Did you miss some news this week? We’ve got you covered. Here’s a collection of the top headlines in agriculture.
USDA “cancels” climate-smart program
Secretary Brooke Rollins’ visit to Pennsylvania farms on Monday was overshadowed by USDA’s announcement that it was “canceling” the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Program. The program will be renamed the Advancing Markets for Producers Initiative and funded programs must meet a list of changes. The department says it will honor all eligible expenses incurred prior to April 13 using existing funding. – American Agriculturist
Consumers turn toward Easter egg alternatives
Egg prices reached a new record high last month of $6.23 per dozen, and the stubborn prices have the internet offering up a host of Easter tradition alternatives. Ideas of dyeing everything from potatoes, marshmallows and even rocks are circulating the internet as consumers look for ways to save money while continuing traditions. Paas reports that while 94% of those who celebrate will dye eggs this year, 78% of families said they would dye fewer of them than in past years due to the expense. – AP News
New GMO soybeans may deter deer
Whether using air cannons, fencing, sprays or depredation permits, deer continue to outsmart the system and increase feeding on valuable commodity crops year over year. In a first-year trial, University of Tennessee plant breeders inserted a gene into soybean plants that allowed the plant to produce trypsin inhibitors. Inhibiting trypsin in a deer’s endocrine system leads to digestive upset. – Delta Farm Press
Windy start to spring presents challenges
Are you struggling to find a fit day to spread fertilizer or spray herbicides due to the windy weather? If so, you’re not alone. The Washington Post reports 2025 has seen the windiest start to spring in nearly 50 years, fueling widespread wildfires, dust storms, power outages and property damage. It has even had an impact on seasonal allergies. See how windy your state was last month. – Washington Post
Best practices for grain bin maintenance
Take advantage of cooler spring days to clean and inspect the interior and exterior of your grain storage. A little prep now goes a long way, helping you minimize pest infestations, reduce spoilage and lower the risk of injury during harvest. Check out these tips to stay safe when handling grain and cleaning up on the inside and outside of your grain bins. – Nebraska Farmer
Legal fees put future of Roundup in question
Bayer CEO Bill Anderson is lobbying U.S. states to modify their regulatory frameworks in an effort to mitigate costs of glyphosate-related lawsuits. Anderson warns ongoing litigation could force Bayer to stop selling Roundup. Bayer petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this month to sharply limit legal claims that Roundup causes cancer. – Reuters
Can Trump solve the farm labor crisis?
During an address last weekend, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the Trump administration is working to finalize more lenient guidelines for noncitizen farmworkers by harvest season. According to Rollins, the administration’s primary focus during its first months has been addressing the economy and trade issues. Now, it’s time to tackle farm labor. Learn more about what the changes mean for your farm. – Farm Progress