View From the Farm

U.S. beef cow numbers are at their lowest levels since the 1960s. Is this the year producers begin rebuilding the national cattle herd? Also, a look at the 7 states with more than 1 million beef cows. After a brutal 2023, can the hog industry bounce back this year? Then we wrap up with some efforts to promote locally grown ag products and support young farmers and ranchers.

Reflecting on Christmas on the farm and travels to the South, looking ahead at crop markets for 2024, watching exports and input costs.

Reflecting on the joy of harvest time with family, looking back on the crop year, sudden death syndrome in soybeans, Mississippi River update and looking at the hay and pasture situation heading into winter.

Taking a look at the latest USDA crop supply and demand numbers, the lack of rebuilding the national cattle herd so far, Mississippi River levels, and the battle against herbicide carryover and resistant weeds.

Sharing the story of Clay Farms and what led their family to the farm, as well as how they have kept it going for over 200 years. Plus an update on harvest progress and an NFL quarterback harvesting corn in Iowa.

Taking a look at what goes into farmland buying decisions, land as an investment, whether higher interest rates have impacted land values, export news, story planning meeting memories and hoping winter doesn’t arrive too soon.

Celebrating the annual harvest survey stories, providing updates, looking at beef and pork export trends, talking ethanol and a celebration of land grant universities.

The USDA released its latest World Agricultural Supply & Demand Estimates, and markets responded. Also, talking about ongoing drought, hog production numbers, harvest progress and the 2022 Ag Census

Breaking down the harvest progress, drought conditions, Mississippi River levels, farm fresh meats and looking ahead at a Census of Agriculture story.

Talking about a Missouri farm that sold for nearly 35,000 an acre, recapping a long and fun day on the road interviewing farmers about their harvest so far, and a Missouri Pork Association leader retiring after 40 years.

Talking about the impact of very low Mississippi River levels, the early stages of harvest, drought update, beef and pork export trends, and crop markets.

Diving into the latest USDA WASDE crop numbers, the beginning of harvest, pig profitability problems, beef cow inventory numbers, expensive dairy replacement prices, rural schools, plus the story of Cedar Gap, Missouri’s highest town that was once an orchard hub.

Getting excited as harvest draws closer, looking at the cattle and hogs situations, export trends and crop condition updates. Also, do bees help soybean yields?

Taking a look at the expectations for the 2023 crop as harvest draws closer. Also taking a look at the rhythms of the farm year, sudden death in soybeans, drought conditions and trends in farm safety.

Talking about the heat wave on the farm, what it means for the crops, a look at the sheep industry, and a cotton and rice update.

Checking in on the weather, the drought, the crops, the markets, the national cattle herd trends, and a look at the potential for autonomous farm equipment.

Talking about State Fairs, the summer weather, drought update, black bears expanding in the Midwest, Spanish for agriculture, and a look ahead.

It rained! Some places. Talking about a choppy week of farm journalism, being a possible grain marketing genius/buffoon, the best time for a farm family vacation, black vultures, drought update, a million uses for corn and soybeans, drones, and a look ahead. Mixing in some ag travel talk as well.

Telling you about myself and my new podcast, talking drought, the Missouri State Fair and native prairie grass.