Author: staff

In 2025, farmers have experienced a barrage of extreme weather, from severe flooding in the Southeast, to dust storms that battered fields in the Midwest. Amid these challenges, farmers have found resilience in maintaining yields through their soils’ health. Clint Orr has spent the past two decades moving from conventional tillage toward no-till and strip-till with cover crops on every acre of his central Indiana farm. While Orr isn’t chasing record yields, his focus on regenerative practices has made his operation more weather resistant. “We’ve increased water infiltration and organic matter,” he said. “We don’t know what the weather is…

Two individuals have been arrested following an investigation by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office into an incident involving an injured horse found in an abandoned trailer on July 27, 2025. Deputies were dispatched to a parking lot after receiving a call about a horse in distress. Upon arrival, they found a trailer with visible damage and a severely injured horse inside. No driver or owner was present at the scene. A veterinarian responded to assess the animal’s condition and determined that the injuries were critical and non-recoverable. The horse was humanely euthanized on site to prevent further suffering. The Animal…

A new documentary film, An Open Door, is set to highlight the influential life and groundbreaking work of Temple Grandin, a professor of animal science at Colorado State University, autism advocate, and internationally recognized leader in animal welfare. The film, produced in partnership with CSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences, will be released on August 12 via streaming platforms including Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, and Kanopy. Grandin is well-known for her pioneering role in designing humane livestock handling systems, many of which are now standard in the global meat industry. Her insights are deeply informed by her autism and her unique…

The Red Angus Association of America has announced the 2025 Junior Red Angus Association scholarship recipients, six outstanding young leaders recognized for their commitment to the beef industry, academic excellence and dedicated service to their communities. Five $2,000 JRA College Scholarships were awarded to Addison Green Russell of Kansas, Kacee Wasem of North Dakota, Madilyn Gruszie of Montana, Lilly Ostlie of Minnesota and Wesley Meyer of Iowa. The $1,000 Dee Sonstegard Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Mikayla Skiba of Minnesota. Image courtesy of the Red Angus Association Addison Green Russell, of Downs, Kansas, is attending Kansas State University to pursue…

USDA published the latest Crop Progress report on Monday, Aug. 4. Here’s a closer look at recent weather and the status of Michigan’s most important crops in early August. Weather Nicolle Ritchie, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension field crops agronomist educator, and Angie Gradiz, MSU Extension agriculture water use efficiency and irrigation educator, reported in a Southwest Michigan field crops update that high temperatures and high humidity continue. Humidity is expected to remain high but temperatures are likely to cool down. The central part of the state is in moderate drought with some areas reaching severe drought, according to the U.S.…

by Ryan Hanrahan Progressive Farmer’s Jerry Hagstrom reported that “the initial Make America Healthy Again Commission report said glyphosate and other pesticides may have a negative impact on children’s health, but the upcoming MAHA report on recommendations for action will ‘continue to respect regulatory frameworks’ that have found glyphosate is safe, a high-ranking Environmental Protection Agency official said here Tuesday at the American Sugar Alliance’s International Sweetener Symposium.” “The MAHA Commission is chaired by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has said for years that crop protection tools damage children’s health. However, Nancy Beck, the EPA deputy administrator…

USDA published the latest Crop Progress report on Monday, Aug. 4. Here’s a closer look at recent weather and the status of Colorado’s most important crops in early August. Weather In Monday’s Crop Progress report, USDA said farmers had 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork the week that ended Aug. 3, compared to 6.5 days this time last year. Colorado’s current precipitation departure. Iowa Environmental Mesonet USDA rated Colorado topsoil moisture 10% very short, 22% short, 59% adequate, and 9% surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions in the state were rated 10% very short, 21% short, 58% adequate, and 11% surplus. Corn Acreage…

1. Wheat, Corn Futures Rise in Overnight Trading Wheat and corn were higher in overnight trading on technical buying amid plunging prices in recent weeks.  Speculative investors who were short the market, or had bet on lower prices, likely bought back contracts and closed their positions after the front-month wheat contract dropped to the lowest level since 2000 in intraday trading yesterday and corn futures reached contract lows for a third straight session.  Grain and soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade have been under pressure as the wheat harvest rolls on and persistent concerns about demand as the…

Corn ear rots pose a significant challenge for farmers across the country. From 2012–2024, ear rot fungi cost farmers $8.6 billion in yield loss, according to the Crop Protection Network (CPN). Reduced grain quality due to the presence of mycotoxins can cut even further into the farm’s bottom line.  With no rescue treatments, management for ear rots must start early and last season-long to prevent profit loss.  “While infections can be variable [year to year], losses overall are going up,” said Tyler Harp, a technical product lead for Syngenta. “If you haven’t done any management before you have an infection…

By Ella Cao and Lewis Jackson BEIJING, Aug 6 (Reuters) – China has extended for three months an investigation period for beef imports, the commerce ministry said on Wednesday, giving global suppliers a breather from the prospect of trade curbs as domestic industry battles to reduce a supply glut. The inquiry, launched last December, came as slowing demand squeezes the world’s largest market for imports and consumption, but does not target a particular country. However, trade measures to reduce imports would hit major suppliers such as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, and the U.S. The investigation will now run until November 26, the ministry said, citing “the…