Cover Crops Survey Results, Cattle on Feed 1% Above a Year Ago

Line on Agriculture
The University of Missouri’s biannual survey and factors influencing farmers’ cover-cropping choices explained.

Cattle and calves on feed were 1% above the previous year.

California Ag Tech Show and China's Soybean Purchases

The Agribusiness Update
Ag technology took center stage at a field day last month as a dozen developers showed off “smart” weeders, autonomous bird hazers and an autonomous lettuce harvester, and China purchased about 1 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans last week, providing a boost to American growers.

OSU Grape - Wine Smoke Analysis and USDA Technology Project

The Agribusiness Update
The Smoke, Wine, and Grapes Analytical Chemistry Lab at Oregon State University is open for business, and USDA is launching a pilot project that relies more heavily on technology to improve its U.S. crop acreage and yield estimates.

Cheese Names Debate and USDA Aid to American Beef Herd

The Agribusiness Update
A dispute over cheese names has become a sticking point in U.S.-Mexico trade negotiations, and USDA is rolling out a broad package of programs aimed at rebuilding America’s beef herd and strengthening the nation’s cattle industry.

August Apple Estimates

Fruit Grower Report
If you’ve been wondering why it’s September, harvest has started and you haven’t heard any kind of estimate or forecast for the 2026 Washington apple crop, that’s because, according to Michael Schadler, president of the Washington Apple Commission, the industry has decided to wait.

Congress Returns from Recess

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
Congress returns from its August with much unfinished business and huge impacts for agriculture.

USApple Forecast

Fruit Grower Report
While it is true that an August apple forecast was not put out by the Washington State Tree Fruit Association this year, you may have seen one from the US Apple Association.

Crop Insurance Extension

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
The USDA’s Risk Management Agency is giving farmers more time to pay their crop insurance premiums.

Endangered Species Act Changes Take Effect August 20

California Ag Today
New federal regulations revise threatened species protections and critical habitat decisions.

Walla Walla Sweet Onions 2026

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
If you are a fan of Walla Walla Sweet Onions and you haven’t had any of this great seasonal crop yet, your time is running out.

Joint Ag Issues Summit and Cyclospora Investigation

The Agribusiness Update
The annual Joint Ag Issues Summit will be held Aug. 20, at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry, and the International Fresh Produce Association is asking federal health officials to expand how they investigate Cyclospora outbreaks.

Farm Bill Senate Fails

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
Republicans failed to advance the farm bill Thursday, amid proxy voting restrictions and a continued dispute with Democrats over SNAP reforms.

ASCF Deadline August 7

Fruit Grower Report
Attention specialty crop farmers: if your 2025 crops were impacted by input costs or natural disasters, TODAY is the deadline to finish your application for the USDA’s Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers program.

California Specialty Crop Growers: Have You Applied Yet?

California Ag Today
USDA's one-time assistance program is still accepting applications, but the deadline is just days away.

Cattle Prices High, Margins Tight — Packers Hit with Class-Action Suit

Line on Agriculture
Cattle prices are strong but rising input costs and inflation are squeezing producer margins, while a federal judge has certified a class-action alleging major packers manipulated markets (2015–2020) by slowing slaughter and coordinating purchases to depress prices.

ASCF Deadline

Fruit Grower Report
USDA is reminding agricultural producers affected by rising production costs that the deadline to apply for key financial assistance programs is fast approaching.

Farm Bill Still Possible

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
Senate Ag Committee Chair John Boozman continues to hold out hope for getting a Farm Bill update across the finish line despite setbacks.

Rural Health Disparities and Mexican Cattle Update

The Agribusiness Update
A new study says growing health disparities are contributing to workforce challenges across rural America, and USDA will begin reopening the southern border to cattle imports from Mexico next month.

Clock Is Ticking on Specialty Crop Assistance

Southeast Regional Ag News
Applications for one-time federal assistance remain open through August 7 for eligible 2025 specialty crop producers.

Apple Estimate Changes

Fruit Grower Report
There has been a big change to estimating what the Washington apple crop will look like from year to year.