Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
USDA Reports Limited Growth in U.S. Cattle Herd Amid Drought Conditions

USDA Reports Limited Growth in U.S. Cattle Herd Amid Drought Conditions

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its latest cattle inventory report, indicating a slight increase in total cattle and calf inventories to 94.2 million head in 2026, up from 94.0 million in 2025. Despite this increase, the report highlights that the growth in the U.S. cattle herd remains limited. The number of beef replacement heifers has risen by 3% to 3.8 million, suggesting some producers are retaining females for future breeding. However, this figure is still below the levels needed for a broad herd expansion. Drought conditions continue to impact producer decisions, making large-scale rebuilding challenging. The beef cow inventory has declined by about 200,000 head to 28.45 million, and the projected 2026 calf crop is down 2% from 2025, which could lead to further declines in future beef production.
Trendline Trendline
Lazard Asset Management Increases Stake in Smithfield Foods, Impacting Investment Landscape

Lazard Asset Management Increases Stake in Smithfield Foods, Impacting Investment Landscape

Lazard Asset Management Increases Stake in Smithfield Foods, Impacting Investment Landscape
Trendline Trendline
Investcorp Invests in Berger Financial Group to Expand Wealth Management Services

Investcorp Invests in Berger Financial Group to Expand Wealth Management Services

Investcorp Invests in Berger Financial Group to Expand Wealth Management Services
Trendline Trendline
ADM Expands North American Oilseed Crush Capacity Amid Rising Biofuel Demand

ADM Expands North American Oilseed Crush Capacity Amid Rising Biofuel Demand

ADM Expands North American Oilseed Crush Capacity Amid Rising Biofuel Demand
Trendline Trendline
TMX Group and MEMX Announce Strategic Merger to Form $2.3 Billion MEMX Group

TMX Group and MEMX Announce Strategic Merger to Form $2.3 Billion MEMX Group

TMX Group and MEMX Announce Strategic Merger to Form $2.3 Billion MEMX Group
Trendline Trendline
Survey Reveals Gap Between Financial Advisor Value and Usage Among Americans

Survey Reveals Gap Between Financial Advisor Value and Usage Among Americans

Survey Reveals Gap Between Financial Advisor Value and Usage Among Americans
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Agronomist Warns Corn Growers About Southern Rust and Tar Spot Threats

Agronomist Warns Corn Growers About Southern Rust and Tar Spot Threats

An agronomist from Corteva Agriscience, Grant Harms, has raised concerns about the spread of southern rust in corn crops, which has been detected in Iowa. Southern rust, a disease that travels north from the south, poses a significant threat to corn yields. Harms emphasizes the importance of using fungicides to prevent the disease from becoming unmanageable. Additionally, tar spot, another corn disease, is highlighted as a concern due to its ability to overwinter and persist in fields for years. Harms recommends the use of SDHI chemistries found in Forcivo fungicide for effective management of these diseases. The appearance of southern rust is noted to be later this summer compared to the previous year, with less pressure observed so far.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
University of Missouri Extension to Host Women in Agriculture Workshop in Ewing

University of Missouri Extension to Host Women in Agriculture Workshop in Ewing

The University of Missouri Extension is organizing the 2026 Women in Agriculture Workshop, scheduled for September 9 at the First Baptist Church in Ewing. The event will commence at 9 a.m. and will feature a series of presentations focusing on agricultural issues, farm management, and long-term planning. The workshop will include five speakers, each addressing different topics relevant to agriculture. Nick Wesslak will discuss the Missouri Migratory Insect Pest Monitoring Network, while Dr. Craig Payne will cover Theileria orientalis, a tick-borne disease affecting beef cattle. Spencer Tuma from the Missouri Farm Bureau will provide insights into the agricultural policy outlook for 2026 and beyond. Mary Sobba will discuss agricultural markets and decision-making, and Darla Campbell will present on estate planning basics. The workshop is free to attend, with a sponsored lunch provided. It will be available both in person and virtually, with pre-registration required by September 4.
Trendline Trendline
Pilgrim's Pride Sees Profit Decline Amid Chicken Market Pressure

Pilgrim's Pride Sees Profit Decline Amid Chicken Market Pressure

Pilgrim's Pride Sees Profit Decline Amid Chicken Market Pressure
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Rising Fertilizer Costs Challenge CSRA Farmers' Viability

Rising Fertilizer Costs Challenge CSRA Farmers' Viability

Farmers in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) are grappling with rising fertilizer costs, which are forcing them to make difficult decisions about their future operations. The increased costs come at a critical time as farmers prepare for the upcoming harvest season. The financial strain is causing some farmers to reconsider their planting strategies, potentially reducing crop yields or altering crop choices to manage expenses. This situation is part of a broader trend affecting agricultural communities across the U.S., where input costs are rising due to various economic pressures.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
California Lawmakers Reject Ban on PFAS Chemicals in Agriculture, Citing Economic Concerns

California Lawmakers Reject Ban on PFAS Chemicals in Agriculture, Citing Economic Concerns

California lawmakers have decided against passing Assembly Bill 1603, which aimed to phase out the use of pesticides containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on farms. These chemicals, often referred to as 'forever chemicals' due to their persistence in the environment, have been linked to health risks such as decreased fertility and increased cancer risk. The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Nick Schultz, faced strong opposition from the agricultural sector, which argued that the ban would lead to increased food imports and hinder innovation in pesticide development. Despite the rejection, the bill will be reconsidered in the next legislative session, with a focus on listing PFAS pesticides in a public database.
Trendline Trendline
U.S. Farmers Face $1.4 Billion Increase in Diesel Costs During Planting Season

U.S. Farmers Face $1.4 Billion Increase in Diesel Costs During Planting Season

U.S. Farmers Face $1.4 Billion Increase in Diesel Costs During Planting Season