U.S. Department of Agriculture
In a candid conversation with Farm Journal, USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden says USDA’s message to fertilizer companies is simple: “Be part of the solution, don’t be part of the problem.”
As the Iran war drives fertilizer prices up 40%, the Trump administration is warning against price gouging. A new survey shows only 60% of corn farmers have secured their nitrogen needs for 2026.
A new genetic innovation from the Agricultural Research Service aims to produce 100% sterile male flies, maximizing facility efficiency and safeguarding the U.S. livestock industry from NWS.
Following extensive industry feedback, the updated guide provides a science-based roadmap for states, ranchers and veterinarians to combat potential NWS outbreaks.
USDA’s March 2026 Prospective Plantings report produced no major surprises, but the bigger story may be the fact only 37.6% of farmers responded, the lowest participation in history for that survey.
Richard Fordyce with USDA confirms momentum for assistance as Congress seeks to mitigate economic impacts of Iran conflict.
The situation in Iran drove fertilizer prices higher this week while raising shortage fears. Analysts warn higher input costs could shift up to 1 million 1.5 million acres from corn to soybeans this spring.
USDA is urging farmers to respond to 2026 acreage surveys as skepticism grows over recent corn acreage revisions. Officials say stronger participation is key to maintaining the accuracy and credibility of crop reports.
Why is a long-term farm bill even needed with the provisions included in the One Big Beautiful Bill? Industry leaders explain their views on the issue.