Operations
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Farm income to fall far less than expected in revised USDA forecast
The department is no longer expecting a record profit drop in 2024 as production expenses decline and rising meat and egg prices boost the livestock sector.
By Sarah Zimmerman • Sept. 6, 2024 -
White House announces $7.3B clean energy financing for rural electrification
The federal funding will support clean energy projects lowering electricity costs for cooperative utilities in 23 states, according to the Biden administration.
By Ethan Howland • Sept. 6, 2024 -
Hormel challenged by weak whole turkey prices
Despite headwinds in the commodity market, the food processor saw higher demand for ground turkey and other branded products as more consumers make meals at home.
By Nathan Owens • Sept. 5, 2024 -
Koch completes controversial $3.6B fertilizer plant acquisition
The sale was widely panned by lawmakers and agricultural groups, who said it further consolidates the market at the expense of taxpayers.
By Sarah Zimmerman • Sept. 3, 2024 -
Tyson Foods appoints new CFO, replacing company heir
John R. Tyson, who was suspended earlier this summer following a drunk driving incident, is on health leave.
By Nathan Owens • Aug. 30, 2024 -
Are shoppers’ concerns around food inflation starting to ease?
While consumers feel they have “more or less control” over their grocery finances, they are still worried about rising food costs, new FMI research found.
By Peyton Bigora • Aug. 30, 2024 -
Column
Agtech seedlings: Google gets into climate smart agriculture with water conservation partnership
Also in this week's farm technology news: Fresh Del Monte names a head of innovation, and a Deere-backed startup raises $10 million for farm emissions monitoring.
By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 30, 2024 -
The image by Tony Webster is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Smithfield spins off Europe business ahead of potential US listing
The nation’s largest pork producer said the decision further accelerates “unique growth opportunities for both businesses.”
By Nathan Owens • Aug. 27, 2024 -
Western Valley cleared to buy Cargill’s Fresno beef plant, but must provide job protections
California is requiring the meat producer to operate the facility for at least one year, saying a closure would limit dairy farmer options on where to send their cows.
By Nathan Owens • Aug. 27, 2024 -
How the EPA plans to protect endangered species from weedkillers
A new framework could require farms near vulnerable habitats to take additional conservation steps. Here's what to know.
By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 26, 2024 -
American Vanguard to end global production of Dacthal weedkiller after EPA ban
The sole U.S. manufacturer of the herbicide is working to remove the product from the market following regulators' determination that DCPA can harm fetal development.
By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 23, 2024 -
Column
Agtech seedlings: US egg producer aims to become first to deploy in-ovo sexing
Also in this week's farm technology news: Regenerative agriculture company Regrow Ag announces layoffs, and CropX announces plans to integrate its tech with CNH equipment.
By Agriculture Dive staff • Aug. 23, 2024 -
Canada’s rail network shuts down: Here’s what it means for agriculture
A lockout of union workers is expected to upend transportation of fertilizer and create risks for grain shippers ahead of the upcoming harvest.
By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 22, 2024 -
AI could pose risk for food and ag companies
ADM and other businesses are disclosing potential pitfalls of artificial intelligence as the technology becomes more essential for growth.
By Nathan Owens • Aug. 22, 2024 -
Hormel taps former Applegate president to lead retail division
The appointment of John Ghingo comes as the company plans to double down on its snacking business amid volatility in the turkey sector.
By Chris Casey • Aug. 22, 2024 -
Pilgrim’s Pride to pay chicken farmers $100M in record price-fixing settlement
The poultry processor, along with rivals Tyson and Perdue Farms, was accused of conspiring to suppress broiler grower compensation nationwide.
By Chris Casey • Aug. 21, 2024 -
Louis Dreyfus forms dedicated pulses unit
The processor is capitalizing on global demand for beans, peas, chickpeas and lentils, which have gained prominence as a meat alternative.
By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 21, 2024 -
Farm groups pressure Canada’s government to prevent rail shutdown
A work stoppage at the country’s main railroads would create extensive disruption for grain farmers and U.S. agriculture, stakeholders say.
By Larry Avila , Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 21, 2024 -
Rebuilding the US cattle herd could take years, analyst says
Strong cattle prices are encouraging ranchers to sell rather than retain their animals despite feed cost and pasture improvements.
By Nathan Owens • Aug. 20, 2024 -
These farmers didn’t know their land was contaminated with PFAS. Now they’re suing.
Some states are ordering farms to stop selling their products after testing positive for the “forever chemicals.”
By Leah Borts-Kuperman and Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 20, 2024 -
Column
Agtech seedlings: Cargill tests irrigation tech on cotton fields
Also in this week's farm technology news: Suzano invests in agtech for eucalyptus farming, and rock-picking startup TerraClear picks a Farmer Business Network exec to be its next CEO.
By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 16, 2024 -
Deere earnings beat expectations following layoffs
Despite declining profits in the third quarter, the manufacturer is positioning itself ahead of industry competitors through steep production cuts.
By Nathan Owens • Aug. 16, 2024 -
Canada rail embargoes intensify ahead of potential work stoppage
If a labor deal isn’t reached before Aug. 22, it could be the first time that both of the country’s major railroads are simultaneously shut down.
By Larry Avila • Aug. 16, 2024 -
Cargill revenue falls, breaking two-year record earnings streak
Slumping commodity prices are pressuring the world's largest grain trader, which is reportedly planning to restructure operations.
By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 15, 2024 -
The 4 types of agtech startups attracting venture investment
Despite a tough funding environment, companies that address farm profitability and sustainability have remained somewhat resilient in this year's second quarter, according to Pitchbook.
By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 14, 2024