Sustainable Agriculture / Public News Service

The National Wildlife Federation said managed grazing is one of the top conservation practices used by South Dakota farmers and ranchers. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, May 9, 2025

Poll, online map show conservation is 'big win' for SD farmers

A new mapping tool shows South Dakota is a big player on the farm conservation scene. The online feature coincides with a new poll, revealing most …

The Agriculture Enterprise Area Program, under the Farmland Preservation program, offers additional financial incentives for communities who commit to keeping land in agriculture use for a specified period. (Adobe Stock)

WI ag conservation program yields farmers' savings

Wisconsin's investment in preserving its agricultural land is offering some solace to farmers and landowners while helping them save money amid a clim…

A key factor for producers is whether the Trump administration's Department of Agriculture will provide financial relief to farmers as the Department did during President Donald Trump's first term. (Branex/Adobe Stock)

Tennessee farmers, consumers expected to feel Trump's tariffs

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Tennessee News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabora…

Ohio's tomato growers harvest more than 300,000 tons annually. It is a crop heavily dependent on preserved genetic traits for disease resistance and shelf life. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio crops at risk as federal cuts disrupt seed preservation

A little-known federal program has quietly safeguarded the crops feeding the nation, including key Ohio staples like soybeans, tomatoes, corn and …

Global food security depends on work done by the National Plant Germplasm System. Its scientists and funding are on the DOGE chopping block. (s1llu/Adobe Stock/AI enhanced)

Crops at risk in VA, U.S. as Trump fires seed bunker employees

Working without fanfare, federal scientists at 22 U.S. sites maintain the nation's agricultural plant species collected since 1898. But the Trump …

From 2021 to 2022, the Department of Energy tripled its funding for agrivoltaics, including $8 million for a new program studying how solar panels can benefit farmers and rural areas. (pkproject/Adobe Stock)

Michigan State University study: Crops and solar panels can coexist

Results of a new study from Michigan State University suggest farmers no longer have to choose between growing crops and harnessing solar power…

With funding from Congress, the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System is new a wholesale provider of <br />cleaner water to 20 member cities and rural water systems in three states, including South Dakota. Local leaders said it is a good example of effective federal investments. (Photo courtesy of MN DOH)

SD communities say federal aid isn't 'waste' to them

CORRECTION: This web-version of the story initially listed Rep. Dusty Johnson as "Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-N.D." It has since been corrected to reflect …

Soybeans provide more protein per acre than any other major crop, producing about seven times more protein than beef cattle grazing on the same land area, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Pixabay)

MS soybean trials test varieties despite trade uncertainty

Mississippi State University Extension launched its annual soybean variety trials last week. It is a way to evaluate crop performance as farmers …

Conservation voices said when European settlers first arrived in South Dakota, 96% of the state was grassland but today only around 50% of the original native grasslands remain. (Adobe Stock)

SD grassland enthusiasts hope for a native plant rebirth

April is National Native Plant Month, an observance at the core of South Dakota's identity. People wanting to protect the state's beloved grasslands …

According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, 41% of Wyoming's farmers are women. (Adobe Stock)

Beginning farmers in WY could get a boost from Congress

More than one quarter of Wyoming's farmers started producing in the past ten years and are considered beginners by the U.S. Department of Agriculture…

Iowa produced 2.5 billion bushels of corn in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa farmers question need for treated seeds

By Lisa Held for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Iowa News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News Service C…

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MAHA movement aims to reverse American farming policy

By Jessica Scott-Reid for Sentient.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabo…

Potatoes are one of 200 crops pivotal to the U.S. food system. DOGE has made cuts to the U.S. agency that maintains the crops' genetics and seed supply. (Adobe Stock)

DOGE cuts funding to seed banks, threatens WY. food security

Federal scientists at 22 U.S. sites maintain the nation's agricultural seed stores collected since 1898 but the Trump administration's DOGE agency …

The Honor Farmer Contracts Act would require the USDA to give a 60-day notice of any agency closures. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., is among those who introduced the bill last month. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed bill aims to pay farmers back for disrupted grants

A Wisconsin-based nonprofit hopes a new law can help some of its struggling farmers quickly recoup federal grant funds they are owed. The Honor …

Global food security depends on work done by U.S. National Plant Germplasm System. Its scientists and funding are on the DOGE chopping block. (s1llu/Adobe Stock/AI enhanced)<br />

America's historic crops at risk as DOGE cuts funding for seed bunkers

Working without fanfare, federal scientists at 22 U.S. sites maintain the nation's agricultural plant species collected since 1898, including crops …

According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, 41% of beginning producers were female, as opposed to 36% of all U.S. producers. (Adobe Stock)

Congress aims to assist new farmers with accessing land in OH, nationwide

Ohio ranks fourth in the nation for the number of farms, with more than 75,000, and beginning farmers in the Buckeye State and nationwide may soon be …

Some 18% of farms operated by beginning farmers report sales of $50,000 or more, compared to 26% of farms run by established producers. (DisobeyArt/Adobe Stock)

Lawmakers unite to address farmland access 'crisis,' in MI and beyond

Michigan ranks 15th in the nation for its number of farms, with 44,000, a slight decrease from 2023 and reflects a national decline. Now, beginning …

According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, 41% of beginning producers were female, compared with 36% of all U.S. producers. (Kostiantyn/Adobe Stock)

Bipartisan bill aims to tackle farmland access crisis in MO, nationwide

Missouri ranks second in the nation for the number of farms, with more than 85,000. Beginning farmers in the state and across the nation may soon …

In the Biden administration's final year, the USDA and EPA reaffirmed a goal to halve food waste by 2030 but supermarkets are not legally required to comply. Retailers can help by donating unsold food and educating consumers on cutting waste at home. (lado2016/Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: Major supermarkets fail to cut food-related methane emissions

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Tennessee News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborati…

Under tariffs imposed by the first Trump administration, losses for farmers prompted a $23 billion taxpayer-funded bailout. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado farmers brace for new round of Trump tariffs

President Donald Trump is set to impose sweeping global tariffs this week, a move expected to spark retaliation against a range of American products …

Iowa has about 400,000 acres of wetlands, down from an estimated 4 to 6 million acres, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

Federal judge to decide fate of IA 'Swampbuster' wetlands program

A federal judge in Cedar Rapids hears arguments today in a case that could make or break the future of wetland protection programs in the state…

The USDA reported since April 2024, there have been avian influenza virus detections in 336 commercial flocks and 207 backyard flocks, for a total of more than 90.9 million birds affected.(Adobe Stock)<br />

Poll: Americans concerned about bird flu effects on wallets over health

West Virginians are more concerned about bird flu's effect on grocery costs rather than health implications, and Republican voters are more likely to …

The National School Lunch Program, created in 1946 as part of the National School Lunch Act, provides federal dollars to schools for food purchases. (Adobe Stock)

Co-ops help more KY school districts participate in local produce bidding

School staffing shortages can affect nutrition in Kentucky school districts, as many districts across the state rely on frozen, processed breakfast …

WI nonprofit creates song to interest younger kids in soil science

A local nonprofit with a mission to advance regenerative agriculture is hoping its new video can open up an untapped world of science to a younger aud…

As part of the Trump administration's budget-cutting moves, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has eliminated $1 billion in programs connecting local producers with food banks and school lunch programs. (Adobe Stock)

USDA cuts could halt progress of SD local food scene

South Dakota farmers leading the "locally grown" movement have visions of a dynamic regional food production system but some of it is in doubt with lo…

Engelbrecht Farm in Waverly, Iowa, uses insects to keep pests at bay, improve soil health and increase pollination. (Engelbrecht Farm)

Iowa farmers 'plant good insects' to fight pests

The organization Practical Farmers of Iowa is helping urban crop growers use beneficial insects to control pests, boost soil health and increase …

Agriculture trade groups want to see a rollback of federal environmental regulations on the meatpacking industry, along with fewer worker protections and food safety measures. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska meatpackers call on feds to deregulate industry

By Nina B. Elkadi for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Nebraska News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service …

Aquaculture, particularly aquaponics, can improve food security by providing locally grown, fresh and nutritious food in food deserts. (Adobe Stock/B.Rath Photography)

Expanding NM's aquaculture-based fish farming could improve food security

New Mexico may never be a leader in aquaculture but some fish farmers are finding success in the arid state. Rossana Sallenave, professor and …

Climate experts say drought can reduce both the availability and quality of water necessary for productive farms, and can also lead to insect outbreaks. (Adobe Stock)

SD farmer flexes drought-fighting muscle in face of dry conditions

The South Dakota region has seen some wet weather in recent days, but the entire state is still in varying levels of drought status. That has …

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have recently come under scrutiny for not doing more to enforce factory farm manure discharge permits. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa slaughterhouse faces water pollution lawsuit

By Nina B. Elkadi for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Iowa News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration In …

Federal agencies are ramping up efforts to contain avian flu, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture rolling out a $1 billion plan focused on biosecurity, financial relief for affected producers and research into possible vaccines for poultry. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio leads nation in bird flu cases, consumers face rising costs

A Food and Water Watch report claims Ohio egg producers are profiting from the bird flu outbreak. Ohio, a top egg producer, has lost nearly 15 …

It is estimated climate change could increase New Mexico's average temperature by up to 7 degrees over the next 50 years. (rd.usda.gov)

NM farm tackles climate change one freeze-dried apple at a time

New Mexico is one of five U.S. states that frequently encounters exceptional drought that can damage crops but one farmer is doing her part to reduce …

Farmers and ranchers say they feel uncertain about their futures because of executive orders that have impacted the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Lightfield Studios/Adobe Stock)

Federal funding freeze impacts AR farmers

Farmers and ranchers in Arkansas are voicing frustration and concern surrounding funding freezes and layoffs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture…

More than 166 million birds across the country have been affected by avian influenza. (panyawat/Adobe Stock)

Industrial farming in NC, US becomes breeding ground for bird flu

Industrial farming practices could be boosting the spread of bird flu. Avian influenza has been detected in poultry across the country, including in …

People who raise chickens say the process can serve educational purposes for kids. (Cavan/Adobe Stock)

'Egg-citing' ID bill lowers barriers for raising backyard chickens

A bill in the Idaho Legislature would lower restrictions for allowing chickens in residential areas. The impetus for the legislation from Sen…

It is estimated each cow contributes around $34,000 annually to the local economy, but barriers for new dairy farmers are preventing enough new entrants to the industry to replace retiring farmers. (Ann/Adobe Stock)

Apprenticeship trains next generation of PA dairy farmers

In Pennsylvania, a nonprofit striving to secure the future of small dairy farms is hoping its federal funding won't be frozen much longer. …

Processed foods and food service establishments are generally exempt from mandatory country-of-origin labeling requirements. (Adisorn/Adobe Stock)

MO farmers, advocates push for mandatory country-of-origin food labels

A Midwest coalition of consumer, farmer and rural groups, including those in Missouri, is pushing to reinstate mandatory country-of-origin labeling …

Concentrated animal feeding operations are major polluters of the air and water, yet less than a third in Illinois have National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits, which are required when discharging livestock waste. (Adobe Stock)

IL CAFOs on rise as industry remains underregulated

Illinois is known for having some of the weakest environmental laws for concentrated animal feeding operations, with a lack of oversight and public …

Young farmers face financial barriers and limited access to farmland. Older farmers are now considering who they will pass their land on to when they retire. (Adobe Stock)

Veteran Iowa farmers teach 'up and comers'

An agriculture program in Iowa is helping new and up and coming farmers learn from more experienced ones - and its organizers have uncovered another o…

Indiana is the ninth largest farming state in the country, according to the Indiana Department of Agriculture, with about 53,600 farming operations. (Adobe Stock)

Funds to be released for some IN farmers' conservation projects

It looks like at least some Indiana farmers will be getting the federal dollars they have been counting on for farm conservation and soil health…

Paraquat is a dangerous pesticide, currently banned in more than 70 countries but <br />still approved for use in the United States. (Marritch/Adobe Stock)

Feds petitioned to eliminate 'extraordinarily toxic' pesticides in food

One organization is taking the Trump administration's promises to "Make America Healthy Again" seriously. The Center for Biological Diversity is …

As of early 2025, lab-grown meat production in the U.S. remains limited, with low output and availability restricted to select venues. (zapp2photo/Adobe Stock)

MI lawmakers call for labels on lab-grown meat

Some Michigan lawmakers are backing a bipartisan bill to ban labeling lab-grown substitutes as "meat" and require clear ingredient disclosure…

Produce at an upcoming farmers market will come directly from Catawba Trail Farm in Durham, N.C. (Volodymyr Kyrylyuk/Adobe Stock)

NC farmer's market, hike mark Black History Month

An urban farm in North Carolina is celebrating Black History Month this weekend with a farmers market and historic group hike. Urban Community …

The Northern Agricultural Center of Excellence told a Minnesota House committee this week nearly 30% of today's farmers have less than a decade of experience, making the case business training needs to be enhanced. (Adobe Stock)

Enhancing business skills of MN's next generation of farmers

If Minnesota wants a strong network of up-and-coming farmers, including those who want to farm on healthier land, the state can help them become …

Sorghum matures quickly, some types in as little as 75 days, and can provide up to three harvests a year. (Adobe Stock)

University of Nevada-Reno researcher develops climate-conscious grain

One researcher at the University of Nevada-Reno has developed what she called revolutionary sorghum varieties for dairy cow feed and gluten-free human…

At least eight states have introduced bills this session to protect pesticide companies. (irina_g/Adobe Stock)

Bill to legally protect pesticide companies could be coming to ID

Legislation to provide legal immunity for pesticide companies has been introduced in state capitols across the country and lawmakers in Boise could so…

Immigrant farmworkers make up an estimated 73% of agriculture workers in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Challenges facing farmers in Colorado, across U.S.

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabora…

Federal assistance for farmers recovering from natural disasters such as droughts, floods and wildfires is uncertain without a new Farm Bill. (sima/Adobe Stock)

Farming advocates: Frozen funds hurting farmers in MO, nation

More than 130 farmers, ranchers and advocates gathered on Capitol Hill last week, calling for action on the federal funding freeze and farm bill…

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