Author: staff

California state agriculture officials ordered the recall of raw milk from a dairy farm in the Central Valley after tests found bird flu virus in a sample from the farm’s bulk tank. The state Department of Food and Agriculture warned against consumption of milk from Valley Milk Simply Bottled on the grounds that it “may lead to infection with this rare, emerging flu virus.” No illnesses were reported. It was the second recall of raw milk products in California in two weeks. Raw Farm LLC, of Fresno, began a voluntary recall of all of its raw milk and cream products on Dec. 3 due…

Having the right kind of welder in your farm shop can save time and money on repairs and fabrication. MIG welders have become common on the farm, but there’s still a place for stick welders – and TIG welders are also appearing for certain jobs. While this article focuses on MIG welding and general techniques and safety precautions, find tips for other types of welding at Agriculture.com/welding.  MIG Welding MIG (metal inert gas) welding, also known as FCAW (flux-cored arc welding), is the popular choice for many farmers because of its ability to produce clean welds on a variety of…

The National FFA Organization recently appointed three new leaders to its National FFA Board of Directors. The association says that their expertise, passion for agricultural education, and commitment to youth development will enhance the organization’s mission of preparing the next generation of leaders in agriculture and beyond. The new board members are:  CaSandra Carter, a senior human resources generalist at Syngenta, will represent business and industry on the board from 2025 to 2027. Jennifer Jackson, the executive director of Texas FFA and the Texas state advisor, will represent the National Association of Supervisors in Agricultural Education in the western region…

In 2024, the auction market for row crop tractors experienced a significant increase in the availability of used inventory, particularly from brands like John Deere, Case IH, and Fendt. This surge in supply will lead to increased auction activity and downward pressure on prices, as more and more machines enter the market. The current used row crop tractor market is at pre-covid levels, with the majority of units on the market comprised of late-model, low-hour tractors. Oversupply and Declining Prices John Deere, traditionally a dominant player in the row crop tractor market, has seen a notable rise in the number…

A new ranking member for Democrats in the House of Representatives Ag Committee was announced Tuesday morning. Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) won her push to replace Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.) as ranking member by defeating Jim Costa (D-Ca.) with a 121-91 vote behind closed doors. Craig is in her third term as a congresswoman, while Costa has been in the House for over two decades. Scott dropped out of the race for ranking member as his health caused concerns for Democrats in Congress, The Hill reported. Reactions from across the ag landscape have been coming in throughout the day. Rep.…

Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) has been elected as the ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee for the 119th Congress, defeating Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) in a 121-91 vote by the House Democratic Caucus. She succeeds Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.), who withdrew from the race after a recommendation from the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. Craig, 52, ran on a platform emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with rural voters. “We can’t lose the middle of the country and gain the presidency,” Craig stated, adding that Democrats need to “do a better job of winning the hearts and minds of…

By Ryan Hanrahan Politico’s Katherine Tully-McManus, Jennifer Scholtes, and Meredith Lee Hill reported Monday evening that “top lawmakers were still negotiating the final details Monday night of a stopgap spending patch tied to a slew of other last-ditch priorities as Friday’s federal government shutdown deadline grows closer.” “While negotiations on the funding patch itself are resolved, disputes continue over agriculture aid and other potential add-ons, as leaders look to attach year-end priorities like extending expiring health programs and a bill to restrict U.S. investment in China,” Lee Hill reported. “…Hill leaders have tentatively secured a compromise on major pieces of…

The International Dairy Foods Association recognized 23 dairy business operations for their outstanding achievements and improvements in worker safety with the IDFA Dairy Industry Safety Recognition Award. This is the 21st year that IDFA has sponsored this program, highlighting U.S. dairy companies’ outstanding workplace safety achievements. “IDFA’s Dairy Industry Safety Recognition Awards highlight the exceptional efforts of dairy companies to foster a culture where workplace safety is not just a goal, but a shared responsibility,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., IDFA president and CEO. “Each award represents the success of the innovative and proactive approaches that IDFA members take to improve…

March corn is down less than a penny this morning. March soybeans are down 6¼¢. March wheat contracts are also lower. CBOT wheat is down 2½¢. KC wheat is down 3¾¢. Minneapolis wheat is down 3¼¢. This morning USDA announced new corn and soybean export sales: Mexico is buying 170,400 metric tons of corn for the 2024/2025 marketing year.Spain is buying 187,000 metric tons of soybeans for the 2024/2025 marketing year.Unknown destinations are buying 132,000 metric tons of soybeans for the 2024/2025 marketing year. February live cattle are up 20¢ this morning. January feeder cattle are up 3¢. February lean…

For many, the Christmas season brings visions of twinkling lights, festive gatherings, and leisurely mornings spent around the tree. But for farm families, the holiday looks a little different. The rhythm of farm life doesn’t stop for Christmas, and amid the magic of the season, there’s still work to be done. Animals need care, barns need tending, and the land continues to call, even on the most special of days. The unique blend of hard work and holiday cheer makes Christmas on the farm unlike any other. The traditions that spring from this lifestyle are shaped by the land, the…