Screwworms eat flesh, screw-ups cost money
The flesh-eating New World screwworm has returned to the U.S. Southwest. While Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins blames the previous administration, critics point to early 2025 budget cuts made by the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency that halted critical livestock monitoring.
Big Bacon’s Farm Bill carve-out needs to be carved out
Industrial pork giants are pushing Congress to use the 2026 Farm Bill to overturn voter-approved state animal welfare laws. Why the 'Save Our Bacon Act' is a corporate carve-out that undermines states' rights and hurts independent farmers succeeding under humane standards.
The ‘beans, beef and Boeing’ show sputters back to reality
Despite announcements of massive ag and aviation deals with China, commodity markets and Boeing stock immediately tumbled. A new study reveals the devastating $14.9 billion reality of recent tariff fights, showing why global markets no longer take Washington's big talk at face value.
Who is Palantir and why is USDA giving it $300 million?
Under Secretary Brooke Rollins’ National Farm Security Plan, the USDA has inked a $300M deal with Palantir to launch "One Farmer, One File." While the initiative promises faster disaster payments and streamlined services, the partnership raises major concerns about data privacy and surveillance.
Guebert: There’s nothing we won’t do for cheap food
The 2026 House Farm Bill shifts billions from food assistance to subsidies. Alan Guebert examines the disconnect between D.C. policy and agricultural reality, from the DOJ’s probe into Big Four meatpackers to the surge of Brazilian beef imports despite corruption concerns.
Guebert: Worse and more of it
The Trump administration’s USDA reorganization and USAID cuts bring chaos to American farming. From soybean board snubs to global aid losses, Alan Guebert says it’s only getting worse.
Why the global fertilizer cartel wins regardless of USDA’s empty promises
U.S. farmers face skyrocketing input costs while the USDA pledges billions in relief. Explore why trade wars and market consolidation make relief unlikely.
High fuel costs and USDA acreage surprises shape 2026 planting
As fuel and fertilizer prices soar, USDA’s 2026 planting report reveals record-low wheat acres and a growing trust gap between farmers and federal data.
Bad choice by POTUS 47 only adds to 47 years of bad choices
Between a 47.5% tariff on China and a Middle East war driving oil toward $200 a barrel, U.S. agriculture faces its most severe supply disruption in history.
Spring is a brave yellow wave, a loud ‘How’do!’ and a glint of gold
Alan Guebert reflects on the seasonal rituals of spring and the unforgettable neighbors who once shaped the landscape of a southern Illinois farm.
