Farmers and people in rural areas are more comfortable discussing stress and mental health challenges. The stigma around seeking help or treatment for mental health issues is decreasing, but a new Farm Bureau research poll says it is still a factor. “Farm Bureau has been encouraging conversations to help reduce the stigma around farmer stress…… MORE
Category Archives: Agriculture News
Farmers More Positive on Financial Outlook
For only the second time since May, the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose in December. This month’s index climbed to 125, nine points higher than in November. The Index of Current Conditions and the Index of Future Expectations rose in December, attributable mostly to an improved perspective on current conditions in the agricultural…… MORE
New WOTUS Rule Expected Soon
Politico reports the White House and the Environmental Protection Agency target February for the administration’s WOTUS debut. WOTUS, the Waters of the United States rule, continues its seesaw reputation since first announced during the Obama administration. The Trump administration overhauled the rule, and now, the Biden administration is doing the same. The EPA moved last…… MORE
Supreme Court Farm Cases
The first week of the new year could be a big one for several agricultural groups and stakeholders. The U.S. Supreme Court will likely hear several high-stakes cases that could affect America’s farmers and ranchers. A DTN report says the court recently distributed three of four agriculture cases scheduled for a January 7th conference. Those…… MORE
Consumer Food Spending Drops
During COVID-19 and the economic recession of 2020, the share of consumers’ disposable personal income spent on food dropped 10.1% from the previous year to 8.62%. The USDA says that’s the lowest share in the past 60 years. Disposable Personal Income is the amount of money that consumers have left to spend or save after…… MORE
More Planting, More Uncertainty Ahead
The Wall Street Journal says farmers plan to plant more corn, soybeans, and wheat than last year, but they also face more uncertainty. The Wall Street Journal says a banner year for grain prices has U.S. farmers planting even more commodities than they did last year. However, high fertilizer prices, forecasts for more weather challenges,…… MORE
Dairy Checkoff Grows Industry
Despite the challenges brought on by COVID-19, the Dairy Checkoff continued to help its foodservice partners to grow sales of U.S. dairy foods. Dairy Management Incorporated, the organization that oversees the checkoff, says more domestic dairy got shipped into the international marketplace in 2021. The checkoff continued its effort to connect with the Gen Z…… MORE
Cal Farmers Lose Billions Over Supply Chain Challenges
After already struggling with drought, California farmers have lost big overseas sales numbers because of a serious shortage of shipping containers brought on by COVID-19. A study from the University of California-Davis says the state’s farm belt lost $2.1 billion in exports during a five-month stretch this year because of “containergeddon.” A University of Connecticut…… MORE
Organic Deadline Extended
The Department of Agriculture is extending the deadline for farmers who are certified organic, or transitioning to organic, to apply for pandemic assistance. The Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program helps cover certification and education expenses. The deadline to apply for 2020 and 2021 eligible expenses is now February 4, 2022, rather than the…… MORE
EPA Extends Pesticide Applicator Certification Plans
The Environmental Protection Agency recently extended the expiration deadline for pesticide applicators certification plans. The 2017 Certification of Pesticide Applicators final rule had set stronger standards for people who apply restricted-use pesticides and required authorities with existing certification plans to submit proposed modifications by March of last year to comply with the updated federal standards.…… MORE
