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Why Even Corn Can Get A Bad Night Of Sleep

In 2020, a stubborn enemy emerged for corn farmers across the Great Plains: drought. Today, about half of the U.S. is in drought , with large swaths of Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Illinois impacted. A little dry or warm weather can be a boon for getting work done on the farm. Brian Fuchs, a climatologist at the U.S. National Drought Center, says, for example, farmers in many pockets of the region enjoyed a rainless, temperate September, allowing them to finish harvest in record time...

Midwest Hemp Is Still Getting Its Footing, But Growers Aren’t Giving Up Yet

Rural Towns Across The Country Struggle To Keep Water Clean

Despite High Unemployment Rates, US Farms Sought More Migrant Workers This Year

By Seth Bodine • Jan 5, 2021

Esther Honig / Harvest Public Media file photo

Despite COVID-19 risks and high unemployment rates last year, employers wanted to fill more jobs filled with H-2A guest workers in 2020.

Usually, high unemployment rates decrease the demand for H-2A workers. Diane Charlton, a professor of agricultural economics at Montana State University, says a 1% increase in a state’s unemployment rate is associated with a 5% decrease in demand for H-2A workers, according to a recent study. She says that trend didn't hold up in 2020.

Biden Compromises At USDA With Vilsack, Pleasing Few

By Jonathan Ahl • Dec 11, 2020

While president-elect Joe Biden has been under pressure to choose a very diverse and forward-thinking cabinet, he’s gone back in time for his nomination to be Secretary of Agriculture.

His pick, Tom Vilsack, served in that position for all eight years of the Obama administration. And while some see the choice as safe and a good compromise, others from both sides of the political spectrum are not happy.

“I was not impressed with Vilsack,” said Darvin Brantledge, a cattle and corn farmer who owns a 1,200-acre plot of land in western Missouri and who voted for Biden.

Lawsuit Alleges Farmworkers Sickened After Pesticide Exposure

By Dana Cronin • Dec 10, 2020

In late July 2019, a group of migrant farmworkers from south Texas was working in a cornfield in DeWitt County, Ill., when suddenly a crop duster flew overhead, spraying them with pesticides. Panicked, the crew, which included teenagers and a pregnant woman, ran off the field with clothes doused in pesticides. Their eyes and throats burned and some had trouble breathing.

It happened again two weeks later, this time twice within 30 minutes.

Biden Recruits Familiar Face For Agriculture Secretary

By Seth Bodine • Dec 9, 2020

President-elect Joe Biden is expected to choose Tom Vilsack as the new U.S. secretary of agriculture.

Vilsack, a former Iowa governor, previously served in the position for eight years during the Obama administration. He’s the longest-serving person in the position since Orville Freeman left in 1969.

Rob Larew, president of the National Farmers Union, likes Vilsack’s years of experience.

Biden's Win Leaves Farmers Less Optimistic About The Future

By Dana Cronin • Dec 4, 2020

A western Illinois farmer harvests corn. — Abby Wendle / File: Harvest Public Media

In October, Purdue University’s Ag Economy Barometer recorded its highest-ever index, meaning farmers were at an all-time high level of optimism.

However, that number dropped off significantly in November, due in large part to the presidential election.

Farm Income Up This Year, Mostly Thanks To Uncle Sam

By Amy Mayer • Dec 4, 2020

Amy Mayer / Harvest Public Media file photo

Balance sheets for farms may look better at the end of 2020 than they have in years. That’s according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s latest forecast.

Some expenses have been lower this year, like diesel to power farm equipment, interest on bank loans and livestock.

Facial Recognition Is Not Just For Your Phone. It Could Be Used To Prevent Livestock Disease.

By Seth Bodine • Nov 22, 2020

When it comes to identifying cows, Jake Calvert, a rancher from Norman, OK, goes by the KISS Principle: keep it simple, stupid.

“Green is for grade cattle. Pink is for our purebred cows, and that's because all of them exhibit just a little bit more femininity than our grade cattle. Yellow is the bull,” Calvert says.

Should Ethanol Go Back To Business As Usual After COVID-19?

By Christina Stella • Nov 22, 2020

At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, ethanol producers feared the worst: a world indefinitely stuck at home. As Americans hunkered down for lockdowns, gasoline demand across the country plummeted.

Ethanol industry leaders issued warnings that the financial repercussions of widespread lockdowns could be significant to plants across the country. They later reported half of the nation’s facilities were forced to shut down.

Asian Pacific Countries Sign Major Trade Deal Without The U.S.

By Christina Stella • Nov 20, 2020

Fifteen Asian-Pacific countries signed a massive trade deal that brings together China, Japan, and South Korea together as trading partners for the first time. The agreement, signed Nov. 15, is one of the largest regional free trade agreements ever penned.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership excludes the United States and India in a move that some say strengthens China’s global trade standing. Analysts say the deal also expands the China’s ability to buy agricultural commodities from places besides the U.S.

Thanksgiving Will Look Different This Year, But Small Turkey Farmers Say They'll Be OK

By Jonathan Ahl • Nov 19, 2020

Many families are heeding the advice of health officials and inviting fewer people to Thanksgiving dinner. The trend has hurt turkey sales, especially for national producers.

But small organic and free-range turkey farmers may be faring better because of a loyal customer base that may be sticking closer to home than usual.

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