Agriculture

The Soybean Innovation Lab addressed poverty in sub-Saharan Africa, but it was also “a huge opportunity” for U.S. growers, says Peter Goldsmith of the University of Illinois.

The Biden administration spent upwards of $2 billion on bird flu monitoring and prevention. Trump’s administration just announced another billion. Where is it money going?

If federal funding is off the table, Howard Berk, president of Ellijay Mushrooms, says he’ll have to consider putting up more equity or taking on debt.

Funding for agriculture research at 17 labs at U.S. universities is now frozen. The labs are laying off workers, and some research is on hold.

The stench from mega factory farms is hard to stomach, says Kenny Torrella of Vox, who points to agricultural exemptions from key laws.

Patrick Smith of Loftus Ranches relies on temporary workers to tend his crops. Immigration policy has broad impact, he says.

Craft chocolate lovers will eat the higher prices, experts say. But others may alter their consumption habits.

In Colorado, where limited supply makes apple picking — a classic fall activity — very competitive, orchard reservations open up in early winter.

Roughly 85% of farm families rely on another part-time or full-time job to stay in business, according to the USDA.

Soybean supplies are up because soybean production is up. And soybean production is up because of China’s demand for it.