At a dairy farm in Corcoran, Minnesota, visitors can now experience the unique opportunity to cuddle with calves. One such calf, Mandarin, is a favorite among guests. This innovative program aims to provide a calming and enjoyable experience for visitors while also showcasing the farm’s operations. The interaction with the animals provides a memorable and heartwarming experience for all involved.
When asked about the struggles of soybean farmers facing Chinese boycotts, Scott Bessent, estimated to be worth $600 million, identified himself as one. This claim was met with skepticism due to his immense wealth and background as a global currency trader. Critics quickly pointed out that Bessent’s investment in farmland, which he leases to actual farmers, does not equate to being a soybean farmer himself. Ultimately, his attempt to relate to the situation was widely ridiculed as tone-deaf and out of touch.
North Dakota farmers and ranchers are facing economic hardship due to low crop prices and rising costs, exacerbated by tariffs imposed under President Trump’s administration. Despite promises of bailouts, farmers and ranchers are struggling, with farm bankruptcies significantly increasing. Trump’s policies, including plans to import beef from Argentina, are seen as further compounding the issues for the American agriculture industry. The article concludes that the situation will only improve when voters are willing to change their political allegiances.
U.S. soybean farmers face significant challenges due to the ongoing trade war with China, the nation’s largest buyer of the crop, and an overreliance on a small number of global trade partners. The current farm economy is unstable, prompting bailouts that, while providing short-term relief, exacerbate long-term issues and drive up prices due to the cycle. A new report suggests that these issues stem from a focus on large-scale monoculture farming and a lack of support for smaller, more diversified farming operations. To counter these issues, the report advocates for incentivizing non-commodity crop growth, reforming bailout practices, supporting antitrust legislation, and investing in local infrastructure to ensure food security.
Family farm in Idaho faces worker shortage as Trump administration immigration raids escalate, and it’s a situation that’s, well, complicated, to say the least. It’s hard not to notice the potential for some serious disruption to the food supply and an increase in prices down the line, as a Department of Labor report has already pointed out. The core issue? The lack of available legal workforce, fueled by the government’s actions.
The root of the problem seems to be the reliance on undocumented workers in many farming operations. Now, with the escalated immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, the workforce is shrinking.… Continue reading
The Trump administration, in a Federal Register filing, acknowledged that the president’s immigration crackdown poses a risk of food shortages due to a labor shortage, exacerbated by reduced immigration and increased enforcement. The Labor Department’s filing admitted that American workers are unlikely to replace the departing immigrant workforce, particularly in the physically demanding agricultural sector. The department cited that a significant percentage of the agricultural workforce consists of foreign-born workers, and a reduction in this workforce could significantly impact food production and prices. Despite the administration’s goal of an all-American agricultural workforce, the Labor Department’s filing contradicted this vision, highlighting the crucial role of immigrant labor in maintaining food security.
Across Europe, farmers like Thomas Goebel are facing severe drought conditions, leading to significant crop losses and financial strain. The impact of the drought is widespread, with yields dropping drastically and some farmers experiencing total crop failures. The economic ramifications extend beyond agriculture, affecting sectors like shipping and energy, resulting in reduced production and operational challenges. Projections indicate that drought-related losses will continue to mount as global temperatures rise, underscoring the urgent need for adaptive measures and strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Following the US’s decision to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted India’s unwavering commitment to protecting the interests of its farmers, livestock rearers, and fisherfolk. During a conference, Modi emphasized that agricultural interests are the nation’s top priority and that India would not compromise on these fronts, despite potential personal consequences. The Prime Minister’s remarks came amidst ongoing trade negotiations with the US, where agriculture and dairy have been identified as non-negotiable areas, particularly concerning the import of genetically modified crops. India’s strong response to the tariff hikes indicates its readiness to defend its national interests.
Nebraska Representative Don Bacon warned that tariffs are negatively impacting his state’s economy, citing a 6% decrease in Nebraska’s GDP over the last year, primarily due to trade issues affecting corn and soybean exports. Despite a national GDP rebound in the second quarter, economists anticipate tariffs will create economic headwinds, particularly for states reliant on trade. Bacon, a critic of the trade policies, highlighted Nebraska and Iowa’s struggles, where agriculture plays a central role, as they face potential strain on commodity prices and exports. While the IMF upgraded global growth forecasts, experts like Thomas Sampson and Bill Adams foresee tariffs hindering U.S. economic growth.
Camels, integral to Somali culture, are now central to an agricultural revolution, specifically regarding milk production. Modern camel dairies, like Beder Camel Farm, are emerging, increasing yields through improved veterinary care, feed, and milking practices. This has led to the creation of camel milk yogurt, addressing nutritional gaps with higher vitamin content and benefits for lactose-intolerant consumers. The Somali government encourages investment in this growing industry, supporting initiatives to expand production, create jobs, and develop the full value chain.
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood