farm economy

Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that inflation is slowing, though farmers and ranchers are still facing many other economic challenges.

According to data released Tuesday, 95% of all U.S. farms are considered family farms. That comes out to 1.9 million farms.

Farmer sentiment continues to weaken. The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer declined again in July, falling to 135, an 11-point month-over-month decline.

Salmonella cases surge across the US, backyard poultry connection raises alarms among health officials.

The farm economy remains fairly sound, but acknowledged producers are having to dip into working capital and rely on operating loans more heavily.

Live cattle futures have faded off the highs seen in mid-March, a sign one analysts thinks is a signal the seasonal price highs may be already baked in for now.

Farmers warnings about threats to pull out of NAFTA and rewrite other trade agreements. Monsanto announced updates on advancements made in its R&D pipeline.

Wheat acreage in the U.S. is expected to be at historic lows again. Arkansas Legislative Council is to provide a final review of the dicamba regulation.

The appointment of state directors for the Farm Service Agency and for USDA's Rural Development programs have been announced. Ag lenders are recommending further adjustments as farmers prepare for another year of tight margins. A sustainability acceleration project using RFID technology tracks cattle in it entire life.

**The FDA will have to sift through hundreds of comments containing often-conflicting advice as it tries to redefine the term “healthy” for use on food products. FDA accepted comments until April 26 and now has the unenviable task of trying to figure out how to balance the recommendations of the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which emphasizes the importance of dietary patterns with Am