The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is reconsidering a rule extending endangered species protections to threatened species. FWS has drafted a proposal to rescind the 4(d) blanket rule, which automatically extends to threatened species a prohibition on the “take” of endangered ones, according to a court affidavit submitted by Elizabeth Maclin, the…

The Trump administration is making another run at reforming the way H-2A minimum wage rates for farmworkers are set in a manner that could provide some relief to farmers during a time of continued uncertainty about workers who are in the country illegally. A big question is whether the administration…

Key Takeaways Corn is behind the 5-year average progress: 94% in dough stage (vs 96%), 61% dent (vs 70%), and 14% mature (vs 18%). Most small grains are nearly done: Spring wheat and barley at 97% harvested, oats at 98%.  Crop conditions are generally good: Minnesota’s corn and soybeans are rated…

Key Takeaways Across the top 18 corn states, only 4% of corn was harvested as of Sept. 7, with most progress in southern states.Disease and dry conditions, among other things, are expected to impact yield.Some states are ahead on maturity — Iowa at 26%, Illinois 27%, Wisconsin 10% — but…

Almost a year after Hurricane Helene devastated North Carolina, Tar Heel State farmers have some more financial help coming their way.  Late last week, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden announced $221.2 million in USDA funding to provide recovery assistance to eligible North Carolina farmers. “Today’s announcement is about delivering…

This week’s Interesting Iron isn’t about horsepower or paint codes — it’s about people. As a matter of fact, it started with a man in Illinois who I’m pretty sure I made mad a few months back. It all started in May when I posted a video on our social…