EVENTS THIS WEEK
- Women’s History Month
- National Potato Day - March 31
- Cesar Chavez Day - March 31
- Seward’s Day (Alaska) - March 31
- April Fool’s Day - April 1
TODAY’S RURAL RUNDOWN FROM RFD-TV NEWS:
BIG REPORTS COMING DOWN FROM THE USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will release two reports today that will likely move the markets. The Prospective Plantings Report is expected to move corn futures, with historical double-digit swings. Analysts are also anticipating a Quarterly Grain Stocks Report showing a drop in corn, soybean, and wheat stocks compared to last year. Estimates point to a two percent decrease in corn, nearly a three percent decrease in soybeans, and a 12 percent decrease in wheat.
The 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. Virginia is one of the states with the highest concentration of poultry producers. The state’s Farm Bureau shows us how researchers put USDA dollars to work.
WILDFIRES CONTINUE RAVAGING THE CAROLINAS
Wildfires fueled by dry, windy conditions that sparked last week are still tearing across western parts of North and South Carolina. The Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge fires, with more than 12,000 acres scorched in South Carolina.
In North Carolina, veterinarians evacuate animals from danger zones, with facilities like the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center stepping in to assist. Local veterinarian Dr. Hargus shared her experience with the ongoing crisis as flames came dangerously close to her clinic in Flat Rock.
GOT MILK? MAYBE.
After years of debate, lawmakers are revisiting the whole milk issue in schools. The Senate Ag Committee will hold a hearing on the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which could allow public schools to serve whole milk, including flavored options, under the National School Lunch Program. Dairy groups and school leaders are expected to testify.
GREEN AND GOLD STAR CRAIG T. NELSON VISITS MARKET DAY REPORT
The phrase “betting the family farm” takes center stage in the upcoming movie Green and Gold, starring Craig T. Nelson as a Wisconsin dairy farmer. The film tells the story of Buck, a farmer who bets on the Green Bay Packers to save his family’s farm. Nelson joined us live on Market Day Report to talk about the film.
WATCH: Legendary actor Craig T. Nelson discusses upcoming film Green and Gold
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT: FarmHER + RanchHER
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 hear from trailblazing FarmHERs and RanchHERs who are reshaping the industry through leadership, innovation, and sustainable practices. Tune in tonight to our special Rural America Live — FarmHER + RanchHER: Making an Impact — at 8:00 PM ET only on RFD-TV and RFD-TV Now!
