The Latest

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  US to test national milk supply amid bird flu concerns

  The federal order allows the USDA to test samples of unpasteurized milk from all farms, transporters and facilities as officials look to contain an expanding outbreak.

  Dairy

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  USDA must do more to regulate genetically modified crops, judge rules

  A federal court overturned a 2020 rule that looked to accelerate innovation by allowing manufacturers to sidestep regulatory reviews.

  Crops

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  Mondelēz VC arm invests in cocoa-tech company Celleste Bio

  The Cadbury and Toblerone maker was among the investors who participated in a $4.5 million financing round for the developer of cell-cultured cocoa.

  Crops

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  Column

  Agtech Seedlings: Superfruit startup Agrovision expands into cherries

  Also in this week’s farm technology news: Agco opens a 22,000-square-foot precision ag training center, and indoor farming firm AgEye snags funding from a large air filtration company.

  Crops

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  Smithfield to sell 150K hogs in deal with Murphy Family Ventures

  The agreement re-establishes the contract grower as an independent producer while further reducing the pork giant's livestock footprint.

  Meat

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  Macadamia mania descends upon the US

  The seed has grown in popularity among consumers looking for healthier snacks, with increased demands for sustainability transforming the way the crop is grown.

  Crops

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  Deere lays off more workers at Iowa tractor plant

  The cuts add to the thousands of jobs eliminated this year as the equipment maker reigns in production to offset a slowdown in demand.

  Technology

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  EPA seeks to limit use of pesticide chlorpyrifos in food

  The proposal would still allow the insecticide, which has been linked to neurodevelopmental harm in children, to be used on 11 crops.

  Crops

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  Ahold Delhaize delays move to cage-free eggs

  The grocer chain expects to fully transition to the more humane variety of the product in the U.S. by 2032 — seven years later than its previous target.

  Meat

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  Note from the Editor-in-Chief

  A change in ownership and what it means for our readers. 

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  Cargill cuts 5% of global workforce after profits decline

  The move, which will affect approximately 8,000 jobs, comes as the world's largest private company plans to streamline operations in the face of lower crop prices and challenges in beef.

  Crops

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  Tyson closes 3 meat plants, lays off 1K workers

  The food giant plans to shutter its 328,000-square-foot facility in Emporia, Kansas, as well as two cheesesteak factories in Philadelphia.

  Meat

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  What to do if immigration agents come to your jobsite

  The incoming Trump administration has promised to step up workplace raids. Here’s how to prepare.

  Crops

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  US agriculture has the potential to be greenhouse gas negative. Here’s how.

  The biggest opportunity to reduce emissions is also one of the easiest for farmers, according to a new study.

  Crops

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  US cotton production slashed from Hurricane Helene

  Georgia, the nation's second largest producer of the crop, lost 32% of its harvest, pushing national yields to record lows.

  Crops

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  Smithfield owner WH Group asks shareholders to approve US spinoff

  The Chinese pork producer's proposal to list shares comes amid growing scrutiny in Washington around China's influence over American agriculture.

  Meat

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  Opinion

  Critical benefits of regenerative agriculture are flying under the radar

  Sustainable farming practices can do more than just address climate challenges, writes Bayer's Leo Bastos.

  Crops

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  Key takeaways from COP29: a contentious finance deal, carbon markets, more

  The annual climate summit also set up a “loss and damage fund” for vulnerable nations, which advocates say should prioritize agriculture.

  Sustainability

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  How RFK Jr could shake up the food industry

  Trump's health secretary pick is expected to work to eliminate processed foods from school lunches and push for the removal of dyes from cereals and other items.

  Crops

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  Record agriculture trade deficit expected to keep growing

  The gap between farm imports and exports is expected to surpass $45 billion in fiscal year 2025, according to an updated USDA outlook.

  Crops

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  SNAP braces for cuts under Trump, policy analysts say

  Altering eligibility requirements and combating fraud are also likely to be top priorities under the new administration.

  Regulations

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  Koch Foods invests over $145M to expand and ‘rehab’ Mississippi chicken plant

  Tyson and other competitors have leaned into automating their operations to increase output and productivity.

  Meat

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  Bird flu found in raw milk sold at California grocery store

  No illnesses have been reported and the farm has issued a voluntary recall. The state will increase testing of unpasteurized dairy following the discovery. 

  Dairy

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  Trump calls for 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico

  Farmers have worked to increase exports to both countries in recent years, and new duties could upend those gains.

  Crops

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  US suspends Mexico cattle imports after New World screwworm detected

  The United States has relied on livestock from the country as ranchers struggle to rebuild depleted cattle herds.

  Meat

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