USDA withdraws rule defining unfair practices in meat markets

The regulation would have paved the way for increased enforcement against anticompetitive practices in the meatpacking industry.

EPA warns PFAS in biosolid fertilizers could pose health risks

The agency said farmers could be at risk due to the chemicals leaching into food and water in its draft risk assessment, now open for comment. 

US poultry, swine workers face increased health risks, studies show

The USDA-backed research comes as meat producers push to increase factory line speeds in processing facilities, which critics say compounds the likelihood of injury.

JBS will pay $4M to counter illegal child labor practices

A DOL official praised the remedial steps proposed by the world’s largest meat processor as “creative and forward-thinking.”

Chipotle invests to reduce methane emissions from cows

The restaurant chain's venture fund is also backing efforts to produce plant-based meat from duckweed.

CHS leans into supply chain investments as profits tank

The agribusiness giant, which saw net income fall by more than half in the first quarter, is announcing new products, shipping terminals and agronomy services to turn around market declines. 

Bridgestone offers buyouts to workers at Iowa tractor tire plant

The offers come in response to a down farm economy that has rattled John Deere, CNH and other tractor makers.

Seafood company not on the hook for overtime in COVID lockdown case, court rules

The case highlights the complexities involved with determining compensability under the Fair Labor Standards Act, particularly when workers are kept on campus.

US corn exports off to strong start

First quarter sales reached the highest level in roughly six years thanks to plentiful supply, competitive pricing and an uncharacteristically weak harvest from main competitor Brazil.

USDA invests $180M in biofuels and clean energy projects

The Biden administration has doled out $3.3 billion to expand solar, wind and biofuels infrastructure across rural America.

Adopt a class cow? How schools are helping students understand where food comes from.

A variety of new resources are giving students hands-on opportunities that illustrate the role tech plays in agriculture.

Higher egg prices boost Cal Maine earnings

Bird flu outbreaks have created supply shocks at the grocery store, with some retailers limiting consumer purchases.

Agtech seedlings: Bayer, European refinery to scale US biofuel production

Also in this week's farm technology news: Inari raised $144 million to bring gene-edited seeds to market and an Israel-based startup looks to develop its computer vision technology for horticulture.

Louis Dreyfus buys BASF’s food and health ingredients business

The food processor seeks to dominate the plant-based space while chemical producer BASF shifts its focus to other areas.

Will $10B in economic payments offset farm income losses?

Researchers are still projecting negative returns for grain producers even after assistance from Washington, highlighting the extent of the downturn in the agricultural industry.

Deere lays off 75 workers at Iowa tractor plant

The job cuts are some of the first in 2025 after the company reduced its workforce by the thousands last year in response to slowing demand.

East Coast port strike averted after tentative deal reached

The agreement comes a week before a previous agreement was set to expire, allaying concerns of supply chain disruptions at major shipping hubs.

5 agriculture trends to watch in 2025

It could be a tumultuous year for farmers with experts predicting low commodity prices, extreme weather events and changes in food policy to reshape industry priorities.

Tropicana orange supplier Alico to exit citrus business

The company concluded that "growing citrus is no longer economically viable for us in Florida," with disease and hurricanes reducing production by 73%.

Shippers urge deal to avert East Coast port strike as deadline looms

Worker contracts will expire again on Jan. 15, prompting fears of supply chain disruption acorss industries including agriculture.

Smithfield Foods files for public offering on US stock exchange

The proposed listing comes amid pricing pressures in the pork industry and mounting public scrutiny over the agriculture industry's ties to China.

Farmland values increase despite income declines

Farmers National Company said its agricultural listings are down 25% compared to recent years, showing strong demand for available farmland.

US wins trade dispute against Mexico over genetically modified corn ban

A dispute panel found the prohibition on biotech corn was not grounded in science and undermined an important economic market for farmers in the United States.

Confection companies may pass higher cocoa costs on to consumers for Valentine’s Day

The price increase comes after cocoa futures doubled in late 2024, putting pressure on food makers already paying more for the commodity.

How a new smart label tracks food’s supply chain journey

Giesecke+Devrient's peel-and-stick label can help companies address product quality and traceability issues by accounting for changes in location, temperature and package tampering.