S. wine sales trending down since 2019, some producers are feeling the effects more than others.
The Trump administration is promising billions in a bailout for farmers. This harvest season the trade war with China has added to the farm economy’s woes, as producers deal with lower crop prices and high costs.
The Soybean Innovation Lab is awaiting final approval for a $1.5 million grant from a research foundation. The money will help expand their efforts to combat global food insecurity and poverty by increasing the number of soybean varieties available to 28 African nations.
People working to address hunger say the canceled report is a main resource to understand where and how people are experiencing food insecurity across the country.
Farmers are struggling as China orders soybeans from Brazil and Argentina. They prefer trade over aid, hoping for a deal soon.
China typically buys close to half of the soybeans grown in the U.S. But the ongoing trade war means farmers in the Midwest must consider other options — and none are as profitable.
Rainfall has been below average in recent months, according to Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford.
Popcorn festivals and even “popcorn capitals of the world” dot the middle of the country. Yet this ubiquitous snack is grown on fewer than 1,000 farms in the U.S. today.
The Trump administration is decrying diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The move is hurting communities and undermining its own goals for agriculture.