First Furrow

Faith Parum, Ph.D. Deputy Chief Economist Key TakeawaysChina’s list of goods covered under the new “30-for-30" trade framework includes major U.S. agricultural products such as beef, pork, poultry, dairy, corn, wheat, rice, sorghum and specialty crops, but whole soybeans are excluded. The roughly $30 billion figure reflects the value of products covered by the framew...

The American Farm Bureau Federation applauded an executive order on dyed diesel usage. Chad Smith says more is needed.Smith: President Donald Trump’s recent executive order eased the limits on usage of tax-exempt dyed diesel fuel to give farmers a break during the busy harvest season, when demand is at its highest. Faith Parum, deputy chief economist for the American Farm Bureau...

Leaning into the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Women in Agribusiness this year expanded their annual Demeter Award of Excellence to include a female farmer category. Last month, Michigan dairy farmer and Farm Bureau member Terri Hawbaker took the stage at the 15th annual Women in Agribusiness Summit in New Orleans to accept the award. “I am deeply humbled and honored t...

John Newton, Ph.D. Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis Key TakeawaysUSDA’s September Farm Sector Income Forecast provided the first state-level estimates for 2025 farm economic conditions. State-level projections were provided for gross farm income, production expenses and net farm income. A handful of states dominate farm income and expenses. Calif...

Each fall, the N.C. State Fair brings its traditional blend of rides, music, livestock and of course, fried food. But if you’re looking for a taste of home, a spotlight on small businesses and a chance to connect with the agricultural roots of North Carolina, there’s no better place than the Got to Be NC Pavilion, located inside the iconic Dorton Arena. This year, visitors ca...