Category: Ag News
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Strong Cattle Prices Slow Herd Rebuild
Cattle producers continue to favor selling over holding back heifers, slowing efforts to rebuild the U.S. herd. Despite near-record prices, many producers are choosing immediate returns instead of retaining replacement females. Strong feeder markets are making it hard to pass up current opportunities. At the same time, feed costs, pasture conditions and risk management concerns…
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Farm Bill Uncertainty Drags Into Spring
Uncertainty around the next farm bill is continuing to hang over agriculture as lawmakers remain divided on several key issues. While both parties agree updates are needed, disagreements over nutrition spending, disaster aid and regulatory provisions are slowing progress. One of the biggest sticking points remains the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which makes up a…
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Heifer Retention Still Lagging, Herd Rebuild Slows
Even with cattle prices near record levels, producers are still holding back on heifer retention—and that’s raising concerns about how fast the U.S. herd can rebuild. Instead of keeping replacements, many operators are cashing in on strong feeder prices. It’s helping the bottom line today, but it’s also delaying herd expansion. Industry watchers say input…
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Ag Groups React to EPA Biofuels Rule
Farm groups are weighing in after the EPA finalized new Renewable Fuel Standard blending levels—and for agriculture, the reaction is largely positive. The updated rule sets biofuel blending requirements for 2026 and 2027 at some of the highest levels ever, signaling stronger long-term demand for corn and soybean oil. Ag organizations say the move brings…
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SPRING FIELDWORK ACCELERATES AS CONDITIONS IMPROVE
Improving weather conditions are allowing farmers across parts of the Plains and Midwest to gain momentum in early spring fieldwork, marking the beginning of the 2026 planting season. Warmer temperatures and drier soils have opened a window for producers to begin field preparation, including fertilizer applications and early planting activity where conditions allow. Agronomists caution…
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CATTLE PRODUCERS WATCH PACKER CAPACITY, MARKET DIRECTION
Cattle producers are keeping a close eye on processing capacity and market direction as the industry works through tight supplies and shifting dynamics in the beef sector. Limited cattle numbers continue to support prices, but any slowdown in processing capacity can quickly influence the pace of marketings. Feedlot operators are balancing timing, weights and feed…