Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
USDA Offers Loan Assistance to Drought-Affected Farmers in Nebraska Counties

USDA Offers Loan Assistance to Drought-Affected Farmers in Nebraska Counties

The United States Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA) has announced loan assistance for farmers in Nebraska counties affected by drought. Governor Jim Pillen revealed that the disaster declaration covers three primary counties, including Keya Paha and Rock, and extends to ten contiguous counties such as Boyd, Brown, and Holt. Farmers in these areas have an eight-month window from the date of the disaster declaration to apply for the assistance. Local FSA offices are available to provide additional information to those impacted.
1Weather 1Weather
USDA Offers Loan Assistance to Nebraska Counties Affected by Drought

USDA Offers Loan Assistance to Nebraska Counties Affected by Drought

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced loan assistance for farmers in Nebraska counties impacted by ongoing drought conditions. According to Governor Jim Pillen, the USDA's Farm Service Agency has issued a disaster declaration covering three primary counties—Keya Paha, Rock, and 10 contiguous counties, including Boyd, Brown, and Holt. This declaration enables farmers in these areas to apply for financial assistance to mitigate the effects of the drought. Farmers have an eight-month window from the date of the declaration to submit their applications. Local Farm Service Agency offices are available to provide further details and support to those affected.
1Weather 1Weather
USDA Offers Loan Assistance to Nebraska Farmers Affected by Drought

USDA Offers Loan Assistance to Nebraska Farmers Affected by Drought

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced loan assistance for farmers in Nebraska counties impacted by ongoing drought conditions. According to Governor Jim Pillen, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has issued a disaster declaration covering three primary counties—Keya Paha, Rock, and Holt—and ten contiguous counties, including Boyd and Brown. Farmers in these areas are eligible to apply for financial aid to mitigate the effects of the drought. Applications must be submitted within eight months from the date of the disaster declaration. Local FSA offices are available to provide further details and guidance to affected farmers.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
USDA Offers Loan Assistance to Drought-Affected Counties, Supporting Farmers

USDA Offers Loan Assistance to Drought-Affected Counties, Supporting Farmers

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that its Farm Service Agency will provide loan assistance to farmers in counties affected by drought. This initiative was revealed by Governor Jim Pillen and applies to three primary counties, including Keya Paha and Rock, as well as ten contiguous counties such as Boyd, Brown, and Holt. Farmers in these eligible areas have a window of eight months from the date of the disaster declaration to apply for the assistance. Local Farm Service Agency offices are available to provide further information to those impacted.
1Weather 1Weather
Renewable Energy Boosts Financial Stability for Struggling Farmers in Rural America

Renewable Energy Boosts Financial Stability for Struggling Farmers in Rural America

Farmers across the United States are facing significant challenges due to rising costs of fuel, fertilizers, and unpredictable weather patterns. According to CleanTechnica, extreme temperature fluctuations this spring have devastated winter wheat crops in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, and Nebraska, with yields dropping to as low as 2 bushels per acre in some areas. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has rated nearly half of the wheat harvest in Kansas and Oklahoma as poor to very poor, marking one of the worst growing seasons in years. Amid these difficulties, renewable energy projects such as wind and solar farms are emerging as a lifeline for farmers. Research from RMI highlights that revenues from rural solar and wind energy are becoming comparable to major agricultural commodities, providing stable income streams and supporting long-term financial resilience for farmers and rural communities.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Renewable Energy Provides Financial Relief to Struggling U.S. Farmers

Renewable Energy Provides Financial Relief to Struggling U.S. Farmers

Farmers across the United States are facing significant challenges due to rising costs and climate-related impacts on agriculture. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reported poor wheat harvests in states like Kansas and Oklahoma, with yields significantly lower than previous years. Rising costs of diesel and fertilizers, exacerbated by tariffs and geopolitical tensions, are further straining farmers' finances. However, renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar, are emerging as a financial lifeline. These projects offer farmers stable income through land leases and royalties, helping to offset the volatility in agricultural income. In 2024, several states reported significant revenues from wind and solar energy, providing much-needed financial resilience to rural communities.
1Weather 1Weather
US Crop Progress: Corn and Soybean Planting Surge, Winter Wheat Conditions Decline

US Crop Progress: Corn and Soybean Planting Surge, Winter Wheat Conditions Decline

The USDA's latest Crop Progress report, released on May 11, 2026, highlights significant advancements in corn and soybean planting across the United States. As of May 10, 57% of the corn crop has been planted in the top 18 corn-growing states, surpassing the five-year average of 52%. Similarly, 49% of the soybean crop has been planted in the top 18 soybean-growing states, well ahead of the five-year average of 36%. Winter wheat is also progressing, with 61% of the crop headed, compared to the five-year average of 45%. However, the condition of winter wheat has declined, with only 28% rated as good or excellent, down from 54% at the same time last year. Spring wheat and oat planting are slightly ahead of their respective five-year averages, but oat emergence is lagging behind. These updates provide a snapshot of the current agricultural landscape as the growing season progresses.
1Weather 1Weather
Extreme Heat Drives Global Food Policy Shifts, Study Finds

Extreme Heat Drives Global Food Policy Shifts, Study Finds

A recent study published in Nature Climate Change explores how extreme heat events have influenced agricultural policies globally since 1980. Researchers Allan Hsiao, Jacob Moscona, and Karthik Sastry analyzed a comprehensive dataset linking country-level crop data with heat shocks. The findings reveal that domestic heat waves prompt governments to adopt pro-consumer policies, such as border measures to lower food prices, particularly for staple crops. These policy shifts are more pronounced during election years. Conversely, foreign heat shocks lead to policies that favor domestic producers by raising food prices. While these measures protect domestic consumers, they often result in significant losses for domestic producers and foreign consumers, highlighting the complex and often regressive global impacts of such adaptations.
1Weather 1Weather
Wet Weather and High Fuel Costs Impact Finger Lakes Agriculture

Wet Weather and High Fuel Costs Impact Finger Lakes Agriculture

Farmers in the Finger Lakes region are facing significant challenges due to persistent wet weather and rising fuel costs. According to State Assemblyman Brian Manktelow, recent frosts have affected fruit growers, while crop farmers are struggling to plant essential crops like onions, potatoes, corn, and soybeans due to overly saturated fields. Additionally, high diesel prices, currently around $4.40 per gallon in Albany, are compounding financial pressures. Manktelow highlighted the dual burden of increased costs for fertilizer, transportation, and fuel, which is particularly challenging for rural communities. Some lawmakers have proposed suspending the state’s fuel taxes temporarily to provide relief, but no action has been taken yet. Farmers are left waiting for improved weather conditions and potential policy changes to ease their financial strain.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Governor Shapiro and Agriculture Secretary Redding Seek Federal Aid for Pennsylvania Farmers

Governor Shapiro and Agriculture Secretary Redding Seek Federal Aid for Pennsylvania Farmers

Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding have called for federal assistance for Pennsylvania farmers affected by a severe freeze in April. During a visit to Cherry Hill Orchards in Lancaster County, they urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expedite disaster assistance and damage assessments to help farmers file crop insurance claims. The state is also exploring additional funding flexibility to support affected farmers. The freeze has caused significant damage to crops, threatening the livelihoods of farmers and the stability of local economies.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Pennsylvania Leaders Seek Federal Aid Following Devastating Crop Freeze Impacting Farmers

Pennsylvania Leaders Seek Federal Aid Following Devastating Crop Freeze Impacting Farmers

State officials in Pennsylvania are urging the federal government to provide disaster assistance to farmers affected by a severe freeze in April. The freeze, which followed several weeks of warm weather, caused significant damage to fruit crops such as peaches, cherries, and apples, with some farmers experiencing near-total losses. Governor Josh Shapiro has requested a federal disaster designation to facilitate aid and expedite damage assessments, allowing growers to file crop insurance claims. The economic impact on the state's special crop industry is estimated to be between $150 million and $200 million. The freeze has jeopardized the livelihoods of farmers and the stability of family farms across the state.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Pennsylvania Governor and Agriculture Secretary Urge Federal Aid for Farmers Affected by Freeze

Pennsylvania Governor and Agriculture Secretary Urge Federal Aid for Farmers Affected by Freeze

Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding have called for federal assistance to support Pennsylvania farmers impacted by a severe freeze in April. During a visit to Cherry Hill Orchards in Lancaster County, they met with local growers to discuss the damage and urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expedite disaster assistance. The governor has requested a Secretarial Disaster Designation to facilitate faster damage assessments and crop insurance claims. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is also exploring state-level support options. The freeze has significantly affected the state's specialty crops, including apples, peaches, and cherries, threatening the livelihoods of farmers and the local economy.