Agriculture
Mississippi River mayors from 10 states agree to unify ports from the Corn Belt to the coast
The pact will ensure cooperation between inland ports and the coastal ports of Louisiana that export 60% of the nation’s agricultural products.
Impasse on SNAP benefits holds up farm bill
The current law expires at the end of September. Congress appears likely to extend the 2018 farm bill again.
Court boosts authority to prevent mammoth tides of manure from contaminating water
The Michigan court ruling emboldens the movement to limit pollution from concentrated animal feeding operations.
This land is our land: States crack down on foreign-owned farm fields
As foreigners buy up American agricultural land, lawmakers want to keep certain countries out.
With the farm bill set to expire, Congress is still months away from a new version
A looming government shutdown has slowed the process even more. Among the key areas of disagreement is the SNAP program, a huge spending portion of the bill that helps low-income families buy food.
A GOP bill would ban California’s pig measure and others like it
The proposal, which is part of the farm bill, would block states from passing laws that could change how agriculture is practiced in other states. Critics say it could upend hundreds of state and local laws.
Indiana, other states increasingly restricting foreign land buys
Indiana was the only state to enact a law restricting certain foreign investments in its agricultural land in 2022, but more are taking action by blocking specific governments or political parties.
Nebraska, FBI Partner to Raise Awareness of Agriculture Threats
A two-day event seeks to highlight rising threats in the sector, including bioterrorism or biowarfare.
These Four Challenges Will Shape the Next Farm Bill
COMMENTARY | Even if you don’t live near farm country, you’ve got a stake in the upcoming farm bill—including what kind of farms your tax dollars support.
In Rural America, Right-to-Repair Laws are Leading the Pushback Against Growing Corporate Power
Corporations restrict what farmers can do with their own seeds, as well as their farm equipment when it breaks down.
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A Tiny Wisconsin Town Tried to Stop Pollution From Factory Farms. Then It Got Sued.
"This is standard operating procedure for the Big Ag boys."
Study: Warming Winters Will Thaw Frozen Manure, Further Polluting US Waters
Nearly half the country’s waters could see an increase in toxic agricultural runoff.
The Corn Belt will Get Hotter. Farmers Will Have to Adapt.
The nation's largest corn producing region could soon be known as the Extreme Heat Belt.
How 3 States Are Trying to Help Their Farmers Deal With Drought
Swaths of the country have baked this summer under hot and dry conditions, making it tougher to keep crops growing and livestock healthy. In some cases, state governments are stepping up work with their agriculture sectors in response.
Rural Areas in 11 States to Receive $401M for High-speed Internet
The Agriculture Department says the grants and loans will help to improve service for 31,000 customers.
To Reduce Harmful Algal Blooms and Dead Zones, the US Needs a National Strategy for Regulating Farm Pollution
COMMENTARY | There is no shortage of solutions to this problem. What’s needed is technological innovation and stronger political will.
New Program Aims to Help Rural America Tap More Federal Funding
The Biden administration initiative is starting in five states and there are plans to expand it.
States Expand Efforts to Squash Spread of Dangerous Insect
The invasive spotted lanternfly kills many crops and trees and can cause a state hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Several states are sounding the alarm and quarantining more counties.
Invasive Insects Will Kill 1.4M Trees Across the US
Replacing trees attacked by the East Asian beetle, which has invaded 35 states, could cost $900 million, one report shows.
Murder Hornets in US Being Trapped With ‘Sex Spray’
The Asian giant hornet is killing honeybees in the west and may migrate east, which could have a devastating economic impact.
