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One of America's most important trade agreements is up for renewal this year, and the ag community is watching very closely.
The USDA announced it has finalized the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program that was announced late last year.
American Farm Bureau Federation economist, Faith Parum says China remains a top trading priority, even after disruptions last year.
Following the President's recent trip to Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says it's an important step toward improving our struggling farm economy.
As the summer grilling season kicks off, consumers are finding higher prices at the meat counter. As Chad Smith shares, those prices are not reducing demand.
Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) shares the biggest news affecting smaller family farmers, starting with the Farm Bill. The House is working on another draft Farm Bill, continuing with the hold up. Additionally, the U.S. House passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 8467) on April 30, 2026, with a 224-200 bipartisan vote, advancing a new five-year farm bill that strengthens crop insurance, raises commodity reference prices, and reauthorizes USDA programs through 2031. The bill now faces a difficult path in the Senate, where it needs 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. The Farm Bill also contains significant changes to SNAP (food assistance), which has been a major point of debate, with many questioning why this is even included on this bill at all. Moving along, a new study suggests people living in areas with heavy pesticide use face significantly higher risk of cancer. The research suggests that combinations of pesticides, even those considered safe individually, can act together to damage cells, suggesting environmental exposure is a major, previously underestimated factor in cancer rates. Regions with high agricultural activity, specifically the US Midwest, showed significantly higher cancer incidence, with some estimates suggesting risks comparable to or higher than smoking for certain cancers. The study found that "pesticide cocktails"—combinations of chemicals (like Glyphosate, Atrazine, and [Dicamba])—multiply cancer risk, rather than any single chemical acting alone. Even pesticides deemed "non-carcinogenic" individually by regulatory standards appear to contribute to cancer risk when combined in the environment. Researchers identified that these mixtures can disrupt liver cells—a primary detoxification organ—years before a cancer diagnosis. The study linked higher exposure to increased rates of leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and cancers of the bladder, colon, lung, and pancreas. In case you missed it, May is Mental Health Month. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Farm State of Mind campaign, supported by the Farm State of Mind Alliance formed in 2025, works to reduce mental health stigma and increase access to resources for farmers and ranchers. The initiative provides a national directory, free counseling, and training to support mental wellness in rural communities. Founded by AFBF, National Farmers Union, National 4-H Council, and Farm Foundation, the Alliance brings together trusted voices to make, “It's okay not to be okay,” a standard in agricultural communities. The campaign utilizes initiatives like farm-focused mental health articles in magazines and on TV. The campaign emphasizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month to reach out to neighbors in the agricultural community.For more on the American Family Farmer…Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks
During Mental Health Awareness Month, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall wants farmers and ranchers across the nation to know that it's okay to admit you're not okay.
After several months of work and negotiation, the House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, also known as the farm bill, with a bipartisan vote.
Farm Bureau is working to push the farm bill across the finish line in the House of Representatives. Chad Smith has more on why the time for passage is now.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says there are opportunities we should be taking advantage of for new markets right here in the United States.
The money set aside for the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program has almost been entirely delivered, and Chad Smith has the details on where that money went.
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill returned from the Easter recess with growing optimism that a new five-year farm bill could soon advance, and overwhelming majority of U.S. farmers say rising fertilizer costs are limiting their ability to operate this season.
The American Farm Bureau Federation surveyed more than 5,000 farmers and ranchers across the country about the rapidly increasing price of fertilizer
Rusty Halvorson and Sarah Heinrich share some the week's top stories in agriculture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The American Farm Bureau Federation is urging Congress to continue work on a new farm bill.
The American Farm Bureau Federation surveyed farmers regarding their long-term concerns about fertilizers. Chad Smith has more on the findings.
American Farm Bureau Federation's Executive Vice President, Joby Young says concerns have risen since border security was strengthened under the Trump Administration.
More than one month ago, the House Agriculture Committee passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act on a bipartisan basis. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said it’s time for Congress to continue its progress. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says permanent year-round E15 would benefit everyone, not just farmers!
The American Farm Bureau Federation is urging Congress to continue work on a new farm bill. Chad Smith has more.
More than a month ago, the House Ag Committee passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act on a bipartisan basis, and now, Brian Glenn, American Farm Bureau's director of government affairs, says it's time for Congress to continue that progress.
A two-week Iran war ceasefire and opening of the Strait of Hormuz is bringing new hope of relief for farmers and consumers.
The American Farm Bureau is backing a new agreement between the USDA and Dept of the Interior aimed at improving grazing access on public lands, and NFU is accepting applications for its Beginning Farmer Institute, a FREE ten-week online program designed to strengthen farm and ranch businesses.
Papa Mountain secured the top spot in the 2026 Flavor of Georgia food product competition for its Garlic and Herb Bread Rolls, and legislators introduce bipartisan Ag Access to Addiction and Mental Healthcare Act.
A federal plan to relocate the headquarters of the U.S. Forest Service from Washington to Utah is drawing mixed reactions from agriculture and rural stakeholders, and legislators introduce bipartisan Ag Access to Addiction and Mental Healthcare Act.
The American Farm Bureau Federation economist, Danny Munch, discusses the potential Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger, highlighting concerns about increased national security risks due to reduced redundancies in the rail system. He argues that a single company controlling a large market share could lead to significant supply chain disruptions if affected by cyber attacks, labor strikes, or weather incidents
Each year, the Feeding the Economy Report measures the downstream, off-the-farm economic impact of U.S. agriculture.
The proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Railroads is causing concern. Chad Smith tells us analysis from the American Farm Bureau Federation shows the merger could mean higher prices and fewer options for America's farmers.
The $85 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads would create the first coast-to-coast railroad across 43 states. Danny Munch, economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the big concern is the loss of competitive pressure across the rail system. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When it comes to getting a new Farm Bill completed, Ryan Yates, American Farm Bureau Managing Director of Government Affairs, says ag has waited long enough.
Up to $1 billion was set aside in December for specialty crop growers to receive financial help through the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program.
Regenerative Ag in the MAHA era: An in-depth conversation about regenerative agriculture featuring: MOFB member Ryan Britt, Shelby Myers with Farm Credit, Carrie Vollmer-Sanders, President of Field to Market, and panel moderator Samantha Ayoub, Economist, AFBF. This week's Digging In Podcast is focused on regenerative agriculture. The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement is driving online conversation and influencing policy making. Regenerative agriculture, pesticides and other sustainability tools are some of the many themes associated with the MAHA movement. This workshop focused on sustainability on the farm, techniques farmers are using, potential federal program impacts and how agriculture is producing more with less. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts to have Digging In sent directly to your smart device each time it's released! Host: Jacob King, Missouri Farm Bureau Video & Audio Media Specialist Guest: AFBF Anaheim Regenerative Ag in the MAHA era Panel Producer: Jacob King, Missouri Farm Bureau Video & Audio Media Specialist
Commodity groups are still on edge. They're grasping what tariffs mean globally and they're trying to find ways around the system to keep sales going. U.S. corn has remained competitive. That's the good news from Jed Bower, president of the National Corn Growers Association. Jill Welke does a deeper dive into global challenges as well as domestic obstacles that look to stall out corn growers profit potential.Improving temperatures help us enjoy our Wednesday, but Stu Muck says there's a slight chance of snow tomorrow morning.Sales activity remains robust for the Steffes Auction Group. Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group tells Pam Jahnke about some new acreage that's coming up for auction in western Wisconsin this month. He also highlights the online information people can find to help guide sales on their website. Paid for by Steffes Group.The American Farm Bureau Federation's reminding consumers that very little of the money they spend on food this weekend(or any weekend) for the Super Bowl ends up back at the farm gate. Faith Parum, economist for AFBF says only 15.9 cents of every food dollar makes it back to a grower.Super Bowl weekend is big business for the food industry though. One staple that's found its way to the top of the menu - chicken wings. Kiley Allan finds out how the chicken industry prepares for their big day, and what the origin of wings even is! She speaks with Tom Super, Senior Vice President of Communications, National Chicken Council.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Headlines on today's episode include:-New World screwworm continues to move north-AFBF warns Congress of deepening economic crisis in rural America-Recent severe winter weather could impact further ag transportation system-New uses of soybeans bringing long-term sustainability-Are state failure to warn bills on hold?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A new Market Intel illustrates that, despite recent assistance payments, the U.S. farm economy is still in trouble. Chad Smith has the story.
On this week's Digging In, it's the legislative panel from the AFBF Convention. AFBF President Zippy Duvall moderates the conversation featuring the ‘corner four' of the Senate & House Agriculture committees as they discuss the ag economy and their focus for the new year. One thing to note, this session was recorded prior to President Trump signing the Whole Milk for Healthy kids Act, which has since been signed. The panel includes Duvall, Senate Ag Committee Chair, John Boozeman (R-AR), Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), House Ag Committee Chair GT Thompson (R-PA) and Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN) Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts to have Digging In sent directly to your smart device each time it's released! Host: Jacob King, Missouri Farm Bureau Video & Audio Media Specialist Guest: AFBF Anaheim Legislative Panel Producer: Jacob King, Missouri Farm Bureau Video & Audio Media Specialist
On today's AgCast News, we will visit with Alabama Farmers Federation members and staff who recently returned from the American Farm Bureau annual convention in Anaheim, California. As a part of our coverage, we will get Drew Wendland's reaction to winning the national Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award, along with his wife Lauren. We will also check in with Morgan Desselle, of our External Affairs team, on what's going on at the Alabama Legislature. Plus, we are excited to start a new segment of the AgCast. Chris Prevatt, our in-house economist, will report on the commodity markets and what to look out for in the future.Sign up for Capitol Connection here.Get the latest on the markets here.Find out more about our sponsor, Alabama Ag Credit, and also about Alabama Farmers Federation.
The 107th American Farm Bureau Convention concluded in Anaheim, CA with the voting delegates voting on 2026 policy. AFBF President Zippy Duvall explains why this policy is still so important and why he has hope for 2026.
Today on the Digging in Podcast, we begin highlighting some of the speakers at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Convention. Starting with none other than USDA Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. Here are her remarks from the general session earlier this week. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts to have Digging In sent directly to your smart device each time it's released! Host: Jacob King, Missouri Farm Bureau Video & Audio Media Specialist Guest: Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture Producer: Jacob King, Missouri Farm Bureau Video & Audio Media Specialist
USDA Secretary Rollins announced at the AFBF convention that the Dairy Margin Coverage program enrollment is now open through February 26th!
Alyssa Clements of Clay County finished second in the national American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture competition. Competing against contestants from all 50 states, Clements says it was an honor to represent her state and earn a second-place finish at the national level.
Headlines on today's episode include:-Where Did USDA Find More Corn?-Grassley shocked by USDA report-Ad hoc aid supporting farmland values-Prop 12 discussions take place at AFBF convention-Wheat exports to pick back upSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ohio Farm Bureau made a strong showing at the 107th American Farm Bureau Convention, with nine counties featured in the County Activities of Excellence Showcase and three members competing in Young Farmer and Rancher events. On this episode, the competitors discuss their respective contests, how they prepared and what this national experience means to them.
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Today on the Digging in Podcast, MOFB President Garrett Hawkins joins the program. With the start of 2026, it's “New Year, New Opportunities.” We're highlighting the upcoming AFBF annual meeting in Anaheim. As well as breaking down MOFB's key priorities for the year ahead, from the federal level down to the ballot box. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts to have Digging In sent directly to your smart device each time it's released! Host: Janet Adkison, Missouri Farm Bureau Director of Public Affairs Guest: Garrett Hawkins, Missouri Farm Bureau President Producer: Jacob King, Missouri Farm Bureau Video & Audio Media Specialist
During a recent phone call with Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall took the opportunity to discuss two important issues facing agriculture. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Every year, volunteer shoppers from the American Farm Bureau Federation help determine the average cost of feeding ten people for a Thanksgiving meal. Faith Parum, an economist with AFBF, said consumers should expect some slight relief at the grocery store. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The American Farm Bureau Federation's annual Thanksgiving Cost Survey results show a slight dip in costs this year. Chad Smith tells us how much.