With some commodity prices at four-year lows, industry concern is growing around a range of related issues—from the pressures of lower farm income on young farmers and ranchers to the growing safety issues and accidents that can arise as farmers store harvested grains in hopes prices rebound.
Here are the top five rural news stories from the week of July 14, 2024:
NCBA: Lawsuit seeks to overturn rule which threatens family ranching operations
Ag groups are suing the Bureau of Land Management over its rule to make conservation equal to grazing. They say it conflicts with existing laws and upends the multiple-use system.
Lower farm income could pressure the farmland market
As commodity prices stay low, analysts say young farmers will likely experience the most financial stress from lower incomes without policy intervention.
Losing Momentum: Why are wheat prices around four-year lows?
Corn and soybean growers are not the only ones facing lower prices right now; wheat growers are also looking to be in the same boat. An analysis by Reuters shows what might be the cause.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecasts the U.S. wheat crop to be around 11 percent over last year, which comes out to around 2 billion bushels. According to the USDA’s Outlook Board, that keeps pressure on prices.
Farm mom shares tragic loss to promote grain bin safety awareness
A five-year-old in Etheridge, Tennessee, lost his life in a grain auger. His mother shares her story to ensure that other farm families do not have to endure that pain. RFD-TV’s own Tammi Arender reports.
There is now more on-farm grain storage than the yearly average as farmers wait for commodity prices to rebound, increasing the risk of grain bin accidents. That is why it is more important than ever for these first responders and producers to get the needed training.
Feel Good Stories: Hungry cows help Utah clear invasive plant from the Great Salt Lake
Phragmites are an invasive plant taking over Utah’s Salt Lake wetlands, soaking up critical water supplies and choking out native habitats. Cattle ranchers near Utah’s Great Salt Lake are collaborating with their herds to assist in cleaning up the invasive plant.
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RFD-TV’s Rural Wrap-Up curates headlines from the previous week that mattered most to Rural Americans.
For today’s top rural news stories, visit the Rural Rundown.
