Agriculture
Trending Stories: Livestock
Growth in replacement heifer numbers suggests herd rebuilding may be starting, though overall beef cow supplies remain tight.
Analysts expect USDA’s September Cattle on Feed report to show fewer August placements and marketings than a year ago, even as the total feedlot inventory remains higher.
Cattle placements fell 9% in August, while New Mexico joined USDA’s meat inspection program, potentially expanding processing options for livestock producers.
Trending Stories: Crops
Growers say the guest worker program has become increasingly costly and complicated.
The proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger could reduce transportation handoffs, but ag shippers also worry about fewer choices and higher rates.
Growers expect good quality as weather-related losses reduce apple supplies in other states.
Trending Stories: Machinery
John Deere showcases hands-free baling technology at Farm Progress Show, designed to reduce operator activity, fatigue, and unnecessary movement.
New technology is designed to help combine operators improve efficiency and grain quality.
The Falcon FF 700 is designed to better connect strip-till operations with planting.
Trending Stories: Sustainability
The Colorado River debate has moved well beyond environmental policy. It is now an agricultural economic issue.
The federal government is closer to a “Waters of the United States” definition that is narrower, more predictable, and more consistent with the Constitution—but farmers should not mistake this for the end of the WOTUS saga.
An Oklahoma State University expert says the economic impact depends on the project and the community.
