Posts Tagged ‘usda’
Dreary farm income forecast
USDA’s farm income forecast released this month projects another challenging year ahead for most farmers, except those in the beef sector. Overall, net farm income, a broad measure of profits,…
Read MoreRobust pig supply to start year
With more profitable hog prices, lower feed costs and higher production efficiency compared to recent years, the U.S. has an ample supply of pork to start 2026. USDA’s quarterly hogs…
Read MoreNew dietary guidelines issued
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins on Jan. 7 released the 2025-2030 dietary guidelines for Americans, marking the most…
Read MoreFarm bill extended again
By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek The Ag Department resumed normal operations while the farm bill was extended for a third year after the president signed a funding package Nov. 12 that…
Read MoreA mixed pumpkin harvest
By RHIANNON BRANCH FarmWeek October is a busy month for the top pumpkin producing state and while consumers likely won’t see the effects, Mother Nature has challenged some Illinois fields…
Read MoreFederal actions stir anxiety for farmers
By ASHLEY N. SORIANO Capitol News Illinois The effects of President Donald Trump’s planned tariffs on allies and rivals are yet to be seen, but farmers in Illinois are bracing…
Read MoreThe pride of pumpkin farming
Fall officially began Sept. 22, but many don’t feel like it’s truly autumn until they start seeing Halloween decorations, leaves changing color or the true seasonal staple of pumpkins. When…
Read MoreAg census serves as ‘wake-up call’
By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek The number of farms and farmland in the U.S. continues to fall as the average age of farmers ticks higher. USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture released…
Read MoreFarming waves of green
BY JOE BIRRITTIER During this time of year, it is not an uncommon sight to see farmers in their fields working the land to provide food for the nation. The…
Read MoreDurbin: farmers treated unfairly
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) released a statement earlier this month accusing the United States Department of Agriculture of treating Illinois soybean farmers unfairly by playing favorites with trade war…
Read MoreMathews retiring from USDA
After more than 36 years, a local U.S. Department of Agriculture employee will be retiring to pursue other passions. Linda Mathews has worked for the USDA office in Waterloo since…
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