Author: staff

Every November, two turkeys take center stage at the White House for the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation, a quirky tradition blending humor, history, and political theater. This year, Peach and Blossom, raised by National Turkey Federation Chairman John Zimmerman in Minnesota, were officially pardoned by President Joe Biden. The turkeys will retire at Farmamerica in Waseca, Minnesota, where they’ll live out their days as agricultural ambassadors. Raised on the Zimmerman family farm, which has produced 4 million to 5 million turkeys over the past two decades, Peach and Blossom represent a legacy of agriculture. Alongside raising turkeys, the family grows…

USDA released its final Crop Progress report of the season on Nov. 25, closing the page on what was an eventful and even record-setting harvest season for many states. Here’s a final look at where corn harvest stands in the nation’s top three corn growing states. Iowa Corn harvested for grain in Iowa is “virtually complete,” according to the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition report released Nov. 25. According to USDA, despite just 4.3 days suitable for fieldwork, corn harvest in Iowa reached 98% the week ending Nov. 24. That’s two points ahead of the five-year average of 96%. In…

Giving Tuesday — the Tuesday after Thanksgiving — was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Following Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, it’s rewarding to put our time and money toward organizations that help others and that are influential in farming, ranching, and other areas of agriculture. For 2025, that means Giving Tuesday will be on December 3.  Here are five great ag organizations that do a lot of good for agriculture that you can help out on this #GivingTuesday! National FFA Organization and state and local chapters Check your local…

The USDA released its final Crop Progress report of the year on Monday. Here’s what the agency had to say about the winter wheat crop in Kansas, the country’s leading winter wheat state.  Planting Now Complete Winter wheat planting in Kansas increased 1 percentage point the week ending Nov. 24 to reach 100%, even though farmers were presented with only 3.3 days suitable for fieldwork for the week. With that, planting progress is 1 percentage point ahead of last year at this time, and right on track with the five-year average. Emergence of the crop increased 5 percentage points during…

Thanksgiving is synonymous with indulgence, family, and most importantly, food. From turkey to sweet potatoes, some dishes are essential to every Thanksgiving table. But have you ever wondered which states play a key role in bringing those festive favorites to your plate? Here’s a look at some of the most popular Thanksgiving dishes and the states that excel in producing the ingredients that make them possible: 1. Turkey — Minnesota The centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner is the turkey. The United States is one of the largest turkey producers in the world, and Minnesota is the undisputed champion when it comes…

By Ryan Hanrahan Reuters reported Monday evening that “U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Monday that on his first day in office he would impose a 25% tariff on all products from Mexico and Canada, and an additional 10% tariff on goods from China, citing concerns over illegal immigration and the trade of illicit drugs.” “‘On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders,’ Trump said in a post on Truth…

What Happened On Nov. 7, the USDA released tables from the Agricultural Projections report for 2023–2034. The projections, according to the USDA, reflected a composite of model results and judgment-based analysis which were prepared August through October 2024. The figures were interesting, suggesting fewer corn acres with higher yield, and higher soybean acres and yield. Why This Is Important The old saying is: “They’re not making any more acres.” The implication — from a production perspective — is that it will take an increase in yield to keep adequate corn supplies available for consumers. The USDA tables indicated planted corn…

Today the USDA released the 35th Crop Progress report of the 2024 growing season. Winter Wheat Progress According to the report, as of Nov. 24, 97% of winter wheat across the top 18 growing states was planted. This was up from 94% the week prior but slightly behind the five-year average of 98%. The USDA said 89% of winter wheat across the top growing states was out of the ground. This was up from 84% the week prior and on track with the five-year average. The report said as of Nov. 24 the condition of the winter wheat crop in…

In a surprise move over the weekend, Texas attorney Brooke Rollins was announced as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Rollins is the president and CEO of the conservative nonprofit America First Policy Institute (AFPI), which was launched in 2021. “As our next Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke will spearhead the effort to protect American farmers, who are truly the backbone of our country,” Trump said in a statement. The move came one day after a report from CNN pointed toward former Senator Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) getting the nomination. This was the last major Cabinet…

Getting younger students involved in FFA isn’t just about adding more members — it’s about opening doors early to exciting opportunities. The National FFA Organization recently expanded middle school membership to include fifth through eighth graders, and it’s proving to be a game-changer for students and programs alike. Middle school agriscience classes bring science to life in a way textbooks never could. Instead of just learning theories, students experience hands-on lessons that connect directly to real-world agriculture. This sets them up for a solid foundation in high school science classes. Plus, career and technical education classes let students explore different…