Author: staff

If you’re looking for a 300–400-hp tractor, the time to buy is now, according to Jon Walker, a sales manager at Baker Implement Company, a Case IH and Kubota dealer, with 14 locations in Missouri and Arkansas.  “Now’s the time to buy, because dealers are willing to do whatever they need to do to move it along,” he said. “They’re itching to sell it, and you’re going to get a better deal on the cash price, a better financing option, and probably even a warranty.” Walker said used prices in his area have dropped considerably for this category of tractors…

The Forest Service has reached 99% of its hiring target for firefighters and is “fully operational” for the upcoming fire season, according to a USDA statement released Monday. This summer is projected to be above average for fire risk. The National Multi-Agency Coordination Group raised the national fire preparedness to Level 4, one below the highest. This is in addition to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’ cancelation last month of the 2001 Roadless Rule, which prevented road construction, timber harvest and reconstruction on almost 60 million acres within the National Forest System, accounting for 30% of all national forests. In the past, Rollins said the rule…

The Food and Drug Administration is developing a plan to shift more food safety inspection responsibility to state agencies over the course of five years, according to two sources familiar with ongoing talks. But ensuring states receive adequate funds to support the move is uncertain. The White House’s initial budget request suggested moving FDA inspection to state and local governments. While the idea has been discussed for years, a formal plan is now taking shape. States conduct some routine inspection at food facilities through cooperative agreements with FDA. They include about 50% of food manufacturer inspections, 70% of animal food inspections and…

Fresh tariff threats on several of the largest U.S. trading partners run the risk of strengthening the arguments of those in foreign capitals pushing for retaliation, former trade officials say. President Donald Trump has issued a new spate of tariff threats in letters sent to U.S. trade partners over the last week, with economies like Brazil, Canada, Mexico and the European Union facing significant tariff hikes come Aug. 1. Daniel Mullaney, a former U.S. trade official, told Agri-Pulse that moving the goalposts as the U.S. and EU were closing in on a deal gives “ammunition” to EU voices pushing for retaliation. “This…

A second tranche of retaliatory tariffs under consideration by the European Union would hit more than $7 billion in annual U.S. ag exports, according to a copy of a list obtained by Agri-Pulse. EU officials are working to finalize the bloc’s plans to hit the U.S. with retaliatory tariffs should negotiations with Washington fail and President Donald Trump proceeds with threats to hike duties on EU exports on Aug. 1. Policymakers approved retaliatory tariffs on an earlier list of products worth more than $25 billion in March. Agricultural products featured prominently in that list include grains, meats and vegetables. Those countermeasures were set…

The Agriculture Department’s new farm security plan should help strengthen federal efforts to track foreign influence over U.S. agriculture, but it could be hampered by a lack of personnel, policy experts tell Agri-Pulse. “It does set a marker to put [federal] agencies on record to make sure they prioritize programs that address real national security issues like bioterrorism” and other nations’ efforts “to do things to harm our agricultural industries here domestically,” said Nova Daly, a senior public adviser at Wiley, a major law firm in Washington. “Make no mistake about it, China is looking for vulnerabilities in the U.S., including…

When a promising young athlete has a father who was also a standout player, the pressure to live up to those expectations can be immense. Peyton and Eli Manning both had better careers than their father, Archie, and they’ll go down in history as all-time great passers. On the other hand, sometimes the expectation can be crushing. Walter Payton’s son Jarrett, despite his best efforts, was never able to do what his dad did as a running back. He just didn’t have it. Well, the AC 220 was sort of in the same boat. It wasn’t just another big rowcrop…

By Cami Koons Farmers on a virtual town hall with Iowa Farmers Union talked Thursday about the strong partnership they have had with USDA, and the fears they have about the programs being cut in federal budgets.  Programs from USDA have helped farmers to diversify their operations, find consistent markets, and implement practices that protect water quality and build soil health, though some could be trimmed or cut by congressional budgets.  According to a Politico analysis of the president’s budget proposal, USDA could see a near $7 billion budget reduction for fiscal year 2026, depending on how closely U.S. lawmakers follow the…

By Mary Steurer A new lawsuit filed by a group of independent North Dakota ranchers alleges that Gov. Kelly Armstrong and private associations have too much power over who serves on the North Dakota Beef Commission’s board. The primary role of the Beef Commission is to decide how to use the money the state raises through checkoffs. Checkoffs are a small fee that ranchers pay on cattle sales. The proceeds are used for promoting beef consumption and research and education. Beef producers pay $1 to the state and $1 to the federal government in checkoffs for each head of cattle…

1. Sharp Increase in Corn and Soybean Markets Shortly after 6:00 a.m. CT, December corn was up 6¾¢ at $4.27¾ per bushel. November soybeans were 13¾¢ higher at $10.40¼ per bushel. December soymeal was $3.70 more to $287.20 a short ton, and December soy oil increased 0.37¢ to 56.52¢ a pound. September wheat markets were mixed in the early morning. CBOT wheat was up 9½¢ at $5.43 per bushel. KC wheat jumped 12¼¢ at $5.29¾ per bushel. Minneapolis wheat fell 1¾¢ at $5.78¼ per bushel. “Winter wheat harvest is progressing with no negative surprises yet. The spring wheat crop tour…