Author: staff

Four workers tested positive for the avian flu virus after culling chickens at an egg farm in southeastern Washington State — the first human cases reported in the Pacific Northwest. The diagnoses potentially raise the U.S. total to 31 since late March, though “the number of cases under investigation may change” as more people are tested, said the state Department of Health. State and local public health officials were monitoring exposed workers for symptoms of avian influenza and providing tests and treatment for ill workers. Samples from the four workers were sent to the CDC for confirmatory testing. At present,…

By Cami Koons Iowa saw “meager” to no rainfall this week, causing pasture conditions and soil moisture to continue to slip as the state nears record low, monthly levels of precipitation and harvest season chugs along. Farmers continue to make use of the dry conditions and expedite their harvests. Only 9% of soybeans and 32% of corn remain in the fields to be harvested, according to the crop progress and condition report for the week of Oct. 15 through Oct. 20.  Soybean harvest is almost two weeks ahead of schedule and corn harvest is 10 days ahead of the five-year…

In its most recent Crop Progress report, USDA said that 81% of soybean harvest was complete across the nation’s top 18 soybean growing states. That’s a jump of 14 percentage points since the week prior. It’s also the same measure ahead of the five-year average. Last year at this time, 72% of the crop had been harvested. With just 19% of the crop left to run, growers across top states have about 15.5 million acres of soybeans remaining to harvest this season. That’s derived from June acreage data from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Although all 18 top growing states…

FFA remains one of the only student leadership organizations that maintains a band at the national level. For over 75 years, FFA members nationwide have showcased their musical talents as part of the National FFA Band.  “It’s unique for members to be part of this type of ensemble,” National FFA Band head director Spencer White said. “Including a live band during convention brings a level of class and energy you just can’t get elsewhere.” The National FFA Band and Chorus members claim the best seats in the house annually at the National Convention and Expo — right on the stage.…

According to USDA’s Crop Progress report released earlier this week, both the soybean and corn harvests in Nebraska are moving faster than normal as of Oct. 21. Here’s a look at the season so far, according to an agronomist and pie charts. Corn Harvest and Yield Nebraska has jumped to 63% complete with its corn harvest as of Oct. 20, USDA said. After being at 45% complete on Oct. 13, the 18 percentage point jump puts Nebraska well ahead of the five-year average of 51%. Nebraska’s corn is at 98% mature, right in line with five-year averages.  Nebraska-based Agronomy Service…

American Farmland Trust  will collaborate with Real Farmer Care as the fiscal sponsor to support and advance farmer and rancher self-care and well-being. Founded in January 2020, Real Farmer Care’s founding mission is to support farmers’ self-care needs and allocate donated funds directly to farmers and ranchers as $100 self-care awards. Self-care is defined as the practice of taking an active role in protecting and improving one’s own well-being and happiness, particularly during times of stress. Self-care activities can be inexpensive, but rarely prioritized. Farmer self-care can look like a delicious dinner with friends and family at a restaurant where their…

In its Crop Progress report for the week ending Oct. 20, USDA said farmers were outpacing normal corn harvest progress in all but one of the 18 top growing states.   According to the report released Monday, 65% of corn harvest was wrapped up for the top 18 corn growing states by Oct. 20, an increase of 18 percentage points since the week prior.  With that, the country’s top corn growing states are, as a whole, 13 percentage points ahead of the five-year average for corn harvested. Last year at this time, 55% of the corn crop had been harvested in…

The countdown to the 97th National FFA Convention is down to just ONE day! And excitement is building around the country as FFA members and chapters kick off their trek to Indianapolis for four days in a sea of blue, gathering together to celebrate their accomplishments, their chapters, and learn how to be better leaders. » Follow all of our coverage during the National FFA Convention & Expo here. Image by Heidi Crnkovic Here’s some of what we’ve seen from FFA members and chapters around the country in the last few days: FFA interns, staff, and vendors tease members before the kickoff…

During the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo, a group of six dedicated and passionate FFA members will have the honor of leading the National FFA Organization as the 2024-25 National FFA Officer Team. This opportunity promises to be a transformative experience, allowing them to influence the future of the organization profoundly and inspire the next wave of agricultural leaders. The process of becoming a national officer is arduous. The candidates — each state FFA association can submit one individual member annually — take part in an extensive interview process with the National FFA Officer Nominating Committee. The committee is…

December corn is up 3¢ this morning. November soybeans are up 6¾¢. Al Kluis, managing director of Kluis Commodity Advisors, said if December corn and November soybeans can close above $4.12 a bushel and $9.95 a bushel, respectively, it could be a sign the fall lows are in for those two crops. December wheat contracts are unchanged or close to unchanged. CBOT wheat is up less than a penny. KC wheat is down less than a penny. Minneapolis wheat is unchanged. This morning USDA announced Mexico is buying 359,500 metric tons of corn for the 2024/2025 marketing year. December live…