U.S. Farm Report
In-depth stories on agriculture, rural issues and the country lifestyle, originally aired on U.S. Farm Report.
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.”
Surrounded by Delta farmland, Wilson, Ark., surprises visitors year-round with its English Tudor-style architecture, high-end boutique hotel and unique charm. But at Christmas, the town lights up.
South Texas farmer Brian Jones says years of missed water deliveries from Mexico have cut his planted acres in half, forcing tough planting decisions as a new agreement brings both hope and skepticism.
At a White House roundtable with farmers, a rice producer’s candid message stole the spotlight. Meet Meryl Kennedy, the rice producer who had a powerful message for President Trump last week.
When Jennifer Thomson lost nearly all 300 tons of her 2024 grape crop due to no buyers, she refused to quit. Her grit led her to sparkling winemaker Paula Kornell, forging a dynamic partnership saving a family legacy.
Corn may be a commodity, but cloth sacks from the 1930s and ’40s are anything but ordinary. They’re bright, bold snapshots of farm life. And through collectors like Ron Kelsey, they continue to tell those stories today.
At a fiery Senate hearing, farmers and lawmakers call out corporate consolidation for driving up input costs, while industry leaders insist global geopolitics, not greed, are to blame.
Arlan Suderman says the U.S. is strengthening ties with Argentina to counter China’s growing influence — a global strategy that’s leaving many U.S. farmers and ranchers feeling sidelined.
Minnesota farmers are hauling in what could be record corn and soybean yields, but low prices and tight storage are squeezing profits. Experts reveal what it means for farm income and strategy in 2025.
Missouri’s cattle industry is experiencing historic highs. Discover how the Show-Me Select Replacement Heifer Program is helping producers improve genetics, embrace technology and boost profitability.
With the loss of Chinese demand, U.S. ag is searching for its next “shining star.” Researchers at Iowa State may have found it for soybeans: the road beneath your feet and the refineries needed to fuel your truck or car.
Basis levels improved this week, with some analysts saying it could have been from China buying, even if the government shutdown means no daily export sales data can offer proof. But one analyst says there is a bullish case for corn, especially considering global stocks of corn relative to use, are the tightest since the 2012 drought.
New Heart Brings New Life: 13-Year-Old Dairy Exhibitor Returns Stronger After Life-Saving Transplant
At just 12 years old, Lexi Anderson was diagnosed with a rare heart disease. After a successful heart transplant in early 2024, she is back to showing dairy cattle and playing sports. Read how her determination — and a life-saving donor — gave her a second chance.
In the heart of California’s Central Valley, generations of farm families are facing a new kind of crisis: what farmers argue is a man-made drought. It’s mounting water regulations that could determine whether the most fertile farmland in the nation survives.
The Farm Journal September Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor makes it clear: Working capital is thinning, export markets are shaky and long-term crop margins could get ugly. But for now, one thing is still keeping its strength: Americans’ appetite for beef.
With most input prices still record or near-record high, farmers in parts of the country have seen eroding balance sheets for four straight years. Now the concern is more farmers will be forced out of farming this year, unless they see some type of market or government intervention.
A growing crisis is silently unfolding in agriculture. Farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. With mounting financial stress, that number could be on the rise this year.
Fifty-three percent of agricultural economists surveyed in the July Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor say the row crops side of agriculture is currently in a recession, which is down from the 72% who responded that way in May.
With 259 farm bankruptcies filed between April 2024 and March 2025, it’s clear the financial stress on farms is only growing more severe this year. But there’s been another troubling trend happening in the midst of the downturn.
According to Machinery Pete, the price of used high-horsepower tractors fell between 18% and 23% from 2023/24 levels, while regional auctions report used equipment values fell by as much as 40%. So far in 2025, used equipment values found footing, a trend on the verge of reversing due to growing strains in the farm economy.
Despite USDA’s strong corn condition ratings, more agronomists and farmers are reporting pollination problems from what’s being called ‘overly tight tassel wrap,’ an issue that can’t be seen until you walk into your fields.
As big yield estimates are being thrown around so early, it’s stoking an intense debate. However, that’s not stopping the trade chatter. With talk of a new national corn yield record, it’s pressuring prices, with many farmers staring at cash corn with a $3 handle.
While USDA’s crop condition ratings don’t translate to a specific yield, with strong conditions, analysts say it’s possible the U.S. will see a national record corn yield this year. Current market chatter is a national corn yield anywhere from 185 bu. to 200 bu. per acre.
The on-again, off-again reports regarding ICE raids is sowing confusion for those who rely on immigrant labor and causing labor shortages because employees aren’t showing up for work.
It’s not just planting cotton farmers are battling this year. Soybeans are also struggling in the ground, and the corn is wind whipped or battered by hail and sand. With farmers staring at financial losses already this year, some worry this could push a growing number of them out of business.
The start of June could bring high heat and drier weather, which is a stark contrast from the forecast for the last week of May.
The initial round of ECAP payments will only amount to 85% of the per-acre payment to ensure enough funding is available for all farmers who sign up for the program.