Census data shows the life expectancy rate for rural Americans has dropped over time and is now less than that in urban areas. It is something the National Rural Health Association has been studying and says there is one major reason for the switch.
“Lack of access to healthcare, first and foremost, and if you can’t get to your doctor for preventive care or a checkup, you wait until things get really bad, and then you go into the emergency room. Environmental issues. You know, for our ranchers and farmers, that’s a tough, difficult profession to be in by itself. Then you get into lifestyle choices, a lot of processed fast food, which is easy to get and cost less, well that impacts your health. And then on top of that, you just have higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and cancer across the board,” said Alan Morgan.
The 2022 Census of Ag showed around 60 percent of farmers received healthcare in the past year.
California almond acreage tightens while pistachios shift into an off-year, shaping a mixed outlook for prices and supply in the tree nut market.
April 28, 2026 04:45 PM
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New treatments offer hope, but challenges remain for beekeepers.
April 28, 2026 04:33 PM
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Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joins us to break down the latest USDA crop progress report, share insights from growers, and discuss how global factors are shaping planting decisions this season.
April 28, 2026 04:25 PM
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Growers are making progress with planting despite dry conditions.
April 28, 2026 03:53 PM
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House lawmakers push toward a Farm Bill vote as debate grows over E15, Prop 12, and input costs, with farmers seeking certainty and policy updates.
April 28, 2026 02:42 PM
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RFD News correspondent Frank McCaffrey spoke with the Texas Shrimp Association at the Port of Brownsville about the future of the USDA’s new Office of Seafood.
April 28, 2026 12:03 PM
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