Author: staff

By Jeff Beach Ranchers are pushing against a Trump administration proposal to import beef from Argentina, a move they say is causing chaos in the market.  Beef production had been a bright spot in a struggling U.S. farm economy. But futures prices have taken a hit since President Donald Trump said Sunday that the U.S. should buy beef to help support Argentina and lower prices for consumers.  Julie Ellingson, executive vice president of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, said Trump’s stance had an immediate and dramatic impact on the livestock industry.  Ellingson called it “real time, real life consequences for…

The American Royal welcomed nearly 700 students to Kansas City for its 2025 livestock and meats judging competitions. 4-H, FFA, and collegiate teams showcased their livestock or meats evaluation skills to vie for national recognition in one of the most respected judging contests in the country. In the livestock judging competition, contestants compete as a team and individually by judging classes of cattle, swine, sheep or goats, then present their reasons for placement to a judge. In this year’s competition, top honors went to the following: 4-H Livestock Judging Grand Champion 4-H Team: Illinois Reserve Champion 4-H Team: Texas Top…

By Leah Douglas WASHINGTON, Oct. 24 (Reuters) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture will not use agency contingency funds to pay for food aid benefits set to lapse in November during the federal government shutdown, according to a memo seen by Reuters. More than 41 million people are set to lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, also known as food stamps, at the end of this month as the shutdown keeps Congress from funding the program. Mayors and Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives have said the USDA should use $5 billion in contingency funds to partially fund November benefits. The memo said the agency will…

A coalition of U.S. farmers has launched Grow It Here, a new advocacy campaign focused on raising awareness about mounting agricultural labor shortages that threaten American family farms and contribute to higher food prices. With spokespeople representing commodities from livestock to dairy to produce, Grow It Here aims to amplify farmer voices to advocate for agricultural labor reform and emphasize the importance of a strong, stable workforce to sustain the success of American farms. “A strong and stable agricultural workforce is essential for keeping farms in business and food affordable for American families,” said Kristi Boswell, Grow It Here advisor…

Kubota Tractor Corporation has released three new additions to its equipment lineup: the SVL65-2s compact track loader, the RTV-X Long Bed, and the F2510 commercial front-mount mower.  “These new product introductions highlight Kubota’s continued commitment to engineering solutions that help our customers work smarter and more efficiently,” said Paul Manger, executive director of product marketing at Kubota Tractor Corp. “From the added hauling capacity of the RTV-X Long Bed to the upgraded user experience and technology features in the SVL65-2s and F2510, each model reflects Kubota’s focus on durability, operator comfort, and ease of use.” SVL65-2s Compact Track Loader The new SVL65-2s joins Kubota’s compact track…

For the ninth consecutive year, Science magazine has named Syngenta Group as the world’s leading agricultural employer. The results are based off of the magazine’s 2025 Science Careers Top Employers Survey. “Science magazine’s recognition confirms our leadership in agricultural science,” said Camilla Corsi, Head of Crop Protection R&D. “Through the combination of exceptional talent, the latest technologies, and collaborative partnerships, we continue to deliver innovations that empower farmers everywhere.” Globally, Syngenta Group includes both crop protection and seed products and is based in Basel, Switzerland. It is at the forefront of agricultural innovation and has numerous projects and partnerships that…

ChapterBoost FFA is a program through the National FFA Organization that is transforming how local FFA chapters bring their agricultural dreams to life. Designed as a dedicated crowdfunding platform, ChapterBoost connects donors with students and educators leading innovative, hands-on agricultural projects across the nation. From building greenhouses and hydroponic systems to supporting student travel for leadership events and conventions, every campaign on ChapterBoost directly contributes to developing the next generation of agricultural leaders. Each project tells a story of student ambition and community growth. Current campaigns highlight the diverse needs and creativity of FFA programs. For example, the Tools for…

Ahead of 9:30 a.m. CT, December live cattle were down $6 at $235.18 per hundredweight (cwt). January feeder cattle were down $9.25 at $348.18 per cwt. December lean hogs were unchanged at $81.78 per cwt. Naomi Blohm, senior market advisor with Total Farm Marketing, said this morning the cattle market is still “balancing government intervention.” Yesterday, Reuters reported: “U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is quadrupling the country’s low-tariff imports of Argentine beef in his attempt to lower grocery store beef prices, a White House official said on Thursday, evoking fury from the nation’s cattle ranchers. “Raising the tariff rate quota on Argentine beef to 80,000 metric…

MEXICO CITY, Oct. 23 (Reuters) – Mexico’s agriculture minister will travel to Washington next week with the aim of reaching an agreement on the reopening of the border to Mexican cattle amid an outbreak of the flesh-eating screwworm parasite, President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Thursday. Mexican Agriculture Minister Julio Berdegue will meet with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to discuss plans for the border, which the U.S. has kept closed to Mexican cattle imports since May. “We hope he can return with an agreement on the border opening,” Sheinbaum said in her regular press conference. The screwworm, a pest that burrows…

1. Soybeans Surge Overnight on Trade Optimism Soybean futures were higher in overnight trading on optimism about restarting trade with China.  President Donald Trump said over the weekend that the U.S. will work with China to end the ongoing tariff war between the world’s two largest economies.  Officials from the U.S. and China spoke on a call Friday that Chinese state media said was constructive.  Trump said he wants the Asian nation to again buy U.S. soybeans ahead of a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping that’s set for the end of the month.  The meeting between the heads of…