Did you miss some news this week? We’ve got you covered. Here’s a collection of the top headlines in agriculture.
Tariffs bring dairy trade to forefront
Dairy continues to face multiple challenges, according to Corey Geiger, lead dairy economist for CoBank, but there are many positive economic storylines. Dairy grew into a record $76 billion retail category and the average American now consumes 661 pounds of dairy products each year. With 16-17% of U.S. milk exported to other countries, learn how tariffs could impact the future of the industry. – Wisconsin Agriculturist
USDA announces disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said USDA will release $340.6 million in disaster assistance for farmers, ranchers and rural communities impacted by recent natural disasters. “One of our key priorities here at the USDA is to realign the entire agency and department around putting farmers and ranchers in our ag community first,” she said during an event just outside Fargo, N.D. – Farm Progress
China cancels U.S. pork shipments
Tariffs are starting to hit American meat exports, with China making its biggest cancellation of pork orders since 2020, according to Thursday data from the USDA. For the week, overall U.S. pork export sales fell to the lowest level since October. American pork imports now face a whopping 172% tariff according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. – Bloomberg
When to replant thin soybean stands
It’s planting season, and before long, farmers will assess which fields have strong crop emergence and which are lacking. But how do you know if it merits a replant? Many times, thin stands can still perform well. An expert certified crop adviser panel shares advice on whether or not to pull the trigger on a replant this spring. – Indiana Prairie Farmer
FDA suspends milk quality tests
The Food and Drug Administration is suspending a quality control program for testing of fluid milk and other dairy products due to reduced capacity in its food safety and nutrition division, according to Reuters. The suspension follows the termination and departure of 20,000 Department of Health and Human Services employees as President Trump shrinks the federal workforce. – Reuters
Off-farm income keeps farmers farming
For the majority of farm households, income from off-farm roles is what keeps the operation running. In 2023, just 23% of farm household income for farm families came from farming itself, meaning 77% came from other sources. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the smaller the farm, the more dependent it tends to be on off-farm employment. Young and beginning farmers also tend to be more reliant on off-farm income.– American Farm Bureau
Choose the right sprayer for your farm
Everything has its time and place. But the vast array of application methods on the market today makes it hard to know where to turn. Learn from other farmers regarding how drones, ground rigs and planes compare for different applications, and which might work best for your operation. – Nebraska Farmer