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Agriculture

How does the price of soybeans, corn and other commodities affect the cost of food?

by Savannah Maher
May 31, 2023
Prices received by U.S. farmers are down 2.2% since last year. But you may not feel it at the grocery store.
After record highs about a year ago, soybean prices have dropped to some of the lowest levels farmers have seen in recent years. Above, the crop being harvested in Iowa.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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A Warmer World

Growing pistachios is a tough business. Here's one couple's story.

by Lily Jamali
May 18, 2023
The Burchams own an orchard in Firebaugh, California. Like other pistachio farmers, they're grappling with a changing climate.
Klytia and Stephen Burcham own Gage Farms in Firebaugh, California. They have more than 18,000 pistachio trees on their orchard, which stretches over 114 acres.
Lily Jamali/Marketplace
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A wetter winter raised hopes for better yield in the Corn Belt

by Kai Ryssdal and Nicholas Guiang
May 9, 2023
"Prices have stayed strong," reports Keith Alverson, a South Dakota farmer whose financial management includes trading grain electronically.
While some farmers pay brokers to track prices and trade grain, others skip the middleman.
Mark Hirsch/Getty Images
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The Biden administration wants more competition in the seed industry

by Savannah Maher
Mar 7, 2023
Just four companies control more than 60% of the global market.
An estimated 60% of global seed sales are controlled by just four companies.
Maja Hitij/Getty Images
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Race and Economy

USDA equity commission unveils proposals

by Savannah Maher
Mar 7, 2023
The proposals look to rectify a history of discrimination faced by farmers belonging to minority groups.
The commission, formed by the Biden administration to look into discrimination against minority farmers, released its first report last week.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
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With "regenerative" farming, small growers can reap big profits for air and soil

by Caleigh Wells
Feb 13, 2023
Some farmers use methods that reduce carbon and raise crops more sustainably. They hope for support in the next federal farm bill.
Mollie Engelhart started her farm four years ago to support her vegan restaurant chain, Sage.
Courtesy Engelhart
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The Census of Agriculture: what it's for, why it matters

by Savannah Maher
Feb 6, 2023
The USDA sends its survey out every five years to create a snapshot of American agriculture, divvy up funds and make policy decisions.
The government uses data from the USDA survey to target resources and inform policy decisions.
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
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Race and Economy

These NY farmers are building a space to teach Black people about farming

by Kai Ryssdal and Daisy Palacios
Jan 12, 2023
Ashanti Williams and Arian Rivera of the Black Yard Farm Collective talk about moving their farm to a new location and working with kids.
"It's a just kind of getting reacquainted with — or getting acquainted with — new land and building infrastructure," Ashanti Williams says of relocating the Black Yard Farm Collective.
StockSeller_ukr/Getty Images
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What to expect from the 2023 Farm Bill

by Savannah Maher
Dec 28, 2022
Advocates for everything from nutrition programs to tribal food sovereignty to climate and sustainability initiatives will be keeping an eye on the bill next year.
Above, a sign alerting customers about SNAP food stamps benefits — which are funded through the Farm Bill — is displayed at a Brooklyn grocery store.
Scott Heins/Getty Images
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Water managers float idea of paying farmers to reduce use of Colorado River

by Savannah Maher
Dec 19, 2022
The seven states have until late January to agree on massive water conservation measures or the feds say they’ll impose cuts. 
Officials have proposed using federal money to pay Colorado River basin farmers between $100 and $400 per acre-foot of water conserved. Above, a stretch of the waterway in Arizona.
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images
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