Grain prices remain low, and industry concern is growing around decreased demand for pork. As pressures mount across the ag industry and farmland real estate holds steady, there’s a growing worry many young farmers and ranchers may choose to sell and exit the industry. However, an increase in funding resources for sustainability practices like solar power and progressive land management offers some glimmers of hope for the industry —and a few feel-good stories to enjoy from last week.
Here are the top rural news stories from the week of July 21-27, 2024:
Pork demand experiences an unusual decline
Are retiring Baby Boomers impacting land sales?
The average age of the U.S. farmer is around 60. Farmland real estate analysts are watching this number closely because farmers in the Baby Boomer generation are starting to retire, which will likely directly impact land sales.
Despite a sharp spike in interest rates and declining grain prices, land values have held steady over the last several years. However, Farmers National Company says some areas are seeing single-digit decreases in values. Less productive farms see anywhere between five and 10 percent decreases, but they note that productive ground is still selling at top dollar.
Energy Dept. dedicates $8M to research integrating solar power and cattle grazing
Harnessing solar power is one of the more popular methods of creating supplemental electricity. This is why the U.S. Department of Energy is offering some significant funding — around $8 million — for research to integrate solar with cattle grazing practices.
The goal is to find a way to scale up dual land use for solar and cattle grazing. More information about the Energy Department’s Lasso Prize is available at the link below.
Texas man charged after livestock theft scheme uncovered
Special Rangers with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association have uncovered a South Texas livestock stealing scheme that has resulted in the theft of 251 head of cattle.
Find out how Texas law enforcement tracked down their suspect:
Feel Good Stories: Let’s meet an award-winning South Dakota family dedicated to land preservation
The Leopold Award recognizes ranchers who demonstrate exceptional land management and environmental stewardship.
The USDA introduces us to last year’s winners, a South Dakota family dedicated to improving the land for future generations.
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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.
