Agriculture news covering farming, crop production, food supply, agricultural policy, and agribusiness developments.
The author, president of the Canadian Cattle Association, argues that a free trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc could harm Canada's beef industry due to lower production standards and costs in South America. He contends that increased imports could reduce domestic production, threatening food security and the economic foundation of rural Canada.
House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan said the committee will not take up legislation to expand the H-2A farm worker visa program next week, instead focusing on an immigration enforcement package. House Agriculture Chairman Glenn Thompson introduced a related bill on June 30 and remains hopeful for movement this year.
Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut acknowledged fuel shortages are causing 'rough patches' for farmers, contradicting Putin's directive to guarantee supplies. Ukrainian strikes on refineries and shipping restrictions in the Sea of Azov have disrupted operations, with harvests delayed up to two weeks.
This commentary argues that the USDA's major revision to beef-export sales data signals a broader deterioration in the reliability of U.S. agriculture statistics. The author suggests this undermines trust in government data, comparing it to a nail in the coffin for data credibility.
Leicestershire farmers are using fans and mist sprayers in sheds to keep cows cool during more frequent hot weather. Tim Dixon's herd produces six fewer litres of milk per cow daily in heat. Nine days have reached 34C this summer, breaking a 1976 record.
Farmers in upstate New York are increasingly leasing farmland to solar developers as Governor Hochul pushes for more solar output. In Montgomery County, projects covering up to 18,000 acres are planned, prompting some localities to go to court to block further expansion.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged higher agricultural subsidies, citing food security and national survival. He noted South Korea's subsidies are far below those of the EU and Japan, and argued that stock market gains provide sufficient funding.
A new report from the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa State University, and the Iowa Bankers Association warns that Iowa's agricultural downturn could last several more years. Net farm income fell 53% from 2022 to 2024, with crop costs exceeding revenues for three straight years due to record production and rising input costs.
This commentary argues that falling corn prices combined with rising land values create a divide between farmers who own their land and those who rent. It contends that land ownership determines wealth-building potential, with renters bearing risk while owners benefit from asset appreciation.
Suntory Beverage & Food, owner of Ribena, is investing £200,000 to help blackcurrant bushes withstand stress from extreme weather. The 2026 UK blackcurrant harvest is expected to be about 10% below average due to a wet winter, spring frosts, and summer heatwaves. The investment aims to build healthier soils and more resilient crops.