Production and sale of grain cleaning equipment worldwide
Farm Roundup | May 15–30, 2025
16 June 2025
Hi there! We’ve rounded up the most important a news from the past two weeks—short, sharp, and straight to the point. Skip the endless scrolling—read the digest, stay in control, and make timely decisions.
Half of the U.S. corn crop is already planted, USDA reports
https://www.agriculture.com/usda-crop-progress-report-may-27-2025-11742370
As of May 26, 2025, 83% of corn has been planted nationwide (compared to 89% last year), along with 68% of soybeans (down from 83%). Winter wheat is rated 50% good to excellent. Prolonged rains in the Central Plains have slowed planting slightly compared to last year, but overall progress remains within the five-year average.
Why read this:
To compare your own planting progress with national trends and anticipate potential price shifts in the grain market.
White House “MAHA” report links food chemicals and medical overtreatment to child health risks
The White House report states that over 20% of U.S. children suffer from chronic illnesses linked to exposure to food-related chemicals (such as PFAS, lead, and benzene). The administration is calling for a review of food additive and pharmaceutical safety standards, with a strong focus on long-term effects on children’s health.
Why read this:
To understand which food-related chemicals may face future regulatory bans—and how this could affect crop production, processing, and labeling standards.
USDA Deputy Secretary pledges to remove red tape for small farms
Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Joanne Rollins announced that the USDA is working to eliminate bureaucratic barriers that prevent small farms from accessing federal support. Key priorities include simplifying aid applications, improving access to credit, and expanding small producers’ participation in government purchasing programs.
Why read this:
To learn how the government plans to make financing, programs, and procurement more accessible for small-scale farmers.
Traditional Tornado Alley shifts eastward as climate changes, says meteorologist studying trend
Meteorologists have found that the highest concentration of tornado activity is shifting eastward—from traditional states like Oklahoma and Kansas to Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama, where storm frequency has more than doubled since the early 2000s. This trend is linked to climate change, which is increasing atmospheric instability in more densely populated regions.
Why read this:
To reassess farm-level risk exposure beyond the traditional Tornado Alley—and factor it into insurance, construction, and cropping plans.
“We want to meet people where they are”: Corn farmers embrace NASCAR
U.S. corn farmers are investing in a partnership with NASCAR through the American Ethanol campaign to promote ethanol as a clean fuel, especially the E15 blend already used in racing. The initiative targets millions of motorsport fans—highlighting that ethanol represents not just farming, but speed, innovation, and the energy of the future.
Why read this:
To see how corn grower associations are marketing ethanol through new cultural channels and shaping consumer demand beyond the farm.
USDA announces aid for livestock producers impacted by wildfire, drought
The USDA has introduced new payouts through the LIP (Livestock Indemnity Program) and ELAP (Emergency Assistance for Livestock) to support producers who lost animals or feed due to wildfires and drought during 2023–2024. The claims process has been streamlined—farmers can now submit photos of losses instead of official documents from vets or emergency services.
Why read this:
To submit a compensation claim on time and take advantage of simplified loss documentation rules.
Conservation programs to get baseline boost under House reconciliation bill
A new House reconciliation bill would permanently add $13.3 billion from the climate infrastructure package to the baseline funding of USDA conservation programs—including EQIP, CSP, and RCPP. For the first time, these programs would receive structural long-term funding beyond 2026, not just temporary allocations.
Why read this:
To understand which programs will have stable future funding—and how farmers can secure long-term support for sustainable practices.
House GOP wins passage of budget bill that boosts farm programs, extends tax breaks
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a budget bill that increases funding for farm support programs and extends tax breaks for producers, including expanded Section 179 deductions and bonus depreciation. The bill also includes measures to improve loan access for small farms.
Why read this:
To learn which financial tools and tax benefits will be available to farmers in the upcoming fiscal cycle.
Tar spot set to strike corn earlier than ever
https://www.farmprogress.com/crop-disease/tar-spot-set-to-strike-corn-earlier-than-ever
Experts warn that tar spot, a fungal disease affecting corn, is expected to emerge earlier than usual this year due to warm and wet spring conditions, with first infections anticipated as early as the V6–V8 growth stages. Initial cases have already been detected in the Midwest, where outbreaks typically occur later—yield losses could reach 30–50% without timely intervention.
Why read this:
To recognize early-season disease risks and prepare a management plan to protect your corn crop from one of the year’s most aggressive threats.
Wheat farmers aim for 100-plus bushels per acre with high management techniques
Farmers are implementing high-intensity wheat production strategies, including precision tillage, advanced tissue analysis, and balanced applications of nitrogen and fungicides, to consistently reach yields over 100 bushels per acre. Success stories from Kansas and Nebraska show that with the right management, regional averages can be surpassed year after year.
Why read this:
To learn proven techniques and see how management decisions directly affect profitability in wheat operations.
Ag economist warns of farm business failures amid economic pressures
Ag economists are warning of a rising risk of farm bankruptcies, driven by low commodity prices, high interest rates, and climbing input costs. Small and mid-sized farms with high debt loads and limited financing access are especially vulnerable.
Why read this:
To evaluate your financial resilience and adjust your farm strategy to stay ahead in a shifting economic landscape.
Virginia Farmers Find a Market in Herbs as Climate Warms Appalachia
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/20/climate/virginia-farmers-herbs-appalachia.html
Farmers in Appalachia—especially in Virginia—are turning to medicinal herbs like St. John’s wort, echinacea, and ginseng as a response to warming temperatures and shifting soil moisture. These crops are not only more resilient to changing weather patterns but also benefit from steady demand in the natural supplement and herbal medicine markets.
Why read this:
To see how climate adaptation is opening up new high-value niches for small and mid-sized farms.
Thanks for reading! We’ll be back with more insights and updates in the next issue. Until then—stay sharp, stay ahead.
