Latest News From AgDay TV

Propane prices are already twice the levels posted a year ago, and as supply concerns rise, propane prices could trend even higher heading into the fall and winter months.

China's aggressive buying spree of U.S. grains and oilseeds could continue. That's according to a new CoBank report that shows China is shifting its buying habits as grain prices produce volatility.

The number of active fires is close to 50, and drought conditions aren’t helping.

The Biden administration has until the end of August to file an appeal on the ruling enforcing the slower speeds.

AgDay’s Clinton Griffiths reports that evaporation has increased the salinity in stock dams in South Dakota, some to lethal levels for livestock.

The American Farm Bureau says average cost for 10 people is less than $6 per person.

Valadao’s farm consists of two dairies and 1,000 acres of farmland in two Calif. counties. He spoke to the Dairy Defined podcast about the pressures facing dairy farmers right now.

Meteorologist Matt Engelbrecht explains why the Midwest is in for more rainy days this week.

An investment company with ties to the Mormon church has the high bid for land that belonged to the now bankrupt Easterday Farms and Easterday Ranches.

A plan to help farmers and ranchers reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while gaining more clarity on carbon markets, is moving through Congress. The Senate approved the "Growing Climate Solutions Act," with a 92-8 vote.

Meteorologist Matt Engelbrecht has the latest on several days of rainfall expected in the Midwest.

The pork cutout value hit a new record loss, dropping almost $13 on Tuesday. The primal belly was down more than $59, and primal rib dropping more than $16. Pork futures also dropped again on Wednesday.

The Senate Ag Committee went looking for answers amid accusations of a lack of transparency and anti-competitive practices in the cattle industry on Wednesday. Testimonies varied with how to address growing concerns.

The meatpacking industry will take center stage on Capitol Hill as members of the Senate Ag Committee hold a hearing designed to take a deep dive into the cattle markets amid accusations of price imbalances.

Foodservice spending at restaurants and bars totaled a record $67 billion last month. That's up more than $1 billion from February despite analysts saying the issue of finding restaurant staff is holding back sales.

Law enforcement officials in Tulare County California arrested this man for allegedly stealing and reselling more than 42,000 pounds of pistachios. The goods had been repackaged into 2,000 pound sacks for resale. 

T.J. Atkin, a cattle rancher in Arizona and Utah, says the drought is worse than he's ever seen, as area ranchers cull or relocate cows from reservoirs running dry.

Wild weather over the weekend left some farmers are assessing the damage. Powerful winds and heavy rain hit some fields hard, with down corn as a result. after weekend rains and winds hit some fields hard. 

As weather continues to be a factor for farmers and producers, growers across Western U.S. see the impacts of drought first-hand. Now, access to electricity could also be challenged as hydroelectric power dries up.

 As analysts keep a close eye on rumored soybeans buys from China late last week, China has issued new rules when it comes to monitoring commodity prices as the country battles to contain inflation.

Meteorologist Mike Hoffman makes note of some important improvements in the drought monitor.

Calls from Congress to address issues within the cattle markets continue. The Senate Ag Committee announcing a June 23 hearing to examine markets, transparency and prices from cattle producers to consumers.

A bipartisan infrastructure plan in Congress is gaining support, with the number of Senators working on the bill now doubled, expanding to 21 members. The proposed legislation would still need additional support.

Meteorologist Matt Engelbrecht has the latest on a tropical weather system moving into the Gulf Coast.

Meteorologist Mike Hoffman has the latest Root Zone Moisture Map.

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says dryness is a major factor impacting corn condition ratings in some areas. U.S. corn crop condition ratings dropped another 4 points this week, according to the latest USDA report.

A big concern for dairy farmers is preventing foot and mouth disease (FMD) on farms. Thanks to new technology, there's now a real-time test that could get farmers answers quickly.

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows nearly 10% of the contiguous U.S. is now under an "exceptional drought," which is the highest the rate has been since 2011.

Meteorologist Mike Hoffman takes a closer look at what's going on in the West.

Cargill's CEO says the company is in the middle of a major shakeup as it says consumers will continue to demand more plant-based protein products.

A federal judge announced Friday a decision to halt payments in a USDA loan forgiveness program designed to help farmers of color. USDA has until Friday to respond to the court’s temporary restraining order. 

Commodity markets were under pressure Friday. The drop was partially due to a report the Biden Administration is considering ways to provide relief to U.S. oil refiners from biofuel blending mandates.

As drought conditions in the West are continuing to expand, hotter temperatures aren't helping things. Heat that started building over the weekend is not good news for areas already dealing with that drought.

Meteorologist Mike Hoffman compares the latest Root Zone Moisture map with the updated Drought Monitor.

Union workers voted overwhelmingly to go on strike if a new contract is not reached. Leaders with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union say they hope to avoid a work stoppage as they meet with company reps.

As World Pork Expo enters its second day, a policy priority for the pork industry continues to be the issue of line speeds at pork plants. Just this week, Agriculture Secretary said no final decision has been made.

Rain is finally falling in North Dakota, but Arkansas and Oklahoma are seeing too much rain right now.

To help with the ongoing demand for food in the U.S., USDA announced it is investing $1 billion in the country's food bank networks.

We're starting to see some positive changes in the Drought Monitor.

World Pork Expo is making its grand return to Des Moines this week. This marks the first time since 2018 the event is being held. The National Pork Producers Council says this will mark the 33rd annual event.

American Farm Bureau Federation sent a letter to the Biden administration saying the increase in undocumented immigration is severely impacting farm and ranch families, putting property and personal safety at risk.

Now, Chairman of the House Ag Committee sent a letter to President Biden signaling his support for the proposed infrastructure plans but raised concerns are proposed tax changes including step-up in basis. 

The White House says President Joe Biden will address cyber attacks with Russia at a meeting later this month and won't take any options off the table when responding to the recent cyberattack on meat producer JBS.

The head of Tyson Foods, Dean Banks, is stepping down after less than a year on the job. The company announced Donnie King is the new CEO, which makes him the fifth CEO of Tyson in the last five years. 

The United Nations issued a warning this week as world food prices are rising at their fastest pace in a decade. Global food prices have risen for 12 consecutive months and now sit at their highest level since 2011.

Farmers who insured their crops and planted cover crops will now be eligible for a financial bonus from USDA. Not all crops are included in the new program, and acres need to be reported by June 15th.

Meteorologist Matt Engelbrecht shows us how a change in the jet stream will affect weather across the country this week.

The Senate Finance Committee held a hearing last week for President Biden's nominee to be an assistant Secretary of the Treasury, which included a focus on possible tax changes that could impact farmers and ranchers.

Demand for pork and grains is helping propel prices in 2021, and USDA is forecasting it to be a record year. 

Drought conditions have lessened a bit in portions of North Dakota thanks to some rain, but frigid temperatures late last week and into the weekend also took its toll on crops across the upper Midwest.