U.S. dairy farms welcome a jump in milk prices, but market joy is clouded by a battering of feed crops, long-term economic stress for many, and probable disappearance of USDA payments.
The Surface Transportation Broad's fresh quorum is advancing a bevy of initiatives that ag shippers hope will spell more fairness in rail rates and fees.
Though a grocery shopper may remain oblivious to the financial collapse of Dean Foods, a major milk processor and manufacturer, the industry is guessing how the firm's trip though Chapter 11 bankruptcy and expected sale to the Dairy Farmers of America will all shake out.
For U.S. red meat exporters, it's been touch and go with their major markets for two to three years, yet their foreign sales keep growing robustly, and they hope to set records again in 2020.
Meat exporters’ scouts abroad describe plant-based meat substitutes as popular in spots, a curiosity or absent in others, and too pricey so far in most places.
Federal dollars have been a major catalyst in advancing renewable power, but industry officials say that government support going forward could be affected by proposed federal regulatory revisions and possible action in Congress.
With solar and wind power systems getting cheaper and coal prices steadily rising, America's rural areas are, often with the help of grants, loans, and tax breaks, getting in step with the global pursuit of renewable power.