Tag: agriculture

Sorghum plants grow in a line. They look almost like corn with large green leaves, but instead of a corn cob at the top, it almost looks like a flower made up of small brown spheres.

This grain could be an answer to drought-prone fields – if more Americans eat it

More farmers are showing interest in sorghum, a drought-tolerant grain. The crop is poised to expand in the U.S. – especially if Americans start consuming it.

An overhead shot of black and brown cows standing in dirt. The shadow of a fence casts to the left.

Cattle groups say ICE activity ripples through supply chain

Cattle industry groups in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas say U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity is resulting in delays and workforce disruptions.

A blue sign held up by two brick pillars reads, "United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service The Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center." The sign sits in a lawn with a flower bed with purple and yellow flowers in front of it. Pine trees stand on either side of it. Behind the sign, an American flag waves before a parking lot. A four story building with white pillars and a small tower are in the background.

This USDA lab has studied threats to food and farms for decades. Now its scientists must relocate

Federal scientists are still scrambling to find new jobs or relocate across the country as Maryland’s Beltsville Agricultural Research Center’s last days of operation approach. Even as their personal lives upend, employees are concerned that BARC’s legacy of impactful research will be left behind.

A man with white hair wearing glasses, a plaid button down shirt and jeans stands in front of a green John Deere combine. The sky is blue with puffy white clouds.

Squeezed by a tough economy, many farmers are relying on decades-old machinery

More farmers are opting to repair old tractors, combines and other machinery instead of buying new upgrades. A tough farm economy and historically-high equipment prices are at least partly to blame.

Bright green pieces of land sit in a river.

Excess nutrients can lie dormant in soil for years before polluting rivers, study finds

U.S. Geological Survey researchers developed models to better understand the timing and sources contributing to nutrient pollution in streams and rivers. They say their findings can help guide efforts to improve water quality.

A man wearing a baseball hat, black t-shirt and khakis stands on a lawn in front of a tan house.

As the next generation takes over the family farm, a tough economy brings new challenges

Passing on the family farm to the next generation is typically an involved process, both financially and emotionally. A turbulent agricultural economy the past few years has made that transition even more difficult.

A man wearing a tan baseball hat, sunglasses, a short sleeve plaid shirt and jeans opens a red hay baler in a field.

Trump reduced tariffs on farm machinery. But prices could still increase

The Trump administration lowered tariffs on farm equipment last month. But with economic pressures on farmers, equipment dealers and manufacturers, the move may not bring much relief.

A closeup shot of wheat in a wheat field.

After drought and wildfires, wheat farmers in the Great Plains are in for a rough year

Nearly half of the U.S. winter wheat crop is in poor or very poor condition, following a tough growing season. Some farmers are choosing to leave their crop in the field

Trump says the U.S. doesn’t need a trade deal with its neighbors. Farm groups push hard for renewal

An official review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement begins in July. President Trump already has suggested the U.S. would be better off without it.

A gas pump reads, "UNL88," "15% ethanol" and "Use only in 2001 and newer passenger vehicles. Don't use in other vehicles, boats or gasoline powered equipment. It may cause damage and is prohibited by federal law.

Efforts to get year-round E15 sales could hurt soybean farmers

A bill allowing year-round sales of E15, a fuel blended with up to 15% corn-based ethanol, is being debated in the Senate. While the bill is hailed as a boon for corn growers, there are concerns that it could hurt soybean prices.

A man drives farm machinery through a field.

Illinois farmers relieved as U.S. House passes Farm Bill, but still concerned about some provisions

The Farm, Food, and National Security Act, includes provisions impacting agriculture, including crop protection tools, livestock policy, and risk management programs.

Bird populations are shrinking faster in agriculture hotspots— including the Midwest, study finds

New research out of Ohio State University found the rate of bird decline was quicker in areas with more intense agricultural practices.

Gas prices are surging. Farm groups say American ethanol could help ease the pain

Agriculture leaders and producers are urging Congress to allow year-round sales of fuel made with up to 15% ethanol, which they say could boost domestic demand for corn — and offer a cheaper gas option for U.S. drivers this summer.

C16 Biosciences cofounder David Heller (center) holds a silver trophy while shaking hands with a man. A woman stands to his right on a stage in front of signs that say Startup World Cup.

AgTech Week brings pitch competition for startups, discussions on biomanufacturing to Champaign-Urbana

AgTech Week is a celebration of Champaign-Urbana’s ag tech industry.

U.S. farmers are growing less wheat. New varieties could help revive the industry

From the Dakotas to Texas, wheat acres have been on the decline, due to higher temperatures, drought and farmers shifting to more profitable crops.