EVENTS THIS MONTH
- Women’s History Month
- Partial Solar Eclipse (visible in parts of North America) - March 29
- National Potato Day - March 31
- Cesar Chavez Day - March 31
- Seward’s Day (Alaska) - March 31
TODAY’S RURAL RUNDOWN FROM RFD-TV NEWS:
WILDFIRES RAGE ACROSS THE CAROLINAS
Wildfires fueled by dry, windy conditions devastate North and South Carolina. The Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge fires have already scorched over 6,000 acres and remain uncontained, with emergency evacuations underway.
As time passes and recovery efforts continue, farmers in Western North Carolina are becoming increasingly frustrated waiting for vital economic aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene last year. While North Carolina has allocated $1.4 billion in relief funds, Governor Josh Stein recently signed a fourth spending package. According to state officials, the total damage could exceed $60 billion.
Meanwhile, a congressional subcommittee hearing on FEMA’s response to the storm has been postponed as lawmakers continue examining the aid distribution delays.
BIOFUELS POLICY BOLSTERS SOY MARKET
The soybean market is holding strong as discussions on biofuel policy continue. The Trump Administration has urged the oil and biofuel industries to reach a mutual agreement, which could soon be presented to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Commodities economist Arlan Suderman of StoneX expects this to boost farmer profits, especially after months of struggling with unclear policy.
On the other hand, ethanol output fell to its lowest level in two months, with a dip in Midwest production. The Energy Information Administration reported a drop to 1.053 million barrels per day, signaling changes in the ethanol market’s landscape.
MDR EXTRA
On Friday’s Market Day Report, United Soybean Board Secretary Susan Watkins spoke with RFD-TV’s Tammi Arender about her ag journey, challenges, and message to other women in agriculture.
CORN ACREAGE POPS OFF
As the 2025 spring planting season kicks off, farmers in Nebraska and other regions face a cloud of uncertainty. Many are watching closely, with ongoing discussions around economic assistance, weather-related disaster programs, tax reforms, and trade tariffs. The $10 billion USDA economic relief is seen as helpful, but some groups argue it’s not enough to address the challenges.
However, according to some ag experts, commodity crop growers are betting on corn, predicting a significant jump in corn acreage this year. With strong demand and profitability, analysts like Jim McCormick forecast up to 95.39 million acres of corn plantings in 2025. He says the demand for corn over soybeans is driving this shift.
MIDWEST CARBON PIPELINE PROJECTS STALLED BY LEGISLATION + LEGAL BATTLES
Progress on carbon pipeline projects is facing significant hurdles across the Midwest. Iowa has passed bills to block eminent domain for Summit Carbon Solutions, while legal battles in South Dakota and North Dakota continue over permits and landowner challenges. These issues could slow down pipeline development across the region.
HPAI UPDATE: THE USDA’S PUSH TO COMBAT BIRD FLU
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is dedicating over $1 billion to fight High-Path Avian Flu (HPAI), focusing on biosecurity efforts to protect farms. Farmers who pass an audit can receive up to 75 percent of the costs to improve their biosecurity, with a plan to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of poultry operations.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT: LAINEY WILSON
March is Women’s History Month, and we’re celebrating the incredible women shaping the future of agriculture! Every day in March, we will showcase feel-good stories and interviews highlighting the passion and persistence of powerful women in agriculture.
Today, we are excited to share an RFD-TV DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE with country music superstar (and honorary RanchHER!) Lainey Wilson. Lainey told us she’s thankful to have received wisdom from her role models when she was an up-and-coming country artist — from industry icons like Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Wynonna Judd, and Miranda Lambert. Today, she’s pouring out her wisdom to other women following in her footsteps.
