Latest News From Guest Commentary

Have You Heard of Scope 3? It Offers Opportunity for Agriculture
Have You Heard of Scope 3? It Offers Opportunity for Agriculture

Scope 3 is all the buzz lately in the world of sustainability. A company’s emissions are broken down into three scopes. Scope 3 covers indirect emissions from a company’s upstream and downstream supply chain.  

Be Prepared for an FSA End-of-Year Audit
Be Prepared for an FSA End-of-Year Audit

Every year, around this time, FSA mails letters to randomly selected farmers and landowners informing them they are facing an audit. If you receive a letter, don’t panic. Get help from experts who deal with FSA reviews.

Hispanic Farmers and Producers Help Keep Food on America’s Tables
Hispanic Farmers and Producers Help Keep Food on America’s Tables

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Jesse Larios, a California cattle farmer, shares about his deep roots in agriculture and the contributions his Latino and Latina brothers and sisters have made in the industry.

Op-Ed: How Fringe Animal Groups Threaten Food Production
Op-Ed: How Fringe Animal Groups Threaten Food Production

The anti-farmer movement now underway by fringe extremist groups is not pro-animal. It is extremism promoting regressive policies that will chip away at America's historically stable -- and affordable -- food supply.

Dust Storms Shouldn’t Happen in the Corn Belt
Dust Storms Shouldn’t Happen in the Corn Belt

The recent soil dust cloud catastrophe in central Illinois is a wake-up call from Mother Nature suggesting all of agriculture needs to implement more sustainable production practices. We owe it to future generations.

Guest Commentary
Extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is Good for American Farmers

On Jan. 1, 2023, the percentage immediately deductible through bonus depreciation (a provision in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) went from 100% to 80%. It will continue dropping by 20% each year until it reaches zero.

Soybean Harvest Is Just Beginning in Brazil. Here’s What the Crop Looks Like
Soybean Harvest Is Just Beginning in Brazil. Here’s What the Crop Looks Like

After a week in Mato Grosso, the AgResource team estimates a final yield estimate of 60.3 bu. per acre, which is 8 bu. more than CONAB’s current forecast.

Opinion: The Value of Partnerships Between the Agriculture and Energy Industries
Opinion: The Value of Partnerships Between the Agriculture and Energy Industries

Through a series of extremely poor energy policies, the Biden administration is creating an environment that will produce dire consequences for American consumers, business owners and agriculture producers.

Dairy Farm CEO Offers Practical Advocacy Tips
Dairy Farm CEO Offers Practical Advocacy Tips

Sutton Rucks, chief operating officer for Milking R Dairy, Inc., encourages other farmers to reach out to their community and educate consumers about the benefits of agriculture and dairy farming, specifically.

How Conservation Farming in Southwest Nebraska makes Sunny Heights Farm Viable
How Conservation Farming in Southwest Nebraska makes Sunny Heights Farm Viable

“Everything we do is conservation minded for water and soil erosion, and there is no incentive for that except the viability of our farm,” says Tracy Zink. “And if we don’t do that, then we won’t be here.”

How to Balance Dairy Sustainability Investments for Greater ROI
How to Balance Dairy Sustainability Investments for Greater ROI

Steve Schlangen of SC Dairy in Albany, Minn., explains why you should invest in practices with economic ROI so you can afford to do more good for your animals and the environment, even when it doesn’t pay as much.

How an Arkansas Farmer Found Counsel for Climate-Smart Practices to Grow the Best Crop
How an Arkansas Farmer Found Counsel for Climate-Smart Practices to Grow the Best Crop

Lawrence M. Conyer attributes his conservation practices, including cover crops and minimum till, to his ability to manage his land to be resilient and to grow his operation at scale.

 Farmer Collaboration Contributes to Next-Generation Technologies
Farmer Collaboration Contributes to Next-Generation Technologies

Companies like Corteva Agriscience are delivering new products and innovations to help meet the needs of farmers working to maximize food production on every acre.

Conservation Practices With Customization
Conservation Practices With Customization

Cover crops, conservation tillage, irrigation optimization, fertilizers and pesticides all have a fit on Rondo Farms, but only when they're right for the land, the agronomy and the financials.

Iowa Farmer: Trust Us, But Pray for Good Weather
Iowa Farmer: Trust Us, But Pray for Good Weather

Above all other years, 2022 is the year we need to be left alone to do what we know how to do best: feed, clothe and fuel our country and the world, says Caleb Hamer.

How To Hook Gen Z On U.S. Dairy
How To Hook Gen Z On U.S. Dairy

Authentic storytelling and virtual outreach are ways dairy farmers can build relationships with this influential customer base, says Serena Schaffner, senior vice president of communications at Dairy Management Inc. 

Ag Retail’s Biggest Mistakes Today
Ag Retail’s Biggest Mistakes Today

"In ag retail we need to get comfortable with the fact that digital tools and infrastructure are not only here to stay, but an essential differentiator for your business indefinitely," writes Shane Thomas.

The Next Era of Ag Gains
The Next Era of Ag Gains

"Agriculture labor is one of those funny challenges that sounds almost boring at first but once you dive in, you realize it’s one of the most fascinating parts of our industry," writes Tyler McGee.

Ag Data’s Achilles Heel
Ag Data’s Achilles Heel

"It is getting better, but also there isn’t just one answer either in how to work with data," writes Nathan Faleide.

The Power Of Technology To Bring Positive Change
The Power Of Technology To Bring Positive Change

"As we think about what technical developments will propel agriculture forward (broadacre row crop), what will NOT change can be an interesting framework, instead of the latest buzzword or trend," writes Rhishi Pethe.

Climate-Friendly Rice Provides Missouri Farmer a Price Premium, New Carbon Credit Income
Climate-Friendly Rice Provides Missouri Farmer a Price Premium, New Carbon Credit Income

McKaskle Family Farm finds ways to prove additionality in their long-standing regenerative operation.

Indiana Farmer Steps Outside His Comfort Zone To Boost Resiliency, Reduce Pest Pressure With Climate-Smart Ag
Indiana Farmer Steps Outside His Comfort Zone To Boost Resiliency, Reduce Pest Pressure With Climate-Smart Ag

Aaron Krueger's conservation practices have created more resiliency on his land and reduced input use. He expects to gain additional rewards during his second phase of management and practice changes.

 Q&A With Idaho Dairymen’s Association CEO Rick Naerebout And Dairy West Vice President Of Sustainability Marissa Watson
Q&A With Idaho Dairymen’s Association CEO Rick Naerebout And Dairy West Vice President Of Sustainability Marissa Watson

Producers turn to their peers for insights on new practices and technologies while balancing environmental stewardship with daily priorities such as labor availability and succession planning.

Interested in Conservation Stewardship? Check out this Opportunity in Five States
Interested in Conservation Stewardship? Check out this Opportunity in Five States

America’s Conservation Ag Movement has a new opportunity for 10 farmers (two each) based in Arkansas, California, Indiana, Maryland and Nebraska.

'Farming Weird' Gets Pushback but Deserves Respectful Consideration
'Farming Weird' Gets Pushback but Deserves Respectful Consideration

It's easy to knock something you know little or nothing about. Farmers who are working to adopt conservation practices on their operations face ridicule routinely. Yet their efforts now could help us all in the future.

Executive Recounts Key 2021 U.S. Dairy Sustainability Highlights
Executive Recounts Key 2021 U.S. Dairy Sustainability Highlights

Dairy farmers made progress on the U.S. Dairy Net Zero Initiative and the industry advanced multiple partnership projects on many fronts, including research into methane reduction and collaboration with food companies.

Op-Ed: What’s Driving Fertilizer Prices and What Can Be Done
Op-Ed: What’s Driving Fertilizer Prices and What Can Be Done

TFI shares in recent months, higher global natural gas prices have had an impact on fertilizer prices. The greatest challenge to global fertilizer production now is in Europe, where natural gas prices have quadrupled.

U.S. Dairy Methane Research Trends Q&A With Dr. Juan Tricarico, VP, Environmental Research, Dairy Management Inc.
U.S. Dairy Methane Research Trends Q&A With Dr. Juan Tricarico, VP, Environmental Research, Dairy Management Inc.

Feed additives, metabolic pathways and methane-reducing gene traits all are part of new research efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from dairy cows.

Wisconsin Farmer Shares Climate Positive Tips For Producers, Trusted Advisers
Wisconsin Farmer Shares Climate Positive Tips For Producers, Trusted Advisers

A series of extreme rains prompted the Clark family to change the way it operates their farm and begin integrating more regenerative practices.

 Q&A With Lindsay Reames, VP, Sustainability & External Relations, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative
Q&A With Lindsay Reames, VP, Sustainability & External Relations, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative

The cooperative and its partners are using sustainability as a starting point for conversations about dairies’ plans for business growth and the future of the industry.

3 Field-Based Learnings about Precision Ag and Sustainability
3 Field-Based Learnings about Precision Ag and Sustainability

Sustainability is being built as a separate pillar of focus within most every agriculture-related organization today.

Q&A With Ken McCarty, Co-Owner And General Manager, MVP Dairy
Q&A With Ken McCarty, Co-Owner And General Manager, MVP Dairy

The dairy producer talks about the operation’s recent U.S. Dairy Sustainability Award win, its journey to becoming a certified B Corporation and its investment in engaging the public about food production.

Diversifying Adds To Sustainability
Diversifying Adds To Sustainability

When the Borg family added chickens to their diversified beef and row-crop farm, they had enough opportunity to bring their daughters back into the business and start building a sustainable future for their operation.

Arkansas Family’s Farm Legacy Spurs New Era Of Opportunity For Landowners Of Color
Arkansas Family’s Farm Legacy Spurs New Era Of Opportunity For Landowners Of Color

Shawn Boler’s great-grandfather once owned the acres he now oversees and plans to preserve for future generations, thanks to the Keeping it in the Family Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention program

Q&A With DMI President Barb O’Brien On Dairy UN Food Systems Dialogue
Q&A With DMI President Barb O’Brien On Dairy UN Food Systems Dialogue

During the event, a diverse cross-section of U.S. dairy farmers shared the progress they’re making on animal well-being, environmental stewardship and more.

My Road to Using Cover Crops
My Road to Using Cover Crops

Brian Doerr recently introduced regenerative agriculture practices, including cover crops, on his family's Nebraska farm. He details his decision-making and implementation steps here.

Saving Our Soil…One Billion Microbes at a Time
Saving Our Soil…One Billion Microbes at a Time

Soil is beginning to give up its many secrets on the role played by microbes in promoting sustainable food production.

5 Women Ranchers Find Regenerative Grazing Success
5 Women Ranchers Find Regenerative Grazing Success

Susan Jaster of Lincoln University and other ranchers in her peer group are seeing improved soil health numbers and increased microbial activity as part of a research grant from USDA’s SARE program.

NAAA aerial application2 2
100 Years of Ag Aviation

August 3, 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of an experiment in Ohio when lead arsenate dust was spread over catalpa trees to kill sphinx moth larvae

 Earth Day And Dairy Q&A With Heather Oldani, EVP, Corporate Communications, Dairy Management Inc.
Earth Day And Dairy Q&A With Heather Oldani, EVP, Corporate Communications, Dairy Management Inc.

Dairy producers can use industry activities surrounding the global event on April 22 to engage their neighbors and consumers in the environmental stewardship practices they use daily on their farms.

Carbon Finance versus Carbon Revenue: A Worthy Distinction for Farmers
Carbon Finance versus Carbon Revenue: A Worthy Distinction for Farmers

There is considerable diversity in the carbon opportunities available today, and not all incentives have to come in the form of a formal credit with a long list of associated stipulations.

Rural Internet Program Pairs Oklahomans With Cellular Hotspots
Rural Internet Program Pairs Oklahomans With Cellular Hotspots

Oklahoma State University Extension has accepted the challenge of tackling a pervasive lack of rural internet connectivity.

Five Reasons Why I Started Using Conservation Practices On My Farm
Five Reasons Why I Started Using Conservation Practices On My Farm

The most important step to making a change on your farm is determining why you are going to do it.

 Pollinator Habitat Fits Farmer’s Sandy Soils And Delivers A ROI
Pollinator Habitat Fits Farmer’s Sandy Soils And Delivers A ROI

This Indiana farmer says pollinator habitat practices are effective at reducing costs, establishing a year-round cover that protects the soil from erosion, protecting water quality, as well as providing wildlife habitat.

Guest Editorial: Farm Trade Ills Aside, American Farmers Have The Edge
Guest Editorial: Farm Trade Ills Aside, American Farmers Have The Edge

Farmers have reason for hope. For one, USDA projects ag exports to rebound from the low levels of recent years to $152 billion in 2021.

One Agriculture
One Agriculture

Agriculture can lead by example and show that there is room for more than one solution. In fact, we need all solutions. Conventional, urban, and sustainable agriculture all have a place, and we need all of them.

Q&A With Karen Scanlon, SVP, Environmental Stewardship At Dairy Management Inc.
Q&A With Karen Scanlon, SVP, Environmental Stewardship At Dairy Management Inc.

Nominations are encouraged for dairy farmer leaders who are embracing environmental stewardship as part of the industry’s U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards, now in their 10th year.

One Farmer’s Experience with Pay-for-Performance Conservation in the Lake Erie Watershed
One Farmer’s Experience with Pay-for-Performance Conservation in the Lake Erie Watershed

By compensating farmers per pound of nutrient loss reduction, pay-for-performance conservation motivates farmers to find the most cost-effective ways to reduce nutrient losses for their specific fields.

Farmer Mental Health Highlighted in University of Nebraska  Extension Workshop Series
Farmer Mental Health Highlighted in University of Nebraska Extension Workshop Series

By prioritizing mental health, the Nebraska Extension program aims to support the sustainability of U.S. farming operations, laying the foundation for a resilient ag industry for generations to come.

Q&A: Regenerative Ag Trends With Dirt To Dinner’s Lucy Stitzer
Q&A: Regenerative Ag Trends With Dirt To Dinner’s Lucy Stitzer

Walmart and Danone are among the companies announcing public commitments to help farmers transition to regenerative agriculture systems. Here’s what that means for producers, says Lucy Stitzer, Dirt to Dinner founder.