NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Rural and agriculture-adjacent small businesses saw a slight boost in confidence in November as the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index edged up to 99.0. Still, labor shortages and rising costs continue to pressure farm-country employers. The largest driver of the gain was stronger expectations for real sales, even as owners reported more uncertainty about future capital spending.
Labor quality remained the most pressing challenge across rural Main Street. One-third of small firms still cannot fill open positions, and 89 percent of those hiring report that qualified applicants are scarce — a persistent constraint for ag retailers, equipment shops, grain handlers, and service providers that rely heavily on skilled labor. Inflation pressures also resurfaced: 34 percent of owners raised selling prices, the sharpest monthly jump in more than two decades.
Supply chain disruptions intensified for 64 percent of firms, while capital outlays weakened, suggesting producers and rural businesses remain cautious heading into 2026.
Researchers now have new technology to help gauge what healthy cattle eat and how farmers can limit their feed costs, which can be expensive.
March 05, 2014 03:33 PM
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Dairy cows produce more milk for heifers than for baby bulls, according to new research from Kansas State University and Harvard University.
March 04, 2014 11:43 AM
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Schools around the country will soon have to eliminate any posters or billboards advertising unhealthy snacks on campus.
February 26, 2014 11:03 AM
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The use of ultrasound may make growing beef more efficient.
February 20, 2014 06:21 PM
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One of the job categories in agriculture facing a talent shortage is agronomy.
February 14, 2014 04:14 PM
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February 12, 2014 04:06 PM
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The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences recently opened its newest research and education center, once operated by the USDA.
February 07, 2014 11:26 AM
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Cargill’s beef processing plant in Schuyler, Nebraska, closed early Thursday due to a fire and ammonia leak.
February 07, 2014 10:54 AM
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Researchers at Iowa State University have identified a new strain of PED virus.
February 06, 2014 12:56 PM
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