Carolinas see record warmth, storms as spring pattern begins
If you stepped outside over the last week or so, you noticed one thing: it is hot. Temperatures in the 80s and low temperatures in the 60s are at least 20 degrees above what we're normally used to this time of year. We've got state assistant climatologist Corey Davis here. Corey, let's talk about it. Spring has sprung....
Coming Relief for Ag Areas in Drought Coverage?
Will there be sufficient precipitation in the nation's ag production regions by the time planting of fall-harvested crops begins later this month and through April? USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says if rains this past week in areas suffering significant soil dryness continue for the next few weeks, concerns should be...
Sale Barn Owner: Beef Prices Holding Up Despite Outside Challenges
Despite outside geopolitical circumstances and other disruptions causing market volatility, the cattle market seems to be holding up better than expected. Ben Hale, the owner of Western Livestock Auctions in Oklahoma, said beef prices are holding up despite the challenges. "Despite everything, whether Trump and th...
Dry in the South as Cotton Producers Get Ready to Plant
It's dry in some of the southern U.S. states. Dr. Ken Lege, a cotton specialist from Texas A & M AgriLife Extension, said this is typically a drier time of the year in the South. "This is typically when we have our driest conditions. It's this time of year, so it's not the time to panic just yet. We think abou...
Time to Finalize Crop Insurance Coverage
Farmers across the country are being reminded to finalize their crop insurance coverage for the 2026 crop year before the March 16 deadline for most spring-seeded crops. New data released by National Crop Insurance Services shows participation in the program continues to grow nationwide. Farmers purchased 2.54 million ...
What Next for Year-Round E15?
Recent legislation that had been introduced to advance year-round access to E15 fuel in all 50 states failed in Washington, D.C. The bill failed due to a combination of legislative strategy and political dynamics. The decision was made despite the support from various stakeholders and the fact that a compromise deal ha...
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans Strategic Partnerships
Partnerships to promote the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This has been historically common collaboration in the five-year period when the new guidelines are issued. "USDA has long partnered with organizations and companies from across the private sector to promote the DGAs and messaging, with the shared goals...
Brooks Schaffer Market Report for Tuesday, March 10th
This is the SFN Market Report with Brooks Schaffer of Palmetto Grain. Reach him at brooks@palmettograin.com or 843-540-4540. Energy markets opened with fireworks Sunday night, with some crude contracts trading up to $120 per barrel. That pulled the grains and oilseeds along for the ride, reaching levels we have not see...
Cattle Trade Looking for Expanded Opportunities Overseas
No one in U.S. agriculture questions the importance of overseas trade to the sector's health. President Donald Trump has attempted to rebalance trade with overseas partners, and it's been a difficult challenge for producers with boots on the ground and products to sell. Kent Bacus, the executive director of governmenta...
Family Farmers to Address Shared Concerns During NFU Convention
The 124th National Farmers Union Convention got underway on Saturday in New Orleans. Rob Larew noted the annual event brought together hundreds of family farmers and ranchers to discuss current concerns and the future of the industry. "How can we create Farm Bills, for example, in the future that are actually goin...