The Latest

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  Farm bill expires again. Here’s what it means for farmers.

  The delay upends some USDA farm conservation and trade promotion programs while setting up costlier disruptions beginning at the year’s end.

  Regulations

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  What to know about the FDA’s reorganization

  The new structure could mean more thorough inspections for food giants, according to experts.

  Meat

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  Top agriculture conferences in 2025

  As attendance increases at farm-related shows, some events are relocating to larger venues to accommodate more exhibitors and programming. Here’s an early look at some of the biggest upcoming shows.

  Crops

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  Hurricane Helene devastates farms across the Southeast

  Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said "every commodity in the state has been damaged," with cotton farmers anticipating hundreds of millions of dollars in losses.

  Crops

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  Biden declines to intervene as East Coast port strike freezes shipping

  The administration is warning ocean carriers not to implement costly surcharges as the work stoppage drags on.

  Meat

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  Opinion

  We need a Farm Bill for all farmers – not the few. Here’s how we get there.

  The House’s proposed bill would only benefit wealthy farms while adding to the deficit and cutting food assistance, experts with the Environmental Working Group argue.

  Crops

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  East Coast and Gulf ports shut down as dockworkers strike

  The USDA does not expect “significant changes to food prices or availability in the near term” due to the work stoppage, though exporters have warned of shipment delays and higher costs. 

  Meat

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  How a new type of ‘smart soil’ can capture water out of thin air

  A hydrogel developed by researchers from the University of Texas at Austin could give plants the power to feed and water themselves, allowing farmers to rely less on irrigation.

  Crops

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  DairyX makes breakthrough advancement in cow-free casein

  The Israeli startup developed a method to recreate the “primary building blocks of dairy products,” which it says paves the way for tastier cheese and yogurt alternatives.

  Dairy

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  Democrats propose paying livestock producers to transition away from ‘factory farming’

  The plan is a gambit to ensure Inflation Reduction Act funding goes to climate-smart agriculture practices that would have the biggest environmental impact.

  Meat

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  Farm groups call for White House intervention as East Coast port strike nears

  East Coast and Gulf Coast seaports are extending hours and sharing contingency plans as they prepare for disruption.

  Supply Chain

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  Column

  Agtech Seedlings: Plenty opens ‘world’s first’ indoor berry farm

  In other farm technology news, Ginkgo Bioworks partners with a Missouri-based firm on cost-effective animal feed, and Minnesota’s Ag Innovation Campus closes after one year.

  Crops

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  JBS accused of abusing immigrant workers at Colorado beef plant

  As many as 500 French-speaking immigrants were allegedly subject to human trafficking and forced to pay hundreds of dollars for poor living conditions, job applications and transportation.

  Meat

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  Deep Dive

  East and Gulf coast port strikes: A shipper’s guide

  A potential dockworker strike starting Oct. 1 would upend meat and grain trade and bring new supply chain slowdowns. Here’s how to prepare.

  Crops

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  Hurricane Helene threatens crops in the Southeast

  Cotton, peanut and citrus growers are preparing for a potentially catastrophic storm that could bring widespread damage to farms in Georgia and Florida.

  Crops

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  Trump threatens Deere with 200% tariffs if it shifts manufacturing to Mexico

  The tractor giant's plan to move some production south of the border is tied up in election politics as the economy becomes more central to campaign messaging.

  Technology

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  New molded fiber company will use industrial hemp as main feedstock

  Renw seeks to minimize reliance on forestry assets in packaging through partnerships with farmers to adopt industrial hemp as a rotational crop.

  Crops

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  Colombia ends ban on US beef imports

  The South American country was the only nation to restrict trade in response to the bird flu outbreak in dairy cows.

  Meat

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  Aldi to fund farm sustainability pilots as it targets net-zero by 2050

  The grocer’s parent company said it will work on projects to cut emissions in dairy and meat supply chains as it unveils lofty climate goals around deforestation and sourcing. 

  Crops

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  Ag employer group sues to block rule strengthening H-2A worker protections

  The rule, which bars employers from retaliating against organizing efforts among temporary farmworkers, has already been overturned in 17 states.

  Regulations

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  USDA creates network to better serve financially distressed farmers

  The department is collaborating with farm advocates and land-grant institutions to provide agricultural producers with custom-tailored assistance to regain their financial footing.

  Technology

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  Mexico rail backlogs disrupt grain shipping

  BNSF and Union Pacific have paused shipments as demand outpaces capacity, setting up transportation challenges for exporters ahead of fall harvest.

  Crops

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  Higher dairy prices reverse trend of declining profits

  Shrinking feed costs are lifting profit margins to record highs for farmers.

  Dairy

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  White Castle to shutter Indiana meat processing plant

  The hamburger restaurant chain is also closing a retail food facility in Kentucky as it looks to consolidate its manufacturing efforts.

  Meat

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  Tyson sued over ‘climate smart’ beef and other ‘greenwashing’ claims

  The meat company’s sustainability commitments are deceiving consumers, according to the Environmental Working Group.

  Meat

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