As the new Trump Administration continues to implement changes, one idea being explored has sparked strong pushback from across industries, including agriculture. The U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) office has proposed slapping Chinese-built vessels with a series of new fees that could add up to more than $1 million for every U.S. port call. The proposed …

Why the Ag Industry is Freaking Out About a Proposed Port Fee on Chinese-Built Ships Read More »

As the difficult economics for corn and soybean growers continue, an update from the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) shows how beef and pork exports add support to their bottom lines.  Pork and beef export values in 2024 had a significant impact on the corn and soybean industries, according to an independent study conducted by …

How U.S. Meat Exports Boost Corn and Soybean Values Read More »

As producers begin to hit the fields for the start of the 2025 planting season, it’s always a good idea to remind ourselves of the practices that keep farmers, their families, and their workers safe. National Grain Safety Week, which runs March 24-28 this year, is an industry wide initiative aimed at raising awareness of …

National Grain Safety Week Read More »

Investment in agrifoodtech has shrunk dramatically since its peak in 2021. Global agrifoodtech investment in 2024 reached $16 billion, down a whopping -71.5%. However, in the U.S., agrifoodtech startups increased funding by +14% to $6.6 billion, which some see as a signal that investment in the sector is stabilizing. Similar to many other industries, an …

Farm Robotics, Mechanization & Equipment Drive Increase in Agritech Funding Read More »

Brazil corn growers have finished up second-crop, aka “safrinha” planting, while producers in Argentina are ramping up harvest. Below are a few more details…Brazil’s safrinha corn crop, which is planted directly following their soybean harvest, is one of the country’s most important exports. Typically planted in January-March, the safrinha crop, which means “little harvest” in …

Deeper Look at South American Corn Crops Read More »

“AgriNerds” might have a funny name but the startup is serious about preventing wild birds from spreading the deadly avian influenza virus. Using a range of different technologies, AgriNerds has created a tool to predict the movements and concentration of waterfowl in close proximity to commercial poultry. AgriNerds was co-founded by University of Delaware wildlife …

“AgriNerds” Predicts Waterfowl Movement to Help Farmers Manage Bird Flu Read More »

Every two years, the United States Championship Cheese Contest is held in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The “Dairy State” has hosted the biennial competition since 1981, where entries are evaluated by judges from across the nation. While Wisconsin cheesemakers had an impressive showing this year, taking home 54 “Best of Class” awards, the most prestigious honor of U.S. …

If You Are Looking for Some Great Cheese… US Cheese Champion Crowned! Read More »

Today, we officially celebrate “National Ag Day.” In addition, this is also “National Ag Week.” The celebration this year runs March 18-22. The theme for National Ag Day 2025 is “Agriculture: Together We Grow.” Both celebrations are about recognizing – and celebrating – the contributions of farmers and agriculture in our everyday lives. It was back …

Thinking More About “National Ag Day” Read More »

New Zealand startup “BioLumic” is ready to bring its light-treated seeds to market. The company earlier this month launched its first commercial “Trait Activation System” (aka xTrait), at Gro Alliance’s seed production facility in Cuba City, Wisconsin. The BioLumic xTrait platform uses UV light to regulate genetic expression. That’s right, they just use light – …

“BioLumic” Launches World’s First Commercial Light-Activated Seed Trait Read More »

Recently appointed U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has instructed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to tighten food safety rules. The move could eliminate a key provision that allows companies to self-affirm that food additives are safe, which could have far reaching implications for the entire U.S. food …

Health Department Seeks Major Changes to Food Safety Rules Read More »