Hello everybody out there in farm country. This is Rick Frank sitting in for John Block, who is down on the farm! This radio commentary is brought to you by Monsanto, and John Deere. They are all friends, supporters, and …

Former Ag Secretary John Block – Read More »

U.S. officials raced to quell global alarm on Thursday over the first-ever discovery of an unapproved strain of genetically modified wheat, working to figure out how the rogue grain escaped from a field trial a decade ago. In the wake …

Roiled by mystery GMO wheat, US races to reassure buyers Read More »

At the 2 livestock auctions held Wednesday at Norwood and North Wilkesboro a total of 748 cattle and no goats were sold. Slaughter cows trended mostly steady to $2.50 lower, feeder steers trended $1.00 to $7.00 higher, and heifers trended …

Market Summary: NC Cash Corn & Beans Follow CBOT Futures Lower Read More »

U.S. hog futures settled higher, supported by anticipation of stronger export demand later in the year, and bullish technical signals. July hogs added 47 to 93.47, October hogs picked up 7 to 83.60   U.S. live-cattle futures settled sharply lower …

Market Recap: Grains & Oilseeds Stumble on End-of-Month Profit Taking Read More »

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will soon treat a localized gypsy moth infestation in Caswell, Currituck and Rockingham counties in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and the Gypsy Moth Slow the Spread Foundation Inc. The treatments …

Treatment for Gypsy Moth Scheduled in Three North Carolina Counties Read More »

As we put the month of May in the books today, it’s time to start thinking about what the month of June will bring, and in South Carolina that means beef month. Roy Copelan, Executive Director of South Carolina Beef …

South Carolina Promotes Beef & Dairy Month Read More »

It was announced early Wednesday that China’s largest pork processor is buying Smithfield Foods – the largest pork processor in the United States – for 4.7-billion dollars. Paragon Economist Steve Meyer says this deal just made good business sense for …

Economist Says Smithfield Food Deal Positive for U.S. Producers Read More »

Many people worry about all the new money the Federal Reserve has been creating in recent years and the impact on the dollar’s value. Can you explain what these various impacts might be? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. …

NC State Economist Dr. Mike Walden – Inflation and the Dollar’s Value Read More »

Let's begin this story by picking up the iPad, smartphone or, dare I say, printed page and stepping outside. Scratch around a bit in the first patch of dirt you see. That sandy soil? It's the backbone of the state's …

NC sweet potatoes being converted to vodka Read More »

Farmers continued to make up for early spring planting delays last week, bringing corn planting progress within four points of the five-year average according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report released today. As of May 26, 86 percent of …

Farmers Seizing Opportunity, Planting Round-the-Clock as Weather Permits Read More »