Author: staff

The U.S. cattle herd totaled 94.2 million head as of July 1, 2025, according to the latest Cattle report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This is the first mid-year inventory report since July 2023 and reflects a stabilized headcount after years of steady declines. Among the total herd, 38.1 million were cows and heifers that have calved. The report also breaks down the numbers by category, with 28.7 million beef cows and 9.45 million milk cows counted nationwide. The 2025 calf crop is projected at 33.1 million head, while 13 million cattle are currently on feed. To compile…

By Julia Payne and Milan Strahm BRUSSELS, July 25 (Reuters) – The European Union could hit the U.S. with counter-tariffs on 93 billion euros ($109 billion) worth of U.S. goods if the two sides fail to reach a trade deal by Washington’s Aug. 1 deadline for imposing import levies. The European Commission has prepared two sets of possible counter-tariffs, which would be combined into one and submitted for approval to EU members. They would not be imposed until Aug. 7. For the full list of tariffs and items, please see here. Ban on Scrap Metal Sales The EU would also ban direct and indirect sales of scrap aluminium and scrap ferrous waste, which…

Soybean disease season has arrived early across much of the Midwest.  July is usually a quiet time for scouting, but this year, diseases such as frogeye leaf spot, Cercospora, sudden death syndrome, and red crown rot are all appearing sooner, and sometimes farther north, than usual. “With frequent rains this year, some of the typical August diseases are arriving early,” Daren Mueller, soybean plant pathologist at Iowa State University, wrote in a recent update. Understanding Risk and the Disease Triangle While many growers associate disease outbreaks with heavy rainfall, Stephanie Porter, outreach agronomist with the Illinois Soybean Association, cautioned against…

If you grew up in a rural community, you know the rhythms of farm life — the early mornings, families working long days, and the pride that comes from hard work. But behind those barn doors, many of our young people are struggling in silence. Suicide rates among rural youth are nearly 74 percent higher than those in urban areas, according to the Rural Health Information Hub. These rates are growing at a faster pace than in urban areas. We owe it to our youth to do better. Yet more than half of agricultural youth directors — such as Extension…

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act made key changes to the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, a tax credit created under the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022 to encourage the production of low-emission fuels. While 45Z primarily benefits fuel producers, the recent updates offer new clarity and opportunities for U.S. farmers — if challenges can be addressed in time. The 45Z credit applies to clean fuels produced after December 31, 2024, and was originally set to expire in 2027. Under OBBBA, it’s now extended through 2029, giving biofuel producers more time to invest in clean fuel technology. But the real…

Agriculture industry leaders expressed optimism following the announcement of multiple trade pacts and updated trade frameworks this week. Since President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on the majority of U.S. trading partners, trade negotiations have been underway with multiple countries. The announcements this week included Indonesia, Japan, and Australia. These were the details specific to ag products: Indonesia will “address and prevent barriers to U.S. agricultural products in the Indonesian market,” according to a White House fact sheet. That includes buying around $4.5 billion of soybeans, soybean meal, wheat, and cotton. Indonesia is already the U.S.’s fifth largest soybean trading partner…

After 9:00 a.m. CT, December corn was down 1¼¢ at $4.19½ per bushel. November soybeans were down 4¢ at $10.20¼ per bushel. “The trade continues to receive mixed crop reports, with most indicating the ‘top end’ of the U.S. corn crop has been lost.” Karl Setzer, partner with Consus Ag Consulting said, “This actually raises more questions on production and demand. Until the USDA cuts production from either yield or acreage adjustments the market will be slow to react.”  He added, “Low prices have continued to attract importer interest on corn, but wheat buyers continue to show more interest in…

By Kanishka Singh and Peter Hobson WASHINGTON/CANBERRA, July 24 (Reuters) – The U.S. will sell “so much” beef to Australia, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday after Canberra relaxed import restrictions, adding that other countries that refused U.S. beef products were on notice. Australia on Thursday said it would loosen biosecurity rules for U.S. beef, something analysts predicted would not significantly increase U.S. shipments because Australia is a major beef producer and exporter whose prices are much lower. “We are going to sell so much to Australia because this is undeniable and irrefutable Proof that U.S. Beef is the Safest and Best in the…

By John Hult Very little of South Dakota’s corn is used to produce sweetened beverages, but the crop’s boosters in the state say a nationwide shift toward cane sugar is an unwelcome sign for corn farmers. Coca-Cola announced its intention to offer cane sugar-sweetened beverages this week. The company said its new beverages are “designed to complement the company’s strong core portfolio,” rather than replace its regular products, which are sweetened by high-fructose corn syrup.  The announcement during the company’s second-quarter earnings report confirmed a decision President Donald Trump talked about on Truth Social, his own social media platform. Robert F.…

By Peter Hobson and Renju Jose CANBERRA/SYDNEY, July 24 (Reuters) – Australia will ease restrictions on beef imports from the U.S., the country’s agriculture ministry said on Thursday, potentially smoothing trade talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, who had attacked its rules. Still, the decision, which U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins called a win for Trump, is unlikely to significantly boost U.S. shipments because beef prices are much lower in Australia, analysts said. Australia Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said in a statement a “rigorous science and risk-based assessment” had concluded that U.S. measures to monitor and control the movement of cattle meant biosecurity risks were…