Author: Jason
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USDA Doubles Disaster Relief Payouts to Cushion Farmers Against Surging Costs
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has authorized a massive expansion of federal aid today, April 27, 2026, effectively doubling the financial assistance available to producers under the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP). Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that the department is increasing the payment factor from 35% to 70%, a strategic move…
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Severe weather stretches across the Midwest
Midwest Supercells Level Farm Infrastructure and Threaten Early Crops ST. LOUIS — A violent outbreak of long-track supercells tore through the heart of the Midwest today, April 27, 2026, leaving a trail of destroyed farm infrastructure and significant crop damage across Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois. Driven by an intense low-pressure system, the storms triggered “Particularly…
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Bipartisan Homegrown Fertilizer Act Targets Lower Costs for Illinois Producers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Illinois Congressman Eric Sorensen, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, has introduced the Homegrown Fertilizer Act to address soaring input costs by boosting domestic production. The bipartisan legislation would provide USDA grants and low-interest loans specifically to small and mid-sized fertilizer producers, aiming to break the market hold of large consolidated…
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Pillen Signs LB 1187 to Overhaul Nebraska Brand Committee and Fees
New Nebraska Brand Law Signed to Modernize Cattle Inspection and GovernanceLINCOLN — Governor Jim Pillen has officially signed LB 1187, a landmark overhaul of the Nebraska Livestock Brand Act designed to settle long-standing industry disputes. The new law expands the Nebraska Brand Committee from five to seven members, specifically adding representatives for cattle feeders and…
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Grizzly Emergence Prompts Predator Conflict Warnings
Apr 24, 2026 As grizzly bears emerge from hibernation this month, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is urging livestock producers and homeowners to take proactive steps to avoid conflicts. Biologists recently spotted the first grizzly of 2026 scavenging on a bison carcass in Yellowstone’s northern backcountry. While males emerge in March, females with cubs are beginning to appear…
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USDA Selects Iowa as Hub for National Food Safety Center
Apr 24, 2026 The USDA officially announced on Thursday that Urbandale, Iowa, will become the primary hub for the National Food Safety Center (NFSC). The new center will consolidate administrative and technical operations for the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), bringing roughly 200 jobs to the state. Secretary Brooke Rollins stated the move is designed to…