USDA’s crop progress reports in July are typically interesting ones to keep tabs on with so much happening, including the winter wheat harvest, and as hot summer temperatures compete with timely rains (or the lack thereof) to create changes in corn and soybean quality. In the latest report, out Monday afternoon and covering the week through July 7, USDA noted a modest but unexpected increase in corn and soybean quality, while more than six of every 10 winter wheat acres have now been harvested.

Crop progress: Corn and soybean quality inch higher

North Carolina State

The conditions of North Carolina’s corn, soybeans, and select other crops, as rated by USDA in its weekly Crop Progress report, have been steadily declining over the past few weeks. Here’s a closer look at the numbers and what the state climatologist has to say about the trend.

Nearly half of the corn crop and 28% of soybeans in this state rated poor/very poor

As drought conditions worsen in North Carolina, agronomists say that much of the state’s corn crop is going to be a total loss. Willie Howell, a regional agronomist for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, says that as the state’s corn enters the reproductive stages, the overall condition is “very, very poor.”

Much of North Carolina’s corn crop a ‘total loss’ as drought conditions increase statewide

USDA report days always have their share of confusion, and the agency’s website crashing just as big acreage and grain stocks came out didn’t make Friday’s data dump any less chaotic. But futures markets kept on trading, providing a real-time evaluation of what the reports said. Corn...

Are we looking at a $3.65 corn cash price?

Illinois State

Despite increasing drought conditions caused by a heatwave in June, corn silking is ahead of the five-year average in Illinois, according to the USDA Crop Progress report for Illinois for the week ending June 30. USDA’s 2024 corn crop stats. According to UDSA’s Prospective Plantings report published on March...

What is going on with Illinois corn?

Cordele, GA

A sweet, juicy slice of watermelon is one of the best things about summertime, but way too many times I’ve stared dubiously at the pile of melons at the store, trying to decide which one to choose. Often when I get home and slice it open, the melon is a disappointing light pink and not at all sweet.

The Only Way To Tell When a Watermelon is Ripe, According to a Farmer

Iowa State

Indiana State

Low levels of tar spot have been reported in Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. According to Dr. Darcy Telenko, Purdue University Extension plant pathologist, this is the earliest she’s found a natural infection of tar spot on young corn. In Indiana, it was found on corn planted in April on the lower leaves. “In the past, the earliest we found it was July 3. It’s here, we know it’s active,” she says.

Be on alert for tar spot in corn

Health Digest

When you think of fruits that can help you stay hydrated, watermelon might make it to the top of your list. But there's one surprising fruit that beats it.

This Underrated Fruit Beats Out Watermelon For Most Hydrating

Kansas State

Montana State

In 2022, a University of Wisconsin study claimed that U.S. farmers had converted several million acres of pristine grassland and other “semi-natural areas” to cropland. Researcher Tyler Lark said that was in response to the Renewable Fuel Standard and ethanol production. Two years later, another study by Lark shows a different result. Using satellite imagery from the 2022 study, the newest one in March showed that between 1986 and 2018, over 30 million acres of cropland were abandoned and transitioned into grassland, permanent pasture, forest, shrub land, wetlands, or urban areas. That timeframe encompasses a period of rapid growth in ethanol production.

Thirty Million Farm Acres Abandoned Since 1986

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a dairy farm? These bustling hubs of activity are more than just places where cows graze. Dairy farms play a crucial role in providing the milk, cheese, and yogurt we enjoy daily. But how much do you really know about them? From the care of the cows to the technology used in milking, there's a lot to uncover. Did you know that some farms use robotic milkers? Or that cows have best friends? Dairy farming combines tradition with innovation, ensuring we get fresh, nutritious products. Ready to learn more? Let's dive into 26 amazing facts about dairy farms!

26 Amazing Facts About Dairy Farms

Live cattle closed mixed on Friday, with front months up 32 to 50 cent and other contracts down 17 to 42. Cash action has been light so far this week, with sales of $190 reported in the South, steady in the week, and $198 bids reported in the north late on Friday. Feeder cattle were down $1.35 to $2.15, pressured by strength in corn. The CME Feeder Cattle Index was another 61 cents lower on July 4 at $255.08.

Cattle Pull off Friday Highs to Close Mixed

New Wilmington, PA

Food & Wine

Here’s how to keep those summer peaches perfectly ripe, whether they’re at their prime or need some time.

The Best Way to Store Peaches, According to a Farmer

Oklahoma State

OKLAHOMA CITY – A district judge in Delaware County ruled that the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry must give greater public notice, consider public input and pollution issues prior to authorizing the construction of large poultry farms. Judge David Crutchfield issued the order in a case against...

Oklahoma judge creates new large poultry farm requirements for Agriculture Department

Reuters

CHICAGO (Reuters) - South Dakota farmer Eric Kroupa received a flurry of calls from grain dealers and ethanol plants asking to buy the corn locked away in his bins when prices neared 4-1/2-month peaks last month.

US farmers shun buyers, cling to unsold corn as prices slump

Davenport, IA

Fox Business

John Deere has announced another wave of layoffs Friday, telling around 610 production staff at plants in Illinois and Iowa that they will be out of a job by the end of the summer.

John Deere announces mass layoffs in Midwest amid production shift to Mexico

Virginia State

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Cheryl E Preston

In Virginia, Drinking in public or offering another person alcohol in a public space is prohibited. This is a class 4 Misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $250.00. Under a new law that goes into effect on July 1, this will change to a degree.WDBJ7 reports that the prohibition on drinking or offering an alcoholic beverage to someone else in public will no longer apply under the following conditions.

Drinking in public will no longer be prohibited on private Campgrounds in Virginia beginning July 1

Spencer, IA

A couple of weeks ago, I grabbed our video intern Karson, and we took a road trip to Red Power Roundup (RPRU) in Spencer, Iowa. I’ve always wanted to go to one, but the schedules never worked out until this year. I’d promised Karson that we’d get out of the office more this summer than we did last summer, so off we went.

Playing hooky at the Red Power Roundup

East Moline, IL

The farm-equipment manufacturer will lay off about 600 employees across three US factories as it shifts production to a newly planned facility in Ramos, Mexico.

John Deere to lay off roughly 600 employees from three US factories

Massachusetts State

Dianna Carney

Sandy Paws Resuce Inc., a foster-based animal rescue in Massachusetts, recently introduced Miracle, a pit bull terrier who is approximately one year old, and is now looking for her forever home. According to the nonprofit rescue organization, “Miracle was dumped at a lake in Texas and rescued by a good samaritan who has been fostering her since.” This compassionate individual provided Miracle with a temporary home and the love she desperately needed. However, her foster parent recognizes that Miracle deserves even more. “While her foster hates to let her go, she knows there is a better life for Miracle in MA,” Sandy Paws Rescue Inc. noted.

Meet Miracle: The Dog Who Was Dumped At A Lake Now Looking For Love

Chicago Food Adventures

What is more summery than an icy, sweet frozen drink? If the heat wave is getting to you, try whipping up this simple frozen strawberry lemonade. All you need is your choice of lemonade and some frozen strawberries. You can use store-bought lemonade, make your own from scratch, or a powdered version. As for strawberries, frozen ones are the easiest choice. If you'd rather use fresh, add at least two cups of ice until you reach a nice, frozen consistency.

2-Ingredient Frozen Strawberry Lemonade: Beat the Heat!

NewsBreak

Corn crop condition improves after four weeks of decline

Today the USDA released the fifteenth Crop Progress report of the 2024 growing season. The USDA says as of July 7, 24% of the 2024 corn...

Corn crop condition improves after four weeks of decline

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