Farm & Agricultural News Headlines

Over 500 Farmers Union members gathered in Bismarck on Friday and Saturday. Mark Watne of Velva was elected to be the president of the North Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) for his 12th term. The union discussed policies and more for 2025 and adopted new orders of business. There is a new farm bill on the way, plus a tax p...

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture and USDA have now confirmed two cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry flocks marking the second and third cases in the state this year. One case occurred in a commercial turkey flock, and the other in a backyard chicken flock. State Veterinarian's emphasized...

Purdue Extension has partnered with the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (SWOF) to support Indiana farmers in adopting climate-smart practices like cover crops and reduced tillage. Funded by a $95 million USDA grant and $62 million in corporate commitments, this partnership is part of the Midwest Climate-Smart Commodity Pr...

A North Dakota panel will review whether it should approve or deny permits for underground storage of millions of metric tons of carbon dioxide that a proposed pipeline would carry form ethanol plants throughout the Midwest. If approved, it would be another win for Summit Carbon Solutions' controversial pipeline projec...

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) recently launched the Green Fertilizer Grant Program, an initiative to promote sustainable agriculture by supporting local production of environmentally friendly fertilizers. Announced by MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen, the program offers grants ranging from $250,000 to $6....

The "Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024" is set to pass with bipartisan support, addressing critical U.S. water infrastructure needs. The legislation adjusts the federal cost-share for inland waterway construction and rehabilitation projects to 75%, reducing the share covered by t...

Creighton University experts warn of potential disruptions to agricultural and manufacturing sectors if Atlantic and Gulf Coast port workers strike in mid-January, after the extension has expired. The tentative agreement between the International Longshoremen's Association and the United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd.,...

PAYTON GALL --- North Dakota is facing a growing shortage of large animal veterinarians, particularly those specializing in equine care. This shortage is making it increasingly difficult for horse owners to find qualified professionals to care for their animals. The demand for these specialists has risen due to the inc...

John Deere Company plans to continue more layoffs in its global workforce. Announcing they will be cutting more jobs in its Iowa State production plants, adding to the current 2024 amount of 1700 jobs and employees. One hundred more employees were told they will be laid off from their current positions, just after the ...

Burleigh County expects to challenge a recent state permit approval for a major carbon dioxide pipeline set to route a few miles to the north of Bismarck. The County Commission voted unanimously to move forward with the appeal on Wednesday. The county must file its appeal to the decision in court by Dec. 15. Over $127,...

Multiple cases of the bird flu have now been confirmed in North Dakota. Three counties in the state have confirmed cases according to the North Dakota Department of Agriculture. The highly pathogenic influenza is transmitted primarily amongst birds. The virus was found in a chicken flock in McHenry County, a turkey fl...

Despite optimism by US Farmers, major agribusinesses like Cargill and Tyson Foods have announced substantial layoffs and plant closures due to declining profits. Cargill plans to cut 5% of its global workforce, amounting to approximately 8,000 jobs, following a 36% revenue decline this year. Similarly, Tyson Foods will...

CHS Inc., the largest U.S. farmer-owned cooperative, is set to finalize its acquisition of West Central Ag Services in the coming weeks following approval by over 70% of West Central's members. According to West Central officials the merger will offer immediate value to members through equity redemption and long-term b...

The State Board of Animal Health announced they would be meeting this Wednesday December 4th, to discuss a number of things on the agenda at the State Capitol in Bismarck. Various Topics will be discussed in the meeting including the ND Game and Fish Department, and ND Stockmen's Association. Also touching on subjects ...

Senate Democrats, led by Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow, unveiled their version of the 2024 Farm Bill early last week, but has faced significant resistance and push back from Republican lawmakers during the current lame-duck congressional session. Former U.S. Ambassador Kip Tom, also a farmer and was a pot...

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Brooke Rollins as the next Secretary of Agriculture, a pick that has sparked swift reactions from agricultural industry groups and leaders. Rollins, has ties to rural communities, and has received widespread congratulations and support from key organizations. The National Sorg...

Georgia has confirmed its first sighting of the spotted lanternfly, a pest that threatens crops like grapes, peaches, and apples. The invasive bug, known for spreading plant-damaging viruses and leaving a sugary residue that fosters mold, was found in Fulton County, making Georgia the southernmost state it has reached....

Another state has reported an outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza that has spread all throughout the United States. Hawaii recently had a detection from state and federal tests that confirmed the virus in ducks and geese that died on a backyard farm. This was the first for the state of Hawaii, and may be ...

Pistachio production in California has seen a dramatic rise, with farmers expanding plantings of the drought-tolerant nut, making it the state's sixth-largest agricultural commodity by value. The U.S. has surpassed Iran to become the world's leading exporter, with the crop generating nearly $3 billion last year. Califo...

The 6th Annual Livestock Summit in North Dakota, organized by the North Dakota Livestock Alliance (NDLA), gathers agriculture producers, landowners, and industry stakeholders for a day of learning, networking with farmers and ranchers alike. This event provides a platform for professionals in the state's livestock sect...