The Kelp Business is Booming. How Big is Too Big?
Now seen as a “future-proof” material, seaweed is a fast-growing and versatile protein source. Seaweed farms are poised to skyrocket in number over the next few years, prompting calls for more policies to govern the industry and protect waterways and marine ecosystems.
Lack of Affordable Child Care is Hurting Young Farm Families’ Ability to Grow Their Businesses
Child care has too long been left out of farm policy debates, but our research has consistently found that child care is an issue that affects all of agriculture regardless of farm size, production system or location.
Midwest Drought: Corn and Soybeans Suffer as Forecasters Expect No Quick Relief for Farmers
More than 80% of corn and soybean crops in Illinois and Iowa — which together produce more than a quarter of the nation’s total — face drought conditions. Farmers are gritting their teeth as their crops dry up and deteriorate.
Facing High Fertilizer Costs, Farmers Still Struggle to Use Less
Fertilizer use can harm the environment, but farmers rely on it for increased yield and profits.
Fertilizer Companies Cash in While Farmers and Communities Struggle
Claims of market manipulation drive national concern over fertilizer industry consolidation.
At Last, States Reach a Colorado River Deal: Pay Farmers Not to Farm
Farmers in the southwest will get millions of dollars to reduce their water usage for just three years. But when the new conservation deal expires in 2026, states will have to return to the negotiating table yet again.
Supreme Court’s Ruling on Humane Treatment of Pigs Could Catalyze a Wave of New Animal Welfare Laws
The decision could result in a patchwork of laws that are likely to make national meat producers very uncomfortable.
For Years, Farmers Milked Cows by Hand. Now Robots and Technology Do the Work
Dairy producers see improved efficiency, cheaper labor, and calmer cows. The key question: Does the price tag of high-tech work for producers?
In Oregon, a Microchip Gold Rush Could Pave Over Long-Protected Farmland
Oregon legislators hope to entice chip manufacturers to set up shop, in part by allowing some of the country’s richest farmland to be converted into factories.
