The Hidden Prices We Pay for Genetically Modified Seeds
Last week, the Supreme Court ruled that Monsanto can control how farmers use its genetically-modified soybean seeds. Here's why those little beans are a big deal to you.
farming
Deere Posts Higher Earnings, but Warns of Challenges
Deere reported higher quarterly earnings Wednesday and forecast a record profit for the full year, but warned that it faces challenges.
DuPont Profit Rises on Strong Demand for Chemicals, Seeds
DuPont's quarterly profit beat analyst estimates as higher sales of seeds and agriculture chemicals offset weak demand for the once-lucrative titanium dioxide paint pigment.
Midwest's Drought-Busting Rains Shift Farm-Economy Prospects
Torrential downpours across a broad swath of the Midwest this week are easing the worst drought in more than 50 years, changing the outlook for the American farm economy.
U.S. Begins New Program to Track Farm Animals
The federal government launches a new livestock identification program to help agriculture officials to quickly track livestock in cases of disease.
Monsanto Raises Profit Forecast on Strong Corn Sales
Monsanto raised its full-year profit forecast on Wednesday after reporting a better-than-expected second quarter driven by strength in its global corn business.
Welcome To Mato Grosso, The Giant Swath Of Land That's Feeding The Entire World
Since World War II, the U.S. has been hailed as the world's breadbasket, pumping grains and meat from its fertile heartland out to the world. But another country is snatching that mantle away: Brazil.
Japan Disaster Creates Possible Windfall for U.S. Meat Exporters
Japan's domestic food supply faces plenty of threats, including nuclear radiation, a crippled distribution infrastructure and a shaky electric grid. But there's some good news for U.S. suppliers: A shortage of domestic beef and pork could increase the market for imported meat.
Cranberry Harvest Less Bountiful than Expected
The Agriculture Department had predicted that U.S. cranberry production would rise 6% this year for the second-largest harvest on record. But the 2010 crop came in 5% below 2009. Still, things are going well for Ocean Spray, the largest U.S. co-op of cranberry growers.
'Unprecedented' Bat Die-Off Could Devastate Farming
A fungus is quickly wiping out most of North America's bats. Bats eat vast quantities of bugs that would otherwise eat crops, so if researchers can't save them, U.S. agriculture will suffer.
The Least Profitable Industries for the Next Three Years
IBISWorld Research has identified four unfortunate industries that will likely be mired in recession-like conditions over the next three years. It's not a good time to be hog farmer or a postmaster.
Local Food Movement Gives Small Farms a Big Boost
The locavore, or local food, movement is gaining momentum, driven in part by increasing awareness about the importance of quality food. Nationwide, small, local farms have tapped into a growing market by selling meat and produce to nearby consumers and choosy restaurant chefs.
Meat Market: Cattlemen Debate Federal Antitrust Measure
Hoping to stop more small ranches from failing, the Obama administration has proposed a new antitrust rule. But ranchers are divided about whether it will help or hurt them. At a workshop Friday, some argued the rule could end up reducing their earnings.