Author: staff

DAILY Bites McKinsey’s survey involved 4,400 farmers across nine nations around the world to identify ag risk. North American and European farmers expect profits to be lower this year, while other regions are more optimistic. There appear to be financial benefits of adopting agtech and sustainable agriculture practices. DAILY Discussion Farmers say that the increased price of inputs, extreme weather events, and volatile commodity prices are the top three risks to profitability in the next two years, according to the 2024 Global Farmers Survey, a report put out today by McKinsey & Co. To help mitigate these risks, producers around…

DAILY Bites The average net return for organic commodity crops has plummeted to the lowest ever recorded. As prices have returned to pre-pandemic levels, farmers are left struggling to cover their costs. Based on the trends, research firm Argus said the outlook for 2024-25 remains equally precarious. DAILY Discussion Farmers producing organic crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat are facing a financial squeeze as falling commodity prices have led to the lowest net returns on record, according to the latest economic research. A study from Argus noted that, despite improved crop yields and generally lower production costs in the 2023-24 marketing…

Because October marks Farm to School Month in California, schools statewide celebrate with local fruits and veggies on the menu. With participation in the state’s “School Meals for All” program soaring by 42 million meals in the 2023-24 school year, campuses are embracing fruits and vegetables like never before. California is a state that ensures all students receive free breakfast and lunch regardless of their economic status. This initiative supports nutrition and strengthens ties with local farmers, promoting fresh meals prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. “The Center for Ecoliteracy has been pivotal in this journey,” said Alexa Norstad, Executive Director of…

Image by PurpleHousePhotos, Shutterstock The National 4-H Council recently announced the winners of the 2025 4-H Youth in Action Awards, honoring four outstanding young leaders who have demonstrated remarkable achievements and positive impacts on their communities. Each winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship to support their future educational endeavors and will serve as 4-H spokespeople throughout the year, showcasing their contributions to 4-H and beyond. Kaitlyn (Katie) Culbert, an 18-year-old from Toms River, New Jersey, has made significant strides in environmental advocacy through her involvement in her local 4-H Busy Bees Beekeeping Club. Her research on native plants and honeybee…

DAILY Bites A survey of survey of 1,116 teens finds that students believe education often fails to provide clear career paths. Half of those surveyed thing there are instructional gaps in either technical or life skills. Jill Bramble, President and CEO of National 4-H Council, believes 4-H can help fill the needs of these students. DAILY Discussion U.S. teenagers seek more support to develop essential career, life, and technical skills to help them succeed in the future, according to a new survey released by National 4-H Council. Youth surveyed feel that out-of-school programs are more likely than school to give…

DAILY Bites Checkoffs say the study points to the potential for a big drop in U.S. exports Both political parties are zeroing in on tariffs to address troubling Chinese trade practices. U.S. farmers could lose ground to Brazil and Argentina. DAILY Discussion A new economic study paints a troubling picture of the potential results a renewed U.S.-China trade war could have on hundreds of thousands of farmers and rural communities, showing American-imposed tariffs would come at a steep cost to U.S. producers while benefiting Brazil and Argentina. The study, commissioned by the American Soybean Association and the National Corn Growers…

Top Third Ag Marketing helps farmers become better agricultural marketers with the goal of marketing crops and livestock in the top third of prices. Mark Gold and his team provide AGDAILY.com with the latest information and a look ahead in their audio commentary. Listen here! https://www.agdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/top-third-agdaily-2024-10-14.mp3 The post Markets in Minutes: Top Third looks ahead for week of Oct. 14, 2024 appeared first on AGDAILY.

DAILY Bites Protect The Harvest announced on social media that it will cease operations on October 31, 2024. Executive Director Dr. Mike Siemens highlights the frustration of diminishing resources amid growing issues. Founded in 2011, the organization focused on defending farmers’ rights, ensuring food security, and promoting animal welfare. DAILY Discussion Protect The Harvest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for American farmers, ranchers, and outdoor sports, has announced it will cease operations effective October 31, 2024. The organization cites ongoing funding challenges that began during the COVID-19 pandemic as the primary reason for this difficult decision. Founded in 2011,…

The documentary No Farmers, No Food: Will You Eat The Bugs?, which was released to relatively little fanfare in 2023, offers a sobering look at the escalating food crisis around the world, highlighting the devastating impact that government policies and environmental agendas are having on small farmers, the agricultural sector, and ultimately, food security. From the farmlands of the Netherlands to the rice fields of Sri Lanka, the film examines the global forces at play, suggesting that behind the veneer of sustainability and climate initiatives lies a political agenda that threatens farmers’ livelihoods, while exacerbating food shortages and skyrocketing costs for…

Fiona, the endangered small dun Przewalski mare that took the internet by storm after landing at Utah’s Lazy B Equine Rescue in June, has passed away.  The sad news was shared by the rescue stating that despite the hopes of many, Fiona’s health deteriorated, and the rescue farm made the difficult decision to say goodbye to her under the guidance of veterinary professionals. Through recent DNA testing at Texas A&M University, Fiona was identified as a Przewalski horse, a rare and endangered subspecies native to Central Asia. Following the news, Fiona was cared for attentively at Lazy B Equine, where…