Latest News From Tyne Morgan

The debate over immigration continues to be an issue in Washington. However, the Ag Economists' Monthly Monitor shows economists are still skeptical it's enough for Congress to act on immigration reform.

Political unrest, a healthy ag economy and the start of an election year. These are all reasons economists in the October Ag Economists' Monthly Monitor think it could 2025 before Congress passes a new farm bill.

The University of Missouri became the first college to land an electric autonomous tractor, a tool that will drive teaching and research into the future.

Crop condition ratings seemed to be in a free fall in early summer, but July’s rains and cooler temperatures sparked a rebound. The heat this week means crop conditions could be set to take another hit.

The signs of El Niño grew even stronger this month, and as the weather event looks to make its grand return, significant weather changes could be on deck for U.S. farmers this year. 

With the impending snowstorm in the upper Midwest and Northern Plains, it may seem like the 2023 planting season will be off to a slow start. However, in states like Illinois and Missouri, planting has already started.

California farmers are facing another round of flooding, with fields still bearing scars from January’s floods. An area known for production of fresh berries and lettuce is expected to now have a larger loss.

The National Farm Machinery Show revealed one major theme: the supply chain is still posing major problems for ag equipment manufacturers, an issue that's improving, but could still last the remainder of this year.

The sudden switch from drought to too much precipitation in parts of California now begs the question: Is the weather changing, and will California start to dig out from three consecutive years of drought?

From flooding to mudslides, an atmospheric river produced rain that wreaked havoc on agriculture and infrastructure in the state. One of the hardest-hit areas is the Salinas Valley, a large lettuce production area.

Farm Journal had an exclusive interview with John Deere's CTO to set the record straight about the company's stance on electric equipment, as well as explore Deere's vision for the future of ag tech.

CES has traditionally been a show geared to consumers is one agriculture is playing a bigger role, the interest in agriculture’s story became a resounding theme, as John Deere connected consumer to farmers.

The “right to repair” issue has been an ongoing hot topic, and now, a MOU between Deere & Co and AFBF means farmers will be able to repair their own equipment or use an independent technician.

Farmers National Company released its 2023 land values report this week, showing land sold at auctions set records in several states with values across Corn Belt States seeing a year-to-year increase between 20% and 34%.

Unlike reports of a Christmas tree shortage, the Real Christmas Tree Board, which is the checkoff for Christmas tree farmers, says growers from across the country have been able to meet the increasing demand.

A labor strike along U.S. railroads is still a possibility after the third-largest railroad union rejected a tentative labor agreement this week. The agreement had the support of the White House.

A new pest ID app designed by Iowa State University is the first of its kind for not only insect detection, but also suggested management practices that can help farmers rid their fields of unwanted pests.

USDA unveiled additional plans to help boost domestic fertilizer production including $500 million in grants and reduce the risk of a series of black swans that have flown into the fertilizer market the past two years.

High input prices continue to be a pain point for farmers planning their 2023 crop needs. Experts say the price of natural gas isn’t the only driver fueling the market as farmers look to book their fall needs.

Tyler and Amanda Radke have three goals on the farm: provide peace with a place to heal, experience a family full of love and introduce them to a household strong in faith; a recipe that’s filled with grit and grace.

A rail strike is looming despite the majority of unions reaching tentative agreement with the rail companies, but the unions not on board are essential to the operation of the nation’s rail system. 

Grain shipments on some railroads could stop as early as Wednesday, two days ahead of a possible rail strike. A rail stoppage is growing more likely as the country’s main rail unions remain at odds with rail companies.

A potential stoppage on the nation's railways this fall is spurring concern, even after President Biden signed an executive order Sunday to keep U.S. rail traffic on track and the collective bargaining process going.

Dick and Carolee Ourada are driving a 1977 IH 574 from Nebraska to Alaska to raise money for Colorado Children's Hospital. The couple explains why the "Tractor Trip for Kids" is driven by passion and purpose.

As labor negotiations continue between the railroads and unions, laborers voted to go on strike Monday unless President Biden intervenes. A potential strike would put additional strain on the fragile U.S. rail system.

Record-breaking heat. Unprecedented flooding. Hail that proved to be devastating to corn fields in Nebraska. The extreme weather can all be attributed to a ridge of high pressure parked over the country.

In a letter sent to President Biden, the Republicans argue the situation started before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, saying the administration has failed to take serious action to increase agricultural production.

Diesel prices are causing sticker shock, as fears of a possible diesel shortage are growing. It’s not just retail diesel prices that are rapidly rising. Some farmers report booking off-road diesel for above $5.

Diesel prices hit $5.58 a gallon on Friday, smashing another record. With NOAA predicting an above-normal hurricane season, it could introduce more trouble for already short diesel supplies. 

Less than 50% of the continental U.S. is in moderate drought for the first time since November, but with another drought record still running strong, forecasts show drought could grow over the summer months.

Gas prices crushed another record to start June, and experts say there's no sign of a slowdown yet with $5 gas a strong possibility as the summer driving season pushes into high gear.

From record-high gas and diesel prices on the road to a major spike in the price Americans paid for their Memorial Day weekend barbecue essentials, shoppers are seeing price spikes everywhere they go.

Diesel prices hit historic highs this week. Due to increased demand and a drop in production, a diesel shortage may be looming as the largest diesel distribution hub in the U.S. is sitting on supplies at a 30-year low.

The April Ag Economy Barometer shows farmers’ concerns about crop inputs are overshadowing optimism surrounding commodity prices hitting decade-highs as some inputs are still in short supply as planting gets underway.

Speculation over whether U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack was arrested last week made its rounds on social media over the weekend, but USDA confirmed to Farm Journal the story is false.

Farmers and ranchers have had to endure high winds for months. The powerful gusts haven’t just been annoying; it’s caused disasters across the U.S. High winds have been the culprit of wildfires and more.

Food prices continue to climb across the board. According to the latest Consumer Price Index, increasing grocery prices account for the largest share of the hike. However, shoppers don't view prices as high.

Increased regulation and the search for better work-life balance are two factors leading to a shortage of truck drivers in the U.S. Walmart is now increasing the starting salary for drivers to try to attract new people.

Glyphosate was already in short supply heading into the 2022 planting season, but another black swan event is putting an even tighter squeeze on supplies.

As ag retailers continue to navigate a turbulent supply scenario for planting season, FBN says their glyphosate supplies are in a “comfortable” position. The company explains how they were able to secure supplies.

New federal requirements for a CDL take hold Monday, and it could have a major impact on hauling grain and livestock more than 150 miles from your farm. It could also cause an even bigger shortage of truck drivers.

More than 70% of the country is still covered in drought. And while the latest winter storm was packed with needed moisture for some areas, it didn't blanket every area needing moisture to restore depleted soils.

No matter where you travel across the country right now, farmers share similar concerns. The latest Ag Economy Barometer fell to its lowest reading since July 2020 as the input situation weighs outlooks.

Dept. of Commerce issued a preliminary determination this week showing urea nitrate from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago is being sold into the U.S. at less than fair value. The ruling could open the door for tariffs.  

Recent COVID-19 vaccine mandates in both the U.S. and Canada could take even more truckers off the road. Trucking industry experts warn while empty store shelves could turn into more fertilizer shortages next.

The Biden Administration is deploying money and resources to ramp up clean energy projects across rural America. The White House says the plan taps federal lands to install wind, solar and geothermal energy projects.

For 142 years, a secret seed society at Michigan State University has uncovered one of the world’s oldest science experiments, answering how long weed seeds remain viable. Today, one weed species continues to sprout.

California could see monumental rain and snow this week. The powerful storm is expected to drench the West Coast, as forecasters say the system could bring a month's worth of rain in a matter of days.

Members of the United Auto Workers Union (UAW) approved a new six-year deal on Wednesday with a 61% vote. The new agreement includes a signing bonus, wage increases, as well as enhanced retirement options.

After months of negotiation, the House passed the $1.2T infrastructure Bill. With $550 billion in new spending, from roads and bridges to a boost to broadband, we look into what's in the bill for agriculture.