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Arkansas farm bankruptcies on the rise, most in the nation
Recent reports point to a rise in Arkansas farmers struggling with finances following steep gains in fuel and fertilizer prices. The state led the nation in farm-related Chapter 12 bankruptcy...
Tennessee FFA member studies Hurricane Helene's lasting impact on farmer mental health
A National FFA agriscience fair finalist says the impacts of Hurricane Helene inspired her to take a closer look at farmer mental health. Abby Petterson from the Erwin FFA Chapter in Tennessee says her two-year research project focuses on supporting the next generation of agriculture. “There is a stigma, but more importantly, there is a […]
CVS Health: Thank You! 101 Factory Farmer's Market & Cul2vate Employee Appreciation Day in Nashville, Tennessee
WOONSOCKET, RI / ACCESS Newswire / October 22, 2026 / Recently, colleagues from across and Aetna came together in Nashville to support the people and organizations making a meaningful difference in the community.The first stop was Cul2vate, a local nonprofit dedicated to addressing food insecurity by growing and distributing fresh, locally sourced produce.
Farmers, Health Care and Highways: 5 Takeaways from the Kansas Senate Debate
The Republican incumbent, Roger Marshall, is facing a surprisingly tough challenge from the Democratic nominee, Adam Hamilton.
SLIDESHOW: Indoor farmers market at Breckenridge Village open for business
The year-round market offers products grown and made in Arkansas.
Brad Lander detained by IDF in the West Bank during olive harvest
The congressional candidate previously said he was traveling to the West Bank in solidarity with Palestinian farmers.
Local nonprofit empowers individuals with disabilities through pet treat business
The Ella and Bella Pet Company, a nonprofit founded by Kristine Flora, creates unique opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This innovative initiative not …
Partners, not family: How 3 college buddies built dairy business
Austin Copenhaver and his partners turned a shared dream into three dairy operations, and a model for the next generation of farmers.
The pumpkin concierge business creates a new revenue stream for farmers
A new fall trend is creating an additional revenue stream for pumpkin farmers.
The pumpkin concierge business creates a new revenue stream for farmers
A new fall trend is creating an additional revenue stream for pumpkin farmers.
New Richland Lab Could Transform How Scientists Study Microbes and Boost Regional Jobs
The BriefGroundbreaking held Tuesday: PNNL officially began construction on the M2PC lab, a 30,800-square-foot facility funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science that will study soil microbes to improve crop productivity and develop new biotechnology applications. The facility will be open to researchers from around the nation and the world.Research timelines could shrink dramatically: The facility's automation and AI capabilities could reduce experiments that currently take six months to just 72 hours, allowing scientists to explore more possibilities faster than ever before.New jobs coming to the Tri-Cities: The project is expected to create positions for automation engineers, AI experts, roboticists, technicians, and skilled craftspeople, with the facility opening in 2029.RICHLAND, Wash. — Pacific Northwest National Laboratory broke ground Tuesday on a first-of-its-kind facility that could accelerate scientific discoveries about the microscopic organisms living in soil—organisms that may hold the key to growing more food and developing new energy technologies.The Microbial Molecular Phenotyping Capability, or M2PC, represents a significant investment in automation and artificial intelligence to speed up research that traditionally takes years to complete. The 30,800-square-foot facility will house more than 100 connected automated instruments designed to study microbes at a pace and scale never before possible.Reshaping Agriculture's FutureThe M2PC facility will not put a new tool directly into a farmer's hands tomorrow morning, but it is actively reshaping the commercial pipeline to solve agriculture's biggest headache with biologicals: inconsistent field performance. For years, PNNL researchers have explored how microbes work and how they might help produce useful materials, advance energy technologies, and address challenges involving critical materials and minerals. But those experiments have been limited by what researchers could accomplish by hand."They can be used to provide nutrients to a plant so that the plant would grow more. So, like increasing your crop productivity, for example," said Douglas Mans, PNNL's Associate Laboratory Director for Integrated Discovery Sciences.PNNL's own research shows soil microbes can help plants access nutrients and withstand drought—benefits that could prove crucial as farmers face growing environmental pressures. The M2PC facility will allow scientists to identify and optimize useful microbes faster than ever before, accelerating the development of biological solutions that actually work consistently in the field.What Makes M2PC UniqueThe Microbial Molecular Phenotyping Capability differs from traditional research labs because it operates as a first-of-its-kind, AI-enabled autonomous laboratory designed to shrink experimental timelines from years down to months or weeks. The M2PC lab will connect more than 100 automated instruments to grow microbes, prepare samples, measure their behavior, and link observations to the molecular processes behind them. Artificial intelligence will help analyze results and guide the next experiments, allowing scientists to explore more questions faster.Deb Gracio, PNNL Director, emphasized the transformative potential during Tuesday's groundbreaking ceremony: "Research that has taken years will become possible in months and hopefully in weeks."That acceleration is already being demonstrated. PNNL's smaller automated lab, called the Anaerobic Microbial Phenotyping Platform or AMP2, completed three experimental cycles in just 72 hours—a process that normally would have taken about six months."That normally would have taken us about six months … and we were able to do that in 72 hours," Mans said.The AMP2 laboratory is not being closed or replaced. Instead, the current 1,800-square-foot laboratory serves as an active prototype and precursor for the much larger M2PC facility. AMP2 will continue operating as a separate lab designed to run anaerobic experiments—those conducted in the absence of oxygen—while M2PC will focus on aerobic research.Broader Applications Beyond AgricultureWhile improving crop productivity is one important application, the M2PC facility is designed to support research into multiple areas critical to national priorities. The lab will advance research into biofuels, manufacturing materials, and energy technologies. It will also help researchers understand how microbes respond to environmental changes and how to design biological systems for biotechnology applications.As a flagship component of the Department of Energy's Genesis Mission, M2PC represents a significant investment in using artificial intelligence and automation to accelerate U.S. scientific discovery. Dorothy Koch, Associate Director of the DOE Office of Science Biological and Environmental Research program, highlighted the facility's importance during the groundbreaking."M2PC will accelerate biological discovery and design," Koch said, noting that the facility is expected to conduct a minimum of 500 strain experiments per week, 100 microbiome experiments per week, and take a million measurements per month.Economic Opportunity for the RegionBeyond the scientific breakthroughs, the M2PC project represents significant economic opportunity for the Tri-Cities region. The facility will require hiring automation engineers, AI experts, technicians skilled in operating robotics, and specialized craftspeople to build and maintain the sophisticated equipment."We're anticipating that type of hiring," Mans said when asked about job creation.PNNL has already begun recruiting talent nationally and internationally for positions related to the smaller AMP2 lab, bringing automation engineers from cities like Boston and San Francisco to work in the region. The M2PC facility is expected to accelerate that trend."This capability won't really exist anywhere else in the world," Mans said, suggesting the facility could become a draw for scientific talent seeking to work on cutting-edge biotechnology research.Timeline and Next StepsThe M2PC facility is expected to open in 2029. Between now and then, construction crews will level and prepare the ground, while the building takes shape. Simultaneously, Ginkgo Bio Works, the automation contractor, will build the facility's automation components off-site so they can be installed as the building is completed.In the interim, PNNL researchers and the broader scientific community will begin planning the first experiments to be conducted in the facility, ensuring research is lined up and ready to begin as soon as the doors open.The groundbreaking ceremony included representatives from the Department of Energy, PNNL leadership, and elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels, underscoring the project's significance to the region and the nation's biotechnology future. News The U.S. Department of Energy Secretary tours Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Dan Hanson, Apple Valley News Now News Beyond DNA: Scientists Explore New Frontiers in Biology Research Dan Hanson, Apple Valley News Now News TRIDEC optimistic that Hanford, PNNL will see funding in national budget Robert Desaulniers News Big picture science: monitoring the Yakima River Basin News PNNL research could shape the future of fighting fentanyl COPYRIGHT 2026 BY APPLE VALLEY NEWS NOW. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
Why businesses have more at stake in food safety than you think
Who is responsible for keeping food safe? Fresno farmer Paul Betancourt weighs business reputation against government oversight. Read his perspective.
White House pitches $8 billion to farmers as midterms near
The aid comes as Republicans struggle electorally in previously reliable agricultural states.
Oregon State expert to lead soil health workshop
Oct. 29 event free for farmers; Registration deadline Oct. 22 The registration deadline is fast approaching for a free soil health training in Aumsville, Ore. The event, held by Oregon […]
Trump administration announces $8 billion farm relief plan as fuel, fertilizer costs bite
(CNN) — President Donald Trump announced at a Kansas rally on Monday that his administration is introducing an $8 billion aid package for farmers in the face of high diesel
Gene Editing Is Giving Crops a Way to Tell Farmers When They’re Feeling Stressed
From glowing plants to purple leaves, the signals empower farmers to quickly detect diseases and pests, reducing the need for widespread chemical use.
Facing health challenges, Clay County farmer gets $5,200 gift, harvest help
Multiple organizations rallied behind a Clay County family facing health challenges in October
How UGA Reaches Beyond Campus to Support Farmers’ Mental Health
UGA Cooperative Extension is helping Georgia farmers navigate mental health challenges through education, prevention and trusted relationships as financial pressures, unpredictable weather and the demands of farming take a toll.
The GOP counts on farmers' votes. As a costly harvest season raises concerns, Trump heads to Kansas
Rising fuel prices coinciding with harvest season are frustrating farmers across the Midwest and raising concerns for Republicans ahead of the midterm elections.
The GOP counts on farmers' votes. As a costly harvest season raises concerns, Trump heads to Kansas
Rising fuel prices coinciding with harvest season are frustrating farmers across the Midwest and raising concerns for Republicans ahead of the midterm elections.
A tale of two farmers: Ager, Balkcom compete for NC-11 seat
The contest could play a pivotal role in the control of the U.S. House.
Behind the scenes at Nicolas Cage’s zombie shoot in Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS — Watching a farmer draw water from a Stillwater well would be a chore if the “farmer” wasn’t Nicolas Cage, one of the biggest stars to commit to a
Farmworkers’ health matters: South Africa looks to alternatives for chemical pesticides
Insects like fall armyworm or mealybugs can decimate food and commercial crops; like their counterparts elsewhere in the world, South Africa’s small and large farmers alike use synthetic chemical pesticides to control these and other pests. But about 385 million cases of unintentional acute pesticide poisoning are reported worldwide each year, according to the Pesticide […]
HTA workshop in Wailuku offers Maui businesses guidance on reaching visitors
A two-day workshop for Maui farmers, makers, small-business owners, cultural practitioners and nonprofits interested in working with the visitor industry will take place Oct. 30–31 at the J. Walter Cameron Center in Wailuku.
Tripp Skipper: What Alabama Republicans should remember about Doug Jones and Roy Moore
I regularly talk with elected officials, business leaders, farmers, and everyday voters. Many are longtime Republicans who have helped elect conservative candidates for decades. They’re frustrated.
Across Farm Country, Economic Discontent Strains Republican Coalition
Farmers and ranchers have supported President Trump for a decade. But the war in Iran, tariffs and other administration policies have soured some on the G.O.P.
Show-Me-State Politics: Good news for farmers; midterms near
KY3's Tyler Wayne and KY3 Missouri Capitol Bureau Chief Hannah Falcon discuss this week in Missouri politics.
PDHD Farmers Market promotes mental health and connections
Click here to view this video from wpsdlocal6.com.
Iowa specialty crop producers receive more than $435,000 in grants
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is distributing more than $435,000 through 13 Specialty Crop Block Grants to support education and outreach, research and market development for Iowa specialty crop producers. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced the funding Wednesday. Recipients include Iowa State University, Practical Farmers of Iowa, the Iowa Specialty…
(OPINION) The Cheyenne Farmers Market means business and that’s good for all of us
Cap City News publishes letters, cartoons and opinions as a public service. The content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Cap City News or its
A small business incubator: How 3 entrepreneurs started at the Downtown Farmers’ Market
The Des Moines Downtown Farmers’ Market has served as a launchpad for a variety of businesses, acting as an incubator for new ideas and products. “I think it’s not unusual for a farmers market in general to be an incubator for businesses and young entrepreneurs, and it’s a space for them to interact with the…
PDHD to hold neighborhood farmers market with emphasis on mental health
The Purchase District Health Department invites the community to attend its October Neighborhood Farmer's Market. This event is the last of the year and it's all about mental health!
Retiring from Farming
Start now to ensure your farm passes to the next generation Deborah Jeanne Post [caption id=attachment_11062 align=alignright width=405] Adam C. Howell, outreach director at Cornell’s NY FarmNet: “Retirement from farming is atypical planning,” he says.[/caption] Roughly 70% of family-owned farms will transfer ownership withing the next two decades, according to data from to the USDA census. Only 30% of those will remain in the family. The number of farms in New York is shrinking as the size of farms increases. In other words, there are fewer farms in the state, but they’re much larger. This is why succession planning is so important for family farms. A farm represents not only a way to make a living but a legacy and family tradition. Many families want to preserve the small farm segment of agriculture and the values it represents. Passing the family farm to the next generation can’t be left to chance. And it shouldn’t be left for “the kids to figure out” after the older generation dies. Succession planning in agriculture isn’t like other types of business retirement planning or personal final planning. “Retirement from farming is atypical planning,” said Adam C. Howell, outreach director at Cornell’s NY FarmNet. “Most farmers, their assets and the way they live and survive in retirement is tied up in the equity in the farm. Those conversations must take place a lot earlier than they think. They’re dealing with something asset-heavy that may require a trust and tax planning.” NY FarmNet offers farmers free, confidential consultation services regarding financial and business management, and family, and mental health support for farmers in New York state. It’s a program of Cornell University in Ithaca. Howell urges farmers to begin the conversation early. Most family farms are run by generations with the oldest generation most involved and typically with fewer of the middle-aged adults and young adults involved. Some of the younger generation may have off-farm jobs and not live on the homestead. “Different people have different expectations on their legacy,” Howell said. “Intergenerational conflict and discussions can be difficult. It may be good to check with NY FarmNet or Ag Mediation to help mediate these conversations with a third party. A lot of farms have broken up because people can’t decide how to divide things.” New York State Agricultural Mediation Program is a USDA‑certified, free or low‑cost service for farmers. Fair is not always equal. A sole owner simply stating that he wants to divide things equally among his children may leave one-quarter of the farm operation to an adult child who moved away and hasn’t sat in a tractor for decades. The three adult children who have toiled on the farm for 30 years may need to buy out the fourth, non-farming sibling but cannot because all of their money is tied up in the equipment, land and stock that supports their livelihood. Their payrate may not allow them to set aside much to buy out the non-farming sibling. As a result, they may need to sell parts of the farm off in order to keep it. However, doing so may limit their ability to sufficiently support their families. The farm owner may need to bequeath more assets to the farming siblings because their efforts have kept the farm going and without those assets and their work, the farm will cease operations. Howell advises seeking professional help on tax and legal issues. Without it, families can be exposed to expensive problems and infighting. A third-party expert can help farm families navigate what is truly fair in the family’s succession plans. Beyond the practical aspects of inheritance, succession also relies upon planning who will operate the farm and how. “I think it’s important that farmers understand the means and methods of farming are always changing,” Howell said. For example, many young adult farmers earn a degree at a school such as Cornell, SUNY Cobleskill or Morrisville, work on a different farm for a while and then return to their family farm with big ideas on how to improve the farm — if only their dad and uncles will agree. Intergenerational conflict is often centered on newer ideas such agritourism, online marketing and shipping goods. “It causes conflict,” Howell said. “A lot of it comes down to communication and respect within the family. If no one in the family wants to take on farming, what we’ll see is older farmers start to help trusted managers buy into the farm.” The middle-aged generation, now in their 40s and 50s, often struggle with wresting the helm from their parents. Howell said that many older farmers don’t discuss with their grown children their vital business information such as vendors, ordering supplies, pricing, recordkeeping and farm planning. They even claim that “the kids” aren’t ready yet. These gaps in cross-training may cause significant problems even before the older generation dies, if there’s an illness or injury. Howell urges farmers to document these processes and cross-train others on the farm how to handle these areas “to make sure if one person is incapacitated, the entire operation is not at risk,” he said. Mark Modzeleski, financial adviser, financial planner and president at Legacy Wealth Advisors of NY in Syracuse, advises families to talk sooner than later about who should be operating the farm. “Someone is driving the farm,” he said. “Have you decided who? Be honest when you have that conversation. Who do they turn to when there’s a question? Or who has the potential to be leaders?” Planning for leadership continuity is vital. Unfortunately, talking like this can become fraught with emotions if it’s only the family involved. Modzeleski advised finding a third party who can help drive the conversation. “Invite the right people to the conversation who can get you from point A to point B,” he said. “This is a marathon, not a sprint.” It may take sitting down a few times with an estate planning attorney who specializes in farm transition, along with a tax professional and others who can help moderate and plan. Family members, owners and possibly, integral farm managers should attend the meetings. “Figure out what you want your legacy to be,” Modzeleski added.
Iowa faces a reckoning over water quality and cancer rates in midterm campaigns
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa is facing a budget deficit, high costs and economic strain from trade disputes that have squeezed farmers.
CLOCKING IN COLORADO: Farmers Market
Grand Valley business connects local farms with customers year-round.
Harnessing Technology to Help Farmers Assess Crop Health Earlier
Penn leads a team with researchers from Purdue University, the University of Florida, and the University of California, Merced, so the technology can prove itself across different crops, climates, and regulations.
Poor harvest and rising costs for apple farmers
An apple farmer says business will be affected after a 5,000 tonne drop in harvest this year.
De Soto fourth grader starts business to fund love for Legos
Jackson Brady is a young businessman who loves fishing and building with Legos. A year and a half ago, the 9-year-old De Soto boy combined the two passions to start Lures for Lego Bricks, selling fishing lures at Madd Heifer boutique, 215 E. Main St., in De Soto and twice a month at the De Soto Farmers Market, 520 N. Main St. (open late April through October).
Wisconsin farmer weighs in on Save Our Bacon Act
The measure, which some want to see included in the new Farm Bill, is a response to a California law that some farmers across the nation abide by to maintain access to the state’s large market.
Wisconsin farmer weighs in on Save Our Bacon Act
The measure, which some want to see included in the new Farm Bill, is a response to a California law that some farmers across the nation abide by to maintain access to the state’s large market.
Spooky Science Event at the Florence Farmers Market
(Mass Appeal) – Are your kiddos looking for a fun, interactive STEM activity that incorporates Halloween? Then we have Spooky Science at the Florence Farmers Market on Wednesday, October 14th from 2:00pm-6:00pm.Here to tell us more is Dr. Megan Allen, Founder & Owner of The Community Classroom Tutoring and Cora Rose Allen-Flynn, Megan’s daughter & […]
Name-calling politics birthed ‘Oxford County bear’ symbol
A writer tried to insult Maine farmers, and Democrats in the 19th century took the symbol for their own.
How soil health helps farmers weather extremes
Healthy soil with high organic matter helps farms handle both drought and heavy rain by improving water infiltration and storage.
Is local produce safer? After Cyclospora outbreak, Ann Arbor business owners say yes
Ann Arbor residents, along with many other Midwesterners, found themselves rethinking where their produce comes from amid a diarrheal parasite outbreak this past summer.
BLACK BY GOD: From exploring new business models to global expansion, ample growth opportunities exist for Black farmers in West Virginia
By Jeffrey McKinney | Black By God, Black By God Agriculture, Donate here. Whether in times of triumph or hardship, there are mega growth opportunities
HTA invites local businesses and community organizations to learn how to reach Hawaiʻi’s visitors
Hawaiʻi farmers, makers, small-business owners, cultural practitioners and nonprofits interested in reaching visitors are invited to register for the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority’s 2026 Foundational Technical Assistance workshops.
China unveils smart robot designed to help farmers breed better strains of wheat
The prototype device was designed to use a ‘vast amount of breeder experience’ when assessing crops for their breeding potential.
Economic Pain and an Unpopular Trump Put G.O.P. on its Heels With Three Weeks to Go
Inflation has hurt Americans at many levels: Farmers, truckers, consumers. It has also expanded the electoral map into what was safely Republican country just a few months ago.
EDITORIAL: Could your next business partner be a farmer?
Associate Editor Jennifer Antonik explores how Delaware businesses can make local farmers their next business partners via corporate purchases.
Your Weekly Michigan Political Brief
Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed has been endorsed by the Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club, the Michigan Farmers Union and Detroit City Council President James E. Tate Jr. Republican Michael Bouchard Jr. was endorsed by the Southeastern Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police in his run for the 10th Congressional District. The American Federation […]
IMS has helping farmers use water efficiently down to a science
CASA GRANDE — Whether he’s standing in a cotton field analyzing irrigation systems or compiling a report, Eddie Enriquez and his team spend their days focused on helping farmers work
Green Bluff growers rely on fall festival profits
For the dozens of independent growers of Green Bluff, October isn't just pumpkin season — it's the four-week stretch that determines whether farms turn a profit or end the year in the red. Following a summer marked by wildfire smoke, high well-water pumping costs, and rising inflation, farmers are…
Fighting Drought in Texas Cotton Country
Drought and an ailing aquifer were major topics of conversation when NASA scientists visited with farmers in the Texas High Plains.
Trump's executive order on dyed diesel will offer little relief, farmers and truckers say
Farmers, truckers and economists say a move to cut taxes on diesel will provide little relief from record-high fuel prices that have soared since the U.S. attacked Iran months ago.
Iran War costs Arkansas farmers at least $343 million
The war with Iran continues to rage and it continues to plunge profit margins for farmers in Arkansas. About one-fifth of the world’s oil supply is moved through the Strait...
Policy Before Politics
North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue wants to see action on the farm bill. “We have to find common[more]
Kyle Austin touts business experience in bid as Libertarian for U.S. Senate
Kyle Austin is the Libertarian candidate in Montana’s U.S. Senate race. The 43-year-old pharmacy owner and farmer says he’s had a desire to serve in a federal office since he was a teenager.
Kyle Austin touts business experience in bid as Libertarian for U.S. Senate
Kyle Austin is the Libertarian candidate in Montana’s U.S. Senate race. The 43-year-old pharmacy owner and farmer says he’s had a desire to serve in a federal office since he was a teenager.
Massie files bill to let small farmers process their own livestock
The bipartisan Red Meat Inspection Exemption Act would cut red tape and costs at a time consumers are looking for lower food prices, Massie said in a news release.
President Trump tries to address diesel costs with new executive order
On Monday, the president signed an executive order that he says will help farmers by easing the prices they pay for diesel fuel.
President Trump tries to address diesel costs with new executive order
On Monday, the president signed an executive order that he says will help farmers by easing the prices they pay for diesel fuel.
Central Oregon farmers, ranchers to learn from visiting business school
Three Central Oregon producers will attend a nationally recognized business management school for farmers and ranchers, which will visit Bend during the last week of October. High Desert Food and […]
New agriculture scouting business takes off
Delmarva farmer Nichole Krambeck uses drones and soil DNA testing at Insight Ag Scouting to cut costs and boost crop yields.
Charlie’s Beat: A Passion for Great Produce
The backbone of any Farmer’s Market are the purveyors of the raw products. The produce, fruit and vegetables, the meat, the honey, the herbs, and sometimes, because life requires beauty,
Germany under pressure
From carmakers and manufacturers to farmers and logistics firms, businesses are grappling with weak demand, climate risks, and global uncertainty.
Walworth County dairy farmer specializing in raw milk says state is unfairly fining his business
Chaz Self said his dairy farm is producing grade A milk under Wisconsin's state standards, but was still ordered to pay a hefty fine. An online fundraiser has been created to cover those fines.
jamie-davis-louisiana-democrat-us-senate-race
Jamie Davis is campaigning to become something Louisiana has not seen in more than 100 years: a farmer in the U.S. Senate.
Fire destroys The Farmers' Creamery in Mio
Fire crews were dispatched to The Farmers' Creamery on West Kittle Road around 1:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon, after multiple 911 calls.
Mid-Atlantic Farmers Seek Early Fertilizer Price Protection Now
Mid-Atlantic farmers are locking in 2027 fertilizer contracts now, as nitrogen imports and market uncertainty make input-cost planning a key risk-management concern.
USDA Expands Regenerative Pilot Funding Soil Health Conservation
Farmers and ranchers can apply through local Natural Resources Conservation Service offices using their state’s fiscal 2027 ranking deadlines.
Pink light helps broccoli grow
Magenta solar panels offer a new way for farmers to harvest renewable energy along with their crops.
Ag Secretary Rollins says USDA working to secure future of dairy farms
From export growth to Dairy Margin Coverage, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins details policies she says helps dairy farmers navigate challenges and grow.
The AI telling farmers when to harvest
Will farmers want AI tools to help judge when to pick fruit, or is their own intuition enough?
Court orders Dairy Farmers of America to keep paying its share of union employees’ health insurance after shuttering the St. Albans Creamery
The Monday decision requires payments to continue as a dispute between the union and the co-op over the reasons for the plant's closure plays out.
Talarico courts rural Texas voters in Senate race against Paxton
The Democratic Senate candidate said Republicans have hurt farmers and small towns as he touted positions on energy, data centers and healthcare.
Business management expert urges farmers to focus on liquidity and cost control heading into 2027
A production business management expert says preserving liquidity and managing working capital will be critical as producers face another year of tight margins. Barry Ward with Ohio State University Extension says stronger corn and soybean prices have improved the profit picture for 2026, but… “We’ve got elevated cost structures that we’re not going to be […]
Chris Koza album release concert Oct. 24
Lanesboro Arts is thrilled to celebrate the release of Chris Koza’s latest album, “Millsmoke on the Skyline,” with a concert at the St. Mane Theatre at 7 p.m. on October 24. Chris Koza is a composer and performer based in Denver and Minneapolis. In his writing, Koza both honors and builds on the vast genre of Americana music. For every song that sounds like it could be strummed from a boxcar clacking slowly across a grassy midwestern plain, there’s a tune sailing from a city rooftop, echoing across a valley of streets and traffic, or a melody twisting and shimmering like a dim frequency deep into the starry night.Both as a solo artist and with his band Rogue Valley, Koza has supported and shared the stage with artists such as Brandi Carlile, Gordon Lightfoot, Ingrid Michaelson, The Jayhawks, Neko Case, Kathleen Edwards, Dan Wilson, and many more. His music regularly appears on ABC’s “General Hospital,” “60 Minutes,” and “Good Morning America.” Koza’s song, “Be Wild,” was also featured in a state of Minnesota tourism campaign.#placement_932485_0_i{width:100%;max-width:550px;margin:0 auto;}var rnd = window.rnd || Math.floor(Math.random()*10e6);var pid932485 = window.pid932485 || rnd;var plc932485 = window.plc932485 || 0;var abkw = window.abkw || '';var absrc = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;ID=181918;size=0x0;setID=932485;type=js;sw='+screen.width+';sh='+screen.height+';spr='+window.devicePixelRatio+';kw='+abkw+';pid='+pid932485+';place='+(plc932485++)+';rnd='+rnd+';click=CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER';var _absrc = absrc.split("type=js"); absrc = _absrc[0] + 'type=js;referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.location.href) + _absrc[1];document.write('');Koza’s latest offering, “Millsmoke on the Skyline,” grants the newfound outsider perspective of the rich life and golden fleeting days throughout the rural Midwest. Weaving melody and lyrics into vignettes and narratives set in places where love is powerful, dreams are vast, and life is beautiful.The St. Mane Theatre box office will open at 6 p.m. on the day of the concert. Tickets will be sold in person at the door or can be purchased online at lanesboroarts.org. Seating at the St. Mane theatre is first come, first served. Tickets are on sale now for $25 for general admission or $22 for Lanesboro Arts members.The 2026 performing arts season at Lanesboro Arts is made possible by our season sponsor, Poet Refinery, as well as our concert level sponsors, High Court Pub, Krage Insurance Agency & Preble Farmers Mutual, Stone Mill Clothing & Gifts, E2 Boutique/Amish Experience, and The Cottage House Inn, and community sponsors, VIS Plumbing, Granny’s Liquor, Kingsley Mercantile, Batstone CPA, Clara’s Eatery, IGA, Niagara Cave, and Huntington Electric. This event is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. #placement_932489_0_i{width:100%;max-width:550px;margin:0 auto;}var rnd = window.rnd || Math.floor(Math.random()*10e6);var pid932489 = window.pid932489 || rnd;var plc932489 = window.plc932489 || 0;var abkw = window.abkw || '';var absrc = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;ID=181918;size=0x0;setID=932489;type=js;sw='+screen.width+';sh='+screen.height+';spr='+window.devicePixelRatio+';kw='+abkw+';pid='+pid932489+';place='+(plc932489++)+';rnd='+rnd+';click=CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER';var _absrc = absrc.split("type=js"); absrc = _absrc[0] + 'type=js;referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.location.href) + _absrc[1];document.write('');
Dairy farmers look to nutrition tools to improve efficiency, health
Zinpro Corporation discovery researcher Daryl Kleinschmit says he’s visiting with dairy farmers about improving efficiency during World Dairy Expo this week. “Improve transition health, reduce lameness, improve reproduction. So I think it’s the same topics every year, maybe a little different spin. But every year people come with a lot of the same questions, depending […]
Farm SOS partners with Illinois FFA to promote mental health resources
The mental health specialist with Farm SOS, formerly the Farm Family Resource Initiative, says a partnership with the Illinois FFA Association is helping spread the message of farmer mental health. Rachel Brown says the organization has once again awarded grants to chapters across the state aimed at promoting mental health in agriculture. “We call them Bend […]
Belmont’s Mini Market Makers get down to business
Already a seasoned entrepreneur at age 10, Merri Suzuki’s daughter Emi is eager to bring her slime business, Gummy Drops, back to the Belmont Farmers’ Market on Oct. 1, for the second-annual Mini Market Makers (MMM) Day. Suzuki, the food assistance manager at the Belmont Farmers’ Market, said that 10 kid vendors (including her daughter) ages 8 through 12, will be selling their goods for the second year in a row as part of MMM. The goal of the program “is to help children learn what it’s like to be in business. They’ll develop an idea, decide what to charge,
Under Trump, Commodity Futures Trading Commission Scales Back Enforcement, Worrying Farmers
The fate of two cotton brokers highlights how the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has scaled back its regulatory actions not just for crypto cases but also for the kinds of cases it has long policed.
Ohio farmers are getting crushed by our politicians’ failure to fight for us
I’m Joe Stimmell. I am a lifelong resident of Ashland County and farmer of more than 20 years, where I raise 25 head of beef cattle and farm about 700 acres of corn, soybeans, and small grains with my...
Commentary: Ohio farmers are getting crushed by our politicians’ failure to fight for us
I’m Joe Stimmell. I am a lifelong resident of Ashland County and farmer of more than 20 years, where I raise 25 head of beef cattle and farm about 700 acres of corn, soybeans, and small grains with my brother and uncle. I am unaffiliated with any party or candidate. I’ve been through tough times, […]
What the smell of a soil can tell us about soil health
Farmers used to sniff their soil to gauge how healthy it was. According to ecologist Rosa Boone, you can deduce a great deal from its smell: "The fungi and bacteria present in the soil are important for ...
See the brilliance: Dunn artist creates and sells glass artwork that shines brightly
Cindy Akers-Gilford creates stained glass, fused glass, mosaics, handmade glass jewelry, pendants, suncatchers and other original glass artwork in her studio in Dunn, N.C. Photos provided by Cimply Broken.Self-made Artist and Founder of Cimply Broken, Cindy Akers-Gilford is helping people “see the brilliance” in all things with her glass artwork. Akers-Gilford started her business right after she retired from 20+ years as a civilian contractor at Fort Bragg. The official opening date for Cimply Broken was Nov. 8, 2021.“It’s been quite the adventure ever since. Not only did I have to learn how to manage a small business, but I’ve never taken a class in stained glass or anything I currently do,” shared Akers-Gilford. Her work includes stained glass, fused glass, mosaics, handmade glass jewelry, pendants, suncatchers and other original glass artwork.“I chose glass art just by happenstance. I saw a video on YouTube with a gentleman using plates and resin to make beautiful windows. I used that idea and created a simple picture frame-sized piece for myself. It was beautiful. I put it up in my window and pretty much forgot about it for a few days. Well, one beautiful sunny morning I went up to my studio, and the sun was rising and the light was shining beautifully through that piece. It was absolutely stunning. I thought that it was the perfect reflection of how God’s light shines through each of us. It was broken glass, so it changed ever so slightly as the sun continued to rise in the sky. I thought it poignant – like each of us – we all shine bright and differently in God’s glorious light, and we are all simply broken as well. We are all made beautiful in his light,” explained Akers-Gilford.The name of the business was inspired by the artist’s name and her faith-driven mission. “Simply became ‘Cimply’ as a play on my name and ‘simply’… and ‘Broken’ because we are all Cimply Broken – but each of us is beautiful,” added Akers-Gilford.Akers-Gilford sells her glass art at the Dunn Farmers Market when the weather is bearable, but mostly from her website at www.cimplybroken.com. “I enjoy getting lost in the creative process. I work out of my home, and I often compare my studio to Walmart returns after Christmas time. It’s hectic, busy and there are always at least 10 things being created simultaneously- it is fun!” shared Akers-Gilford. Her goal for the business is to continue to watch customers as they spot a piece of work from a distance and walk up to it in awe. “That is my biggest joy! I don’t speak to them until they speak – that is their moment to ‘See The Brilliance,’ which is my moniker,” shared Akers-Gilford. She also shared she would love to someday become part of an artist collective in Dunn.
Art that serves others: How a Harnett County muralist is making a lasting mark in her community
Van Goat Studios, which has been operating since 2019, has allowed Johnson to express herself and reflect the spirit of local communities through murals. Photo provided by Elyse Johnson.Elyse Johnson of Van Goat Studios in Dunn wants to spread her artistry and make a lasting mark in her community. Van Goat, which has been operating since 2019, has allowed Johnson to express herself through murals and decorating electrical boxes in the urban landscapes of North Carolina. On top of traditional mural painting, Johnson offers what she calls “portable murals,” an option tailor-made for structure owners who do not want to commit to a design for their wall.“A contractor builds a framed piece of wood, and then they can frame the ‘mural’ onto the wood, whether it’s into their building, whether it’s interior or exterior,” Johnson said. The beginnings of Johnson’s journey into establishing Van Goat Studios reflect the teachings she wants artists to take away today: everything is a learning opportunity. When she started Van Goat, she shared it was a joint venture with a business partner. “I mainly did that because I didn’t feel like I was ready to go and do this on my own,” Johnson said. Her business partner eventually dropped out of the project, deciding she wanted to pursue other forms of art. That is when Johnson was thrust into growing her business on her own during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I had built up my confidence enough to go out and reach new heights,” she said. “And I was probably one of the few that benefited from COVID.”The moment presented a silver lining for Johnson. One of her first projects was a Farmers Day mural for the town of Coats. “When COVID-19 hit, Coats was not able to hold their annual festival, so they had a little bit of savings. They decided they wanted to do something for their community without getting anyone sick,” Johnson said.From there, word of mouth spread. Now, Johnson has an organic way of approaching projects. “Like a lot of muralists, if I feel inspired by a building, I will just go up and talk to that building owner and tell them a mural is something they should consider,” Johnson said. But above all, Johnson says she wants art to be accessible to everyone. Johnson said she is trying to stick to projects that benefit “the little guys.” “I’m not trying to go for a project in downtown Raleigh to get the eight-foot-tall building,” Johnson said. “I’m not trying to go to those major cities and get those huge buildings for two reasons: one, I don’t want to go that high; two, my passion really lies with the small guys.” But due to financial constraints and the material reality of art commerce, that requires open communication, she added. “I don’t want to just snowball you with this huge price, and then you just shut me down because it wasn’t what you were thinking,” Johnson said. “At the same time, I am an advocate for the arts, so I’m not going to give you a $10,000 mural when you’re only going to pay $5,000.” There is a healthy balance in explaining the artistic process and working with clients and the surrounding community, Johnson said.“Your municipality invested this, and this is why they invested this, and this is how it’s going to help and improve your community,” she noted. “Same thing when I’m talking to a small business. You asked for me to come at you with this that is outside your budget. How do we make this still your same exact goal, but within your budget lines?” Johnson also provides lessons to aspiring artists. She does so with a mission: how do you master the balance between being a great artist and a competent business owner? “We still do art lessons, but I’m also going to give you business scenarios,” she noted.One of the scenarios she has come up with for her students is a T-shirt competition. “The kids have to think about ‘okay, I can’t just draw whatever I want on a T-shirt. I need to think about what colors Miss Elyse likes. What does Miss Elyse’s logo look like? What would Miss Elyse like?’” Johnson said. “So the design needs to be around that kind of concept.” As Johnson looks toward the future of Van Goat Studios, she is thinking of time, longevity and succession. Johnson is a new mom, which she said has shaped how she sees the future of the studio.“I still want my name and my business out there continuing, so that when my daughter is of age and she can be more independent, then I can be out there doing more and more,” Johnson said. “I would love to get a student to pass this on to, or an intern. I would love for this business to be passed on to the next generation and let them go.”
See how this Baton Rouge nonprofit connects area farmers with consumers
As Big River Economic & Agricultural Development Alliance celebrates its 30th anniversary, executive director Darlene Adams Rowland discusses the organization’s growth and work to support local farmers.
How one Minnesota farmer is growing her produce business thanks to a farm stand
ICYMI: Highlights from Farm Science Review
It was a wet week for the 2026 Farm Science Review, but that didn't stop farmers and agriculture enthusiasts to make their way to the Molly Caren Ag Center to check out all of the new technologies and ideas that lie ahead for agriculture. We visited with several of the exhibitors throughout the week
Delta Peanut receives $5 million loan to continue operations
Peanut farmers in Northeast Arkansas and in the Missouri Bootheel have potentially staved off a disaster. A $5 million loan has been allocated from the Governor’s Quick Action Closing Fund...
Farmers: Talk to your ag lender
Lenders are tightening credit, and the way through starts with making sure both sides understand the farm’s financial footing and what’s possible.
For laid off St Albans Creamery workers, health insurance benefits run out next week. The union representing them is asking the courts to intervene
The union says many members have serious medical issues and it would be “stunningly cruel” for Dairy Farmers of America, the co-op that owns the creamery, to stop contributing to workers’ health care plan.
Health department's monthly farmers' market to return Thursday
The Purchase District Health Department will hold its monthly Neighborhood Farmer's Market on Thursday, with the theme of "Y'all Ready for This? Community Preparedness."
Belmont Farmers’ Market Offers Lifeline to Boston Business
Farmers Market Manager Hal Shubin doesn’t remember how he first came across Mei Mei when he and his wife had dinner at its former Boston location, but it was good enough the first time around that he returned for more. “I like food, and that sort of is the theme that runs through everything in my life,” he said. “I must have heard about it somewhere. The people at the counter were friendly, the food was good, everything was great.” So when he read about the restaurant’s struggle to stay open during COVID, he offered a helping hand. He reached
Diesel price spike straining Nebraska farmers, businesses
Diesel prices are surging in Nebraska, with one business reporting an 82% jump in fuel spending.
Rising costs top concern at Ohio Farm Science Review
LONDON, Ohio — The high costs of diesel fuel, fertilizer, and health care are among the top concerns of farmers as the November election approaches, Ohio ...
2026 Farm Science Review to showcase the latest ag technology and innovation for farmers
This year’s Farm Science Review is giving farmers a firsthand look at the newest innovations in agriculture. Show manager Nick Zachrich says attendees will have an opportunity to discuss how to make their farm more profitable in 2027. “Crop prices have rebounded a little bit,” he says. “There are still a lot of challenges going […]
Littleton Craft Fair returns Oct. 3
While the weather is getting cooler and farmers market season is slowly coming to a close, that doesn’t mean outdoor shopping is quite over. Littleton’s annual Craft Fair is set
StartUp Hutch Announces Latest Rural Business Microgrant Awards - Ad Astra Radio
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — September 21, 2026 — StartUp Hutch has awarded two additional Rural Business Resilience & Expansion Initiative Microgrants to businesses in Arlington. The latest recipients are: Francisco Villanueva, Carolyn’s Essenhaus Destiny Love, Farmers Insurance The Rural Business Resilience & Expansion Initiative Microgrant program provides grants of […]