A West Virginia Senator has a strong message to consumers: “Stop taking farmers for granted.” Senator Jim Justice says a farm crisis has been brewing for some time now and warns it is coming to a head.
“Absolutely, we’re taking advantage of our small family farms, beyond belief. If you want a mile-long food in the grocery stores and pay 14 percent or whatever it is of your annual income towards food, quit taking advantage of these people, and quit taking ‘em for granted.”
Senator Justice says something has to be done to get younger farmers back to the farm. One researcher tells lawmakers that it is the largest issue right now.
“In 2025, more people will turn 65 than in any year in history. For every potential leader aged 35 to 50, two are preparing to retire. In agriculture, where many senior leaders have been in place for decades, this creates an acute succession challenge. And the next generation of leaders, especially those with agricultural backgrounds, is smaller than ever,” said Aaron Locker.
Locker and Senator Justice are both calling for a five-year Farm Bill. They also say more money is needed for ag research and career promotion.
Ag leaders say President Donald Trump’s State of the Union is unlikely to spark major agriculture headlines, but ongoing tariff uncertainty and trade policy remain key concerns, as does the debate around glyphosate and the status of the next Farm Bill.
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Cotton jassid, a invasive pest, is raising concerns for Southeast cotton growers as experts work to understand its impact this season.
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Border closures tied to the threat of New World Screwworm continue to stall Mexican fed cattle imports, tightening U.S. feeder cattle supplies over time — triggering feedlot closures that hinder herd rebuilding efforts, threaten the beef supply chain, and shrink production while consumer prices stay elevated.
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Brooks York of AgriSompo discusses projected prices and how farmers are adapting their crop insurance strategies as the price discovery period comes to a close.
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Ranger Road Fire has burned 283,000 acres across Kansas and the Oklahoma Panhandle and is nearing containment, as ranchers begin assessing cattle and infrastructure losses as they look toward recovery.
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