EVENTS TODAY
- St. Patrick’s Day
- Women’s History Month
EVENTS THIS WEEK
- National Ag Day
- AgRally Powered by John Deere
- March 20 - Vernal Equinox
TODAY’S RURAL RUNDOWN FROM RFD-TV NEWS:
GOVERNMENT FUNDING EXTENDED
President Donald Trump signed a measure on Saturday that ensures government funding through September, with minor increases to agricultural programs. The USDA’s budget will get a $ 400 million boost, including more support for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. However, ethanol groups are disappointed that the bill did not support year-round E-15. Despite this, Senator Deb Fischer calls it a “good bill” with broad support for ag producers and consumers.
TENSION BREW IN THE RED SEA
Tensions are rising once again in the Red Sea due to the ongoing Gaza conflict, which continues to disrupt agricultural maritime trade, forcing vessels to reroute around the Suez Canal.
The Houthis escalated attacks targeting Israeli-linked ships, including one on a U.S. Navy vessel. In response, Pres. Trump authorized U.S. military strikes on the rebels over the weekend.
KEY CROP INSURANCE DEADLINES START TODAY
Monday marks the final day for farmers to purchase crop insurance for spring-seeded crops. Last year, nearly 90 percent of eligible U.S. farmland acreage (approx. 550 million acres) was covered by crop insurance. Also, farmers and ranchers spent more than $6 billion on insurance policies in 2024, providing $160 billion in protection.
Other crop insurance deadlines are also approaching, with ARC and PLC decisions due in April.
U.S. SEEKS EGG IMPORTS FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION
With domestic egg prices at record highs and the continued threat of High-Path Avian Influenza (HPAI), which has reduced egg supply, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) is working to expand egg import sources from Denmark and other European countries.
While the USDA’s inquiries could help address the egg shortage, it also faces tariff tensions with Europe, including threats of economic sanctions against Denmark.
CELEBRATE NATIONAL AG DAY WITH US!
National Ag Day is just around the corner, and we’re gearing up for an exciting celebration! Join us on Tuesday for Ag Rally, a coast-to-coast celebration featuring live reports from the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Don’t miss industry discussions, product reveals, and a special appearance from Ag Secretary Brook Rollins!
Tune in LIVE to watch the Market Day Report at 10:45 AM ET as we countdown to Ag Rally powered by John Deere, starting at 2 PM ET.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT: SAVING THE DES MOINES FFA
A group of dedicated students is fighting to save the Central Campus Agriscience Academy after the Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) Board announced a one-year pause on the program. The decision, part of a broader restructuring of the district’s Career & Technical Education curriculum, has sparked backlash from students and supporters who see it as a significant setback for agricultural education in the state.
Roosevelt High School Senior Liliann Tjaden-Duff and Agriscience Academy alumna Trinity Barth are leading the effort to overturn the pause, arguing that the program offers unique opportunities for students interested in agriculture, livestock, and veterinary science.
Barth and Tjaden-Duff joined us Friday on the Market Day Report to express their concerns about the program’s future that has, for 50 years, given students of all backgrounds a path to agriculture careers.
