Author: staff

Smithfield Fresh Meats Corp., which operates the world’s largest pork processing facility in Tar Heel, North Carolina, is facing a federal lawsuit that claims discriminating against a pregnant employee, according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The EEOC accuses Smithfield violated federal law by not providing a reasonable accommodation for pregnancy-related medical restrictions, by allegedly forcing the worker onto unpaid leave, and ultimately firing her. According to the lawsuit, the employee notified Smithfield of her pregnancy shortly after being hired. Following a workplace accident, she developed complications that required medical treatment. Her doctor imposed restrictions, including a lifting limitation,…

Southern rust has quickly become a top concern for agronomists scouting fields this August. This “tropical disease” has infected corn in 20 states, according to the Crop Protection Network (CPN). This disease favors high humidity and temperatures around 80°F, which many agronomists reported this growing season. Positive 2025 Cases The CPN has reported positive cases in the following states. AlabamaArkansasFloridaGeorgiaIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMichiganMinnesotaMississippiNebraskaOhioOklahomaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasWisconsin Map of counties with positive southern rust cases by the Crop Protection Network. Minnesota “Southern rust in 2024 was widespread at high levels of incidence and severity never before seen in Minnesota,” shared Angie Peltier, University of Minnesota (U…

Corn is one of the most valuable cash crops globally, with annual grain production in the United States alone valued at nearly $80 billion. Fungicides are widely used to protect crops and promote yield, but new research published in Phytobiomes Journal looked deeper at whether maintaining beneficial fungi would make a significant impact on corn plant health. A research team led by research microbiologist Briana Whitaker and research plant pathologist Joseph Opoku, both with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, in collaboration with Nathan Kleczewski from Syngenta Biologicals, investigated how foliar fungicides influence the foliar fungal endophyte community…

Residents in Carey, Ohio, are still reeling after a manure leak two weeks ago turned Poverty Run Creek red and raised serious concerns about drinking water safety. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency confirmed that liquid hog manure from Wyandot Pork leaked into the creek, causing it to discolor and spread contamination. Despite state EPA statements that there were no known impacts to wildlife, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has said a fish kill investigation is underway. Dozens of neighbors filled Crawford Township’s meeting hall earlier this week, demanding clarity from state and county officials. However, no representatives from the…

U.S. sales of combines dropped 43.7%, while overall agricultural tractor sales fell by 4.9% in July 2025 compared with July 2024, according to numbers from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). Canadian sales, on the other hand, increased in July 2025 compared with last year. Combine sales grew 11.4%, and sales of 2WD tractors grew 3%. “While we’re encouraged by the modest growth in Canadian combine and tractor sales, the significant declines in the U.S. reflects ongoing caution in the marketplace,” said Curt Blades, senior vice president of AEM. “We believe farmers across North America are carefully evaluating their capital…

Family farms comprise 95 percent of all U.S. farms, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture Farm Typology report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The farm typology report primarily focuses on the “family farm,” defined as any farm where the majority of the business is owned by the producer and individuals related to the producer. The report classifies all farms into unique categories based on two criteria: who owns the operation and gross cash farm income (GCFI). GCFI includes the producer’s sales of crops and livestock, fees for delivering commodities under production contracts, government…

For over 100 years, the Iowa State Fair’s Butter Cow has been one of the most iconic attractions for fairgoers. From its beginnings in 1911 to its 600-pound creamy presence today, the butter cow has become a beloved tradition celebrating both Iowa’s agricultural heritage and artistic ingenuity. Now, this legendary sculpture is making history beyond the fairgrounds, heading to Washington, D.C., for a national exhibition at the Smithsonian. This year’s Butter Cow shared the spotlight with a beloved animated cast. Sarah Pratt, along with apprentices Hannah and Grace, sculpted a tribute to Toy Story’s 30th anniversary. Set against the backdrop…

Just before 9:30 a.m. CT, December corn was up 4½¢ at $4.08½ per bushel. November soybeans were up 10½¢ at $10.46½ per bushel. “Fresh news is light [Thursday] morning as it has been all week.” Karl Setzer, partner with Consus Ag Consulting said, “Crop tour results continue to point out good yields, but not the level needed to reach current USDA production estimates. More cases of corn disease are being reported, mainly fungus. Southern rust, tar spot, and simple mold are also being reported across the Corn Belt. Even if these do not impact production, which they likely will, corn…

1. Wheat Futures Higher on Technical Buying Wheat futures were higher in overnight trading on technical buying and amid signs of demand for U.S. grain.  Investors who were short the market, or had bet on lower prices, may have bought back contracts on indications that prices may be low enough to spur demand. Overseas buyers have committed to buy 11 million metric tons of U.S. wheat since the start of the grain’s marketing year on June 1, according to data from the Department of Agriculture.  That’s up 24% from the same period last year.  Corn, whose sales since the start…

USDA published the latest Crop Progress report on Monday, Aug. 18. Here’s a closer look at recent weather and the status of North Dakota’s most important crops in mid-August. Weather North Dakota has gotten much more moisture than normal, according to the Iowa Environmental Mesonet.  Iowa Environmental Mesonet In Monday’s Crop Progress report, USDA said farmers had 4.9 days suitable for fieldwork the week that ended Aug. 17, compared to 4.5 days this time last year. USDA rated North Dakota topsoil moisture 5% short, 81% adequate, and 14% surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions in the state were rated 1% very short,…