Did you miss some news this week? We’ve got you covered. Here’s a collection of the top headlines in agriculture.
How much will your 2025 summer cookout cost?
Families celebrating the Fourth of July holiday continue to find high prices at the grocery store, based on the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual survey. The cost for a 10-person cookout is $70.92, down 20 cents from last year’s record high. The survey shows an increase in the cost of beef, potato salad and canned pork and beans, while there are drops in the cost of pork chops, chips and hamburger buns. – American Farm Bureau Federation
Senate budget bill boosts farm safety net, cuts SNAP
The Senate's proposed budget bill is gaining momentum with strong backing from agricultural organizations that welcome its increased funding for farm programs. While the bill includes controversial changes to food assistance programs, farm groups from soybean to beef producers have publicly endorsed the package. Now the House and Senate must reconcile differences between their proposals before a final budget bill can make its way to Trump’s desk. – Farm Progress
Corn scouting scavenger hunt
Fill up the water jug, put on comfortable shoes and grab your favorite summertime hat. It’s time to hit the cornfield to see what treasures are waiting! In the past 10 years of scouting Corn Watch fields, Tom Bechman, Farm Progress Midwest crops editor, has seen it all. Check out this collection of things to watch for in cornfields after pollination. – Prairie Farmer
Cattle and beef prices continue to push higher
Cattle prices have continued to push higher over the past few months. Auction prices for feeder steers are up 5% to 10% since mid-April, depending on location. Beef prices have also pushed higher, with Choice boxed beef up 19% from a year ago. Read more cattle market insights from Josh Maples, associate professor at the University of Mississippi. – Delta Farm Press
Trump administration suspends Biden-era H-2A rule
The Trump administration announced it is suspending enforcement of a 2024 rule that provided protections to farmworkers on H-2A visas. The Labor Department called the rule "burdensome" and stated the decision "provides much-needed clarity for American farmers navigating the H-2A program." The department noted the rule had already been suspended due to federal injunctions, and enforcement will revert to regulations in effect before June 28, 2024. H-2A workers make up around 20% of America’s farmworkers, according to USDA. – Reuters
USDA plans sterile fly facility to combat New World screwworm
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins unveiled details during an event last week to fight the spread of New World screwworm. Included in the department’s five-point plan is a a new sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base near Edinburg, Texas. Producing and releasing sterile flies reduces the NWS population since female flies mate only once. In addition, USDA is allocating $21 million to renovate a southern Mexico sterile fly production facility. – Farm Progress
U.S. hog inventory edges higher
American farms housed 75.1 million hogs and pigs as of June 1, according the the latest USDA data released Thursday. This reflects a slight increase over last year and a 1% increase since March. Breeding stock numbers suggest stable production ahead with nearly 3 million sows expected to farrow this summer. Iowa maintains its pork powerhouse status with 24.7 million head, triple the inventory of third-place North Carolina. – USDA-NASS
