Growing Harvest Ag Network

Beef prices are expected to continue climbing in the coming year as tight cattle supplies in the United States and abroad strain the global market, analysts said. U.S. cattle inventories remain near multi-decade lows following years of drought that forced ranchers to shrink herds. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This NDSU Ag Minute features Travis Hoffman, NDSU and UMN Extension Sheep Specialist. Hoffman offers some advice to sheep producers who are preparing for lambing season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farm Rescue is a nonprofit that serves Midwest agricultural states. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest federal hog inventory report shows modest changes in U.S. hog numbers, underscoring continued uncertainty for pork producers heading into the new year. USDA data indicates that total hog and pig inventories are slightly higher than a year ago, while the breeding herd remains relatively stable. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent Pork Checkoff-funded study focused on older adults and compared two nutritional lifestyle diets — one centered on lentil protein and the other on lean, fresh pork. Researchers wanted to determine whether the type of protein source and overall diet composition influenced health outcomes. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Effects continue due to a surprising USDA report in August reflecting the size of the 2025 corn crop. Rod Bain with USDA has the story. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey has a look at the forecast for January 6-12. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rusty Halvorson shares audio from the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Trade Talk event - featuring news from partners with Farm Credit, CLAAS of America, PTx and Koch Agronomic Services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service announced the establishment of a “batching deadline” of January 15, 2026, for the first funding round of key conservation programs. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Environmental Protection Agency proposed a new Waters of the U.S. Rule to give U.S. agriculture more clarity on what constitutes an actual water of the U.S. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Dave Ripplinger, NDSU Extension Bioproducts / Bioenergy Economist, discusses several bioenergy products and the economics of those products. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The USDA is accepting applications for its agribusiness trade mission to the Philippines, taking place April 13–16, 2026. U.S. exporters interested in exploring trade opportunities in the Philippines’ thriving market and rapidly growing economy must apply by Friday, January 9, 2026. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins and the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees will all be featured speakers at the American Farm Bureau Convention. NAFB ConventionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What were some of the threats of farm animal disease this year and what did it mean for various parts of the livestock industry? Rod Bain with USDA has the story. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration is deploying about $11 billion to crop producers by the end of February through what they're calling a bridge payment. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What were some of the effects of outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in commercial poultry operations in 2025, and what is the outlook for year's end into 2026. Rod Bain with USDA has the story. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is notable comparison between the economies of crop and livestock growers over 2025. Rod Bain with USDA has the story. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Visit tastewhatporkcando.org for inspiration on how to incorporate pork into your holiday gatherings and beyond. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The four rules of food safety should always be a consideration when putting out charcuterie boards for your holiday event, according to a USDA food safety expert. Rod Bain with USDA has the story. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CattleCon 2026 is rapidly approaching, and there will be plenty of “don’t-miss” events on the schedule. The largest beef and cattle industry event of the year will be in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, February 3-5.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We visit with Chris Sherman, CEO of Tech Support Farm, about the importance of protecting your farm from ransomware attacks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A familiar voice in the U.S. dairy industry is calling it a career. Chris Galen, the senior vice president of member service and governance for the National Milk Producers Federation, is retiring after 28 years. Galen said he’s seen some changes over the years. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The past year included many challenges for U.S. agriculture and the organizations that work to influence positive policy for farmers and ranchers. Joby Young, the executive vice president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, said despite the challenges, there were still some big wins for U.S. agriculture. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With U.S. efforts to keep African Swine Fever away from our nation's pig herds, advice to travelers going to ASF free zones this holiday is do not bring pork back. Rod Bain with USDA has the story. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rusty Halvorson shares audio from the National Association of Farm Broadcasting's Trade Talk event at the Westin Crown in Kansas City.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest research from an AARP survey shows 89 percent of U.S. consumers were targeted by fraud during the last year. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Dakota State University’s Carrington Research Extension Center will hold its annual NDSU Feedlot School on Jan. 21-22, 2026. Source: NDSU ExtensionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will spend several months gathering information about farm economics from farmers and ranchers throughout the United States, as the agency conducts the third and final phase of the 2025 Agricultural Resource Management Survey. Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicole Wardner with the North Dakota Beef Commission offers a few ideas if you are looking to save a few dollars on your holiday meal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several rely on budgets for buying Christmas and holiday gifts, but what are some ways to keep within your budget this season? Rod Bain with USDA has the story. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicole Wardner with the North Dakota Beef Commission offers a few ideas if you are looking to save a few dollars on your holiday meal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says above normal temperatures in most of the country and a mix of precipitation is in the national weather forecast for the period of December 23 - 29. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. agricultural export scenario experienced a transformation in 2025, with diversification of export destinations emerging as an important factor for both the corn and soybean markets. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This NDSU Ag Minute features Madeleine Smith, NDSU Extension Pesticide Specialist. Smith discusses the details and importance of the NDSU Extension Certification Program. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rachel Gibbs, Extension Livestock Specialist at the Hettinger Research Extension Center. Gibbs offers some advice to producers who are preparing for calving season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More reports are surfacing that a rising percentage of ag lenders appear not to be renewing some farm loans for 2026. Rob Larew, the president of the National Farmers Union, discusses the details. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Onida, SD producer Chuck Todd was re-elected as NSA Board President at the NSA board meeting, held on December 3-4. National Sunflower AssociationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This NDSU Ag Minute features Rachel Gibbs, Extension Livestock Specialist at the Hettinger Research Extension Center. Gibbs offers some advice to producers who are preparing for their calving and lambing seasons. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski says projected price strength for turkeys is reflected in this month's price forecasts for 2025 and 2026. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If a large cut of meat is the main item of your Christmas or holiday meal, get to know a food thermometer to know the minimum safe internal cooking temperature. Rod Bain with USDA as the story. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

USDA food safety expert Meredith Carothers explains why using a food thermometer is important to check the safe internal temperature for a large cut of meat. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

USDA recently announced $12 billion is available for a Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, and the first deadline for getting signed up for the financial assistance is this week. Richard Fordyce, USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation, said the first thing farmers need to do is submit an acreage report. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.