Top Agriculture News

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — The death toll after Hurricane Helene left a trail of destruction across the U.S. Southeast has reached at least 133. A crisis is unfolding in the mountains of western North Carolina, where water, food and other supplies are being airlifted into places cut off by mudslides and washed-out roads. Officials worry the death toll will rise further as searchers reach isolated areas. Nearly three dozen people have died in the county that includes the tourism hub of Asheville. The city’s water system has been severely damaged. Forecasters are keeping a close eye on Tropical Storm Kirk, which is expected to become a powerful Atlantic hurricane this week.

As flooding and power outages persist in the wake of Hurricane Helene, officials are urging agricultural producers and industry stakeholders to contact their specific county emergency management officials for guidance regarding the storm’s impacts. A list of county contacts can be found here. Clemson University, South Carolina Department of Agriculture and South Carolina Department of Commerce […]

Key milk components required to produce cheese, butter and other dairy products keep growing while fluid milk production has steadily declined DENVER (September 30, 2024)—The U.S. dairy industry has long relied on monthly milk production data from the USDA to track the trajectory of milk supplies available for processing and to project potential dairy product output. […]

PETALUMA, Calif. (AP) — A proposal to phase out large-scale confined animal farms will be put before voters in a Northern California county. Sonoma County residents will decide whether to approve Measure J. Proponents say the move to phase out what federal authorities call concentrated animal feeding operations is about the humane treatment of animals. Critics say it is a misguided effort that could harm egg farming and dairies in the county and that California already has strict rules to ensure farm animals’ well-being.

RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services activated its hotline Saturday, Sept. 28, to connect farmers with resources that can assist with damage and other agricultural emergencies related to the storm. The toll-free number is 1-866-645-9403. A live operator will be available on the hotline between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. “While […]

We are amazed but not surprised by gracious offerings for fellow farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene. Our staff is working closely with the N.C. Department of Agriculture to support response efforts. Once we know the full extent of the damages, we will also be engaging with our state and congressional representatives to advocate for help.  […]

The Farmer’s Almanac started in 1818 when farmers didn’t have technology or publications. Farmers in that era depended on the Almanac for weather patterns and projected sunrises and sunsets. Sandi Duncan, editor of the Farmer’s Almanac, says there’s something unique in it for everyone. “Like you said, it’s kind of a calendar of curiosities. It’s […]

Wind storms, hurricanes, derechos and the like can wreak havoc with corn stalks knocking them over and killing the yield. But a short corn developed by Bayer Crop Science is being tested on about 30,000 acres in the Midwest with the promise of offering farmers a variety that can withstand powerful windstorms. Eastern Iowa corn […]

Corn rootworm populations have exploded in recent years, which means more farmers than ever are asking how to get rid of the pest. Ron Roling is an AgriGold Agronomist from eastern Iowa, the self-proclaimed rootworm capital of the world. “Yeah, I do believe it’s possible to maybe control rootworm better. Our populations do tend to […]

Hurricane Helene was big, strong and fast, making it a near-perfect storm to bring widespread death and destruction to the American South. The fast-moving Category 4 storm killed at least 64 people and potentially left thousands homeless throughout the southeastern United States as it hammered its way north. Florida, Georgia and both Carolinas all suffered multiple deaths. In Florida, most drownings were caused by storm surge. In Georgia and South Carolina, falling trees were the primary killers. In North Carolina, massive flooding has cutoff Asheville and the surrounding communities.