Author: staff

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-2024-10-07.mp3 The post Markets in Minutes: Top Third looks ahead for week of Oct. 7, 2024 appeared first on AGDAILY.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene and the subsequent floods, farmers and ranchers across the affected regions — particularly in the Southeast United States — are facing significant challenges, from damaged crops and livestock losses to infrastructure destruction. For example, major roads, such as Interstate 40 in western North Carolina and U.S. 58 in southern Virginia, have sections that are completely wiped out. As these communities work to recover, there are several ways to offer support, from donating to relief funds to volunteering time. Every bit of help can make a difference in rebuilding the agricultural backbone of these devastated…

California health officials have confirmed two human cases of H5 bird flu, marking the 15th and 16th human cases detected this year. These cases, identified in the Central Valley, involve individuals who had direct contact with infected dairy cattle. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention verified the diagnoses, which add to a broader outbreak affecting dairy herds across the U.S. The two affected individuals, though unrelated and employed at different farms, exhibited mild symptoms, including conjunctivitis. Neither experienced respiratory issues or required hospitalization. The California Department of Health suggests the infections were transmitted directly from animals rather than…

Image by National FFA Association A select group of 12 FFA State Officers from across the country have been chosen to serve as prominent voices in agriculture. The 2024-25 class of National FFA’s SpeakAg Pioneers are expected to serve as advocates for the industry and those in it at the local, state, and national levels. SpeakAg Pioneers lead the way among FFA’s more than one million members in promoting agricultural advocacy and literacy to FFA members and the general public by hosting workshops, creating content for social media, and attending events such as National Ag Day and the 97th National…

Drone technology is increasing in its applicability in improving farm operations. University of Illinois Extension Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit Farm Management Educator Kevin Brooks uses drones to assist local farmers with issues and provides practical advice on how to efficiently and effectively use a drone on the farm. Crop plant health varies throughout the growing season depending on conditions in the field. Driving or walking along a field edge shows what is going on where one can see, but it is not as helpful in monitoring what is happening further in a field. Drones, on the other hand, can help farm producers…

Here on our farm in northeast Kansas, harvest is in full swing. We, unlike so many others, are incredibly dry, and no rain is predicted for a couple of weeks — at least. That could go a couple different ways. There’s no rain so there’s no huge push to work incredibly long hours. Or, there’s no rain predicted so that means it’s full steam ahead to get it done before it would start raining. There are four of us on our operation, but only three of us — my father-in-law, my husband, and myself — who run equipment. My mother-in-law…

On Thursday, Sept. 26, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a devastating Category 4 hurricane before making its way through Georgia in the early hours of the morning on Sept. 27 and downgrading to a tropical storm affecting South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee — with deep, disastrous impacts across agricultural sectors. In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, Tyson Foods has deployed its Meals That Matter Disaster Relief Team to serve hot meals, water, and ice to affected communities in Western North Carolina. Starting this Friday, October 4, 2024, the team will be stationed at…

As harvest season gets into full swing, farm operators face long hours, complex machinery, and increased activity on the fields. With multiple pieces of equipment operating simultaneously, fatigue, diminished daylight, and the fast-paced nature of the season, the risk of accidents and injuries significantly increases. Common injuries during this time include slips, trips, falls, blunt trauma, sprains, and strains. Implementing effective safety measures is crucial to protecting workers and ensuring a productive harvest. Reducing fatigue and staying alert Fatigue is one of the biggest hazards during harvest, often leading to slower reaction times and poor decision-making. Farm workers should make…

Tractor Supply Company and the Tractor Supply Company Foundation surprised five high school FFA chapters across the country with the funds needed for students to attend the 97th Annual National FFA Convention and Expo. The convention takes place in Indianapolis in October and is the pinnacle event for students involved in FFA, providing opportunities to learn, compete, and develop. Tractor Supply’s contribution will cover travel costs for a total of 75 students to attend. “At Tractor Supply, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders in agriculture,” said Marti Skold-Jordan, manager of the Tractor Supply Foundation and National…

Link and Wood raised $191 million through investments related to cattle purchases, but the Securities and Exchange Commission found that at least $58 million of new investor funds were used to pay earlier investors, while more than $11 million went to undisclosed sales commissions. As of late February, Agridime owned about 6,500 head of cattle, and the company’s meat inventory was valued between $15-20 million. Despite the SEC’s actions, wholesale meat sales remained strong, and retail operations were resumed on the American Grazed Beef website. The assets included in the sale consist of the company’s remaining frozen meat supply, equipment,…