(RFD-TV) — While the government shutdown has paused USDA harvest reports for a third week, progress in the fields continues across much of the country.
Elizabeth Strom with the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers says harvest activity remains steady in her region, with producers making strong headway despite data delays. She adds that fall fieldwork is also moving forward as growers prepare for next year’s planting season.
Looking ahead to 2026, Strom notes that planning is already underway, with farmers assessing input costs and crop rotations amid ongoing market uncertainty. She also highlights that land auction season is in full swing, drawing strong interest from both investors and producers.
RFD NEWS Markets Specialist Tony St. James reviews the USDA’s Farms and Land in Farms 2025 Summary.
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Strong corn exports support prices while soybeans lag yearly pace. However, large carryover stocks limit upside despite solid yields.
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Lori Stevermer with the National Pork Producers Council reacts to the USDA’s speedline proposal, the new Farm Bill’s fix for California’s Prop-12, and other policy developments impacting the pork industry.
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Fuel costs ease over the long term, but fertilizer energy remains volatile.
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South Texas farmers say water shortages continue despite Mexico’s renewed payments under the 1944 Water Treaty.
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