House, Senate to vote on notably different USDA budgets

A political battle is brewing as Republicans look to cut spending while Democrats push for increased funding.

Agtech seedlings: Farm mapping tool predicts effects of climate change

Also in this week’s farm technology news: A study shows sunflowers can clean contaminated farmland, and Ohalo’s “Boosted Breeding” system promise major increases in crop productivity.

A TikTok ban could hurt farm groups’ efforts to reach Gen Z

Meat and dairy industries have poured millions of dollars into promotional campaigns to reach younger audiences.

Colorado poultry farm kills 1.8M chickens after bird flu outbreak

The state, which recently reported its first human case tied to dairy cattle, declared a disaster emergency.

ADM hires 3M CFO, signaling push for fresh start after accounting woes

The grain trading giant’s financial reporting practices have been in the spotlight since January when it revealed an internal probe was underway.

Tyson agrees to sell Georgia poultry complex

The deal with House of Raeford Farms comes after months of cost cutting at the meat and poultry giant, including plant closures and layoffs.

Maple Leaf Foods spins off its pork business

The separation will allow the Canadian company to concentrate on its consumer packaged goods while its pork business will operate under a new name and pursue a separate growth strategy.

USDA’s updated nutrition standards will cost school districts $206M annually

The largest driving factors are the gradual requirements on new limits for added sugars and sodium reductions in school meals — starting in 2025.

Inside my journey to revitalize my family farm

Will Harris, a fourth-generation cattleman, transformed an old farming model into a sustainable and lasting one. He writes about how expanding federal programs can help others like him.

How Michigan is dealing with bird flu in dairy cows and humans

As another human contracts the virus, the state’s response may serve as an example for others navigating the challenges of a novel disease outbreak.

Seaboard appoints company insider as president and CEO

Chad Groves took over executive duties July 1 following years of experience leading sales teams in the pork, coffee and seafood sectors.

Tyson Foods scales back its antibiotic-free beef pledge

The meat processing giant said last year it would reintroduce antibiotics into some of its chicken products after removing them in 2017.

ADM teams with Smucker for regenerative peanut program

In partnership with the National Black Growers Council, the companies aim to make it easier for peanut farmers to improve their soil health and carbon intensity.

What the Supreme Court’s Chevron decision means for agriculture

Shifting the power away from federal agencies to the courts could mean fewer regulations but possibly more litigation for farmers.

Black farmers call on Tractor Supply CEO to resign following diversity about-face

John Boyd, president of the National Black Farmers Association, a Tractor Supply shareholder and fourth-generation farmer, said he has tried to reach out to the company’s top executive.

Who’s a good boy? Is your dog a candidate for Farm Dog of the Year?

Past owners of winners in the American Farm Bureau competition share what sets their pets apart.

Beef prices are high, but that’s not keeping backyard barbecuers away this July 4th

Consumer dollars are going further today for hamburger and steak cuts than they did 10 years ago, a Rabobank analyst says.

OSHA proposes rule to protect workers from extreme heat

Released Wednesday, the standard would require employers to provide water and rest breaks when high heat creates a hazardous work environment.

Farming is facing a three-pronged existential crisis

New pressures on agriculture have shifted the focus for farms and farmers. Here’s a look at how some producers have optimized changes on their farm. 

Deere & Co. lays off 590 more workers as it braces for weaker sales

This recent round of cuts adds to the hundreds of jobs already lost within the past year, following the decision to move some production to Mexico.

Maine feels the heat after proposing to raise solar farming fees

As more farmers show interest in leasing land to solar developers, the state is struggling to strike a balance between delivering on climate goals and building up local food production.

Cal-Maine buys egg producer for $110M to grow presence in the Northeast

The purchase of ISE America expands the company’s dominant position in the protein with the addition of nearly 5 million egg-laying hens to its portfolio.

Agtech Seedlings: Bayer teams with biotech firm on hybrid potato seeds

Also in this week’s farm technology news: Three farms test out Agrology’s regenerative technology and Perdue researchers develop tiny flags to detect fecal matter in produce.

Microsoft partners with agricultural tech company for carbon removal

The tech giant will purchase 40,000 soil-based carbon credits from Indigo Ag, a transaction the sustainable agriculture company called a “major milestone.”

Deere names TikTok influencer first ‘chief tractor officer’

Rex Curtiss will be the face of the 185-year-old brand's social media as the agricultural equipment giant looks to court the next generation of farmers.