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Farmers

Federal Crop Insurance Program draws bipartisan criticism

by Kimberly Adams
Nov 17, 2023
Some farmers say their business models depend on the crop insurance and getting rid of the program would drive up food prices.
Mark, left, and Denny Wilson are co-owners of Wilson-Legacy Farms in Delaware. They say crop insurance is an important part of managing and stabilizing farm costs.
Maya Marchel Hoff/Marketplace
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Why aren’t farmers using new tech?

by Kai Ryssdal and Sofia Terenzio
Aug 30, 2023
Farmers haven’t been keen on adopting new agriculture technology despite its potential to revolutionize the industry.
A young farmer uses a tablet before working the fields. Connectivity and broadband access issues remain hurdles for the adoption of agtech in parts of the U.S.
Phillippe Desmazes/AFP via Getty Images
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Grain storage costs have soared. That puts Midwest elevators and co-ops in a tough spot.

by Will Bauer
Aug 4, 2023
Rising interest rates and high crop prices costs are making it more expensive to store grain — a critical step for many farmers.
A worker monitors grain being transferred into the Top AG grain co-op’s silos in Okawville, Illinois. Farmer co-ops have to buy grain when farmers are ready to sell.
Brian Munoz/St. Louis Public Radio
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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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What John Deere's strong earnings say about the farm economy

by Savannah Maher
May 19, 2023
Solid earnings posted by the farm equipment maker show many farmers had cash to spend, but that's no guarantee for the year ahead.
After Russia invaded Ukraine, supplies of grain and oil seeds were low and prices soared, said Kristen Owen of Oppenheimer. Now, farmers can afford to make some investments. 
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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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 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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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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A Warmer World

To fund climate-friendly agriculture, farmers seek financial support from restaurants

by Rae Solomon
Nov 28, 2022
Some restaurants have joined an effort to support regenerative farming with a 1% charge on sales.
Cows graze at Nick DiDomenico's farm located in Longmont, Colorado.
Rae Solomon/KUNC
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Drought in South Texas has farmers worried about their crops

by Andy Uhler
Oct 17, 2022
In South Texas, two reservoirs supply water to both sides of the border. For the past few years, they’ve struggled to remain half-full.
Above, a cotton field post-harvest near Waxahachie, Texas, on Sep. 19. Farmers across south Texas are grappling with historically dry conditions.
Andy Jacobsohn/AFP via Getty Images
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