Line on Agriculture

The US cow herd has experienced seven consecutive years of decline, with the 2025 inventory being less than the previous year, indicating ongoing liquidation. Bill Bullard of R-CALF USA suggests that the trend might reverse slightly in 2026 due to more heifers being retained for breeding, but significant growth may not be seen until 2027 or 2028

Farm Hand on Demand is a platform connecting farms with temporary labor. The platform aims to address workforce shortages in agriculture by enabling users to search for workers by location.

The USDA's February global wheat outlook predicts a record world wheat crop

Illinois soybean farmer Rob Shaffer has been appointed to the United Soybean Board (USB) by the US Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins. Shaffer is one of 77 directors across the U.S. who use checkoff funds to enhance farmer profitability and promote soybean trade globally

Despite challenges in the agricultural economy, farmland values are showing stability. Jim Ferguson of Farmers National Company notes that while commodity prices and farm profitability are under pressure, ag land prices remain steady

The House of Representatives has reached a bipartisan agreement to fund the Department of Health and Human Services, restoring support for rural programs to previous levels after last year's administration cuts

The USDA's latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report shows elevated numbers amid uncertainty about future demand. One market analyst notes that the U.S. is currently feeding 525 million more bushels of corn than last year, but this is unsustainable due to the Mexican border shutdown.

Tyllor Ledford from US Wheat Associates discusses the minimal impact of tariffs on U.S. wheat trade, noting that memorandums of understanding from tariff negotiations have actually boosted sales as countries seek to improve trade relations with the U.S.

The 2026 Commodity Classic, a major agriculture event focused on corn, soybeans, wheat, and sorghum, is scheduled for February 25-27 in San Antonio, Texas

The USDA has shifted its strategy to combat the New World screwworm, which is approaching the U.S. border, by releasing sterile male screwworm flies 50 miles into Texas

The House of Representatives has reached a bipartisan agreement to fund the Department of Health and Human Services, restoring support for rural programs to previous levels after cuts by the last administration. The new bill does not reverse all Medicaid cuts but focuses on funding targeted programs for rural hospitals and clinicians, including workforce and recruitment initiatives.

The impact of drought on cattle and hay production in the U.S.

The impact of drought on cattle and hay production in the U.S.

Tyler Ledford of US Wheat Associates is transitioning from market analyst to assistant director of the Southeast Asia office, a role that involves promoting U.S. wheat in key global markets. The Southeast Asia region is highlighted for its growth potential due to a growing population and expanding economy, with some countries experiencing the highest GDP growth globally.

Higher Renewable Volume Obligations Give Soybean Oil a Lift; Potential Removal of Import Cap Seen as Bearish"

The National Agricultural Statistics Service has released updated figures for U.S. sheep, lamb, and goat inventories as of January 1, 2025.

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association and the Public Lands Council are advocating for a bill before the House Natural Resources Committee that would address the inequity in due process protections for ranchers on national grasslands under the Federal Land Policy Management Act

The American Farm Bureau Federation is disappointed that E15 fuel, which could cost consumers 10 to 30 cents less per gallon and increase corn demand by 2.4 billion bushels annually, was not included in the recent House funding bill.

Cow depreciation should be managed when buying high-priced cows.

AgroLiquid's Crop Nutrition Week, running from February 2 to 6, aims to help growers by discussing factors like soil interaction, fertilizer placement, timing, and environmental conditions that affect nutrient availability and uptake.

The wool market is struggling due to oversupply and a shift towards synthetic materials, affecting traditional markets like fashion and textiles. To counteract this, new technologies are being developed to convert wool into pellets for use as fertilizer.

Wool market prices continue to be low, so producers are having to be creative to find new uses for wool.

The USMCA remains crucial for pork producers, as it facilitates significant exports to Canada and Mexico. The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) emphasizes the importance of the integrated North American food supply chain

The cattle industry is facing a "perfect storm" of high prices, low cattle herd inventory, and external threats like the New World screwworm.

AgroLiquid offers a proprietary technology that enhances the efficiency of crop nutrition, making fertilizers more usable and beneficial for crops. This technology allows for better absorption through roots or foliar applications, maximizing the economic value of fertilizer spending.

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is addressing the complications created by California's Proposition 12, which has led to a fragmented policy landscape for pork producers.

R-CALF USA, represented by CEO Bill Boyer, is pursuing a legal case against three major beef packers, alleging collusion to manipulate cattle and beef prices from 2019 to early 2020.

The USDA's latest data shows an unexpected rise in US corn production, attributed to an increase in harvested acreage rather than higher yields. North Dakota State University economist Frayne Olson explains that strong growing conditions in 2025 led to a surplus of corn silage, forcing more acres to be harvested for grain.

Producers can now add supplemental options, including a new margin coverage product, which could help manage risk. Subsidies for crop insurance have increased.

The USDA's first winter wheat plantings forecast for 2026 indicates a slight decrease to nearly 33 million acres, down 0.5% from 2025, marking the lowest planted area since 2020.

A new case of the New World screw worm was detected near the Texas-Mexico border, raising concerns about its spread. R-CALF USA supports the closure of the U.S. border to Mexican livestock imports to prevent the pest's northward advance

The USDA, under Secretary Brooke Rollins, is focusing on implementing new dietary guidelines that emphasize nutrient-dense foods, particularly in school lunches.

US Wheat Associates recently concluded their annual crop quality report, which involved over 1,700 millers and bakers from 45 countries, with 37 seminars held. This was the highest attendance in over five years, indicating strong interest despite intense competition in the wheat market

The USDA Agricultural Trade Outlook Report shows a reduction in the projected agricultural trade deficit, with a forecast of $41.5 billion for 2025, down from $49.5 billion, and a projected drop to $37 billion for 2026.

In response to the current economic downturn, farmers are adjusting their purchasing and application plans, particularly in phosphorus management

Research on sulfur management, particularly in high-organic-matter fields and larger

In the final part of a series on the Waters of the US (WOTUS) rule, Courtney Briggs from the American Farm Bureau Federation explains the importance of defining two key terms: relatively permanent waters and continuous surface connection.

The conversation is part of a series on the Waters of the US (WOTUS) rule updates. Courtney Briggs from the American Farm Bureau Federation discusses a proposed rule by the EPA and the US Army Corps of Engineers that aims to align with Supreme Court decisions on WOTUS.

The conversation discusses the Waters of the US (WOTUS) regulation under the Clean Water Act, highlighting its complex history and lack of clear definition, leading to decades of debate over federal regulatory reach

The US and Mexico are renegotiating a 1944 water treaty, which is crucial for Texas farmers.

The importance of proper vaccine management for cattle health with Dr. Lee Jones, a veterinarian from Boehringer Ingelheim.

The SPEED Act, a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reform measure, has passed the House and is now under consideration in the Senate. This legislation aims to streamline permitting processes, which could benefit livestock producers by reducing red tape and costs associated with federal permitting for range improvements and conservation work.