Deep Dive

Industry insights from our journalists

  • A barn is seen on a plot of farmland. In front, a sign reads "No trespassing"
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    Dave Kaup/Reuters

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    How farms became the latest battleground in US-China relations

    As states become more brazen in their efforts to restrict China from owning U.S. farmland, some worry about the potential impact to trade.

    Nathan Owens and Julia Himmel • Dec. 5, 2023
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    Retrieved from Aigen on December 04, 2023
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    Agtech funding is rebounding. Which startups attract investors?

    Venture capital firms are moving away from vertical farming and plant-based foods, instead seeing new opportunities in artificial intelligence and alternative fertilizers.

    David Silverberg • Dec. 4, 2023
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    Permission granted by Locus AG
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    The food industry is all in on regenerative agriculture. Can farmers be convinced?

    Companies are racing to capitalize on a burgeoning industry focused on reducing emissions in agriculture. But first, they'll have to prove it's profitable to go green.

    Miranda Lipton • Nov. 15, 2023
  • An aerial view of the Colorado River is seen. Surrounding the river is farmland
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    To save the Colorado River, farmers will be paid not to farm. Some are looking to cash in.

    As states agree on a historic three-year deal to cut water use, some major agribusinesses are eyeing opportunities for new revenue streams while small producers worry about their livelihoods.

    Petruce Jean-Charles • Oct. 6, 2023
  • A table of politicians. Sen. John Fetterman sits at the head of the table with a hand on his forehead.
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    Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
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    How the looming government shutdown is complicating the farm bill

    Averting a budget crisis remains a top priority in Congress, likely pushing back the timeline for the most consequential law in the agriculture industry. Here’s what it means for farmers.

    Sarah Zimmerman • Sept. 12, 2023
  • Dry grasses go to seed as drought conditions worsen in California.
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    David McNew via Getty Images
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    Extreme heat waves leave farmers on edge

    Producers take preventative measures to avoid crop and livestock losses as extreme temperatures continue across the U.S.

    Nathan Owens • Aug. 3, 2023
  • A tractor is seen on a farm
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    Photo illustration: Shaun Lucas/Industry Dive; Getty Images

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    5 trends set to define agriculture in the second half of 2023

    With rising input costs, changing weather patterns and the upcoming farm bill, the old ways of doing business may not be working anymore.

    Nathan Owens, Sarah Zimmerman and Shaun Lucas • June 26, 2023
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    Permission granted by Cameron Hodgins
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    Why General Mills is embarking on a farmer-driven regenerative agriculture strategy

    The CPG giant said its projects are less about setting stringent rules and more about listening to the producers who are familiar with their land.

    Chris Casey • April 21, 2023
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    David Silverman via Getty Images
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    Why cage-free eggs could be on shaky ground

    Industry leaders are still on a path to wider adoption of cage-free systems, but consumer expectations, bird flu and a Supreme Court decision could impact whether they continue to invest in the practice.

    Chris Casey • Feb. 28, 2023