livestock

Federal farm aid is expanding as USDA distributes emergency payments, announces a new $12 billion bridge program, and moves to prevent a screwworm fly invasion that could threaten U.S. livestock.

As gray wolves spread across western Colorado, ranchers face new livestock losses and weigh whether range riders can really reduce conflict in rugged terrain.

Ag economists are divided on whether expected USDA trade aid will help producers or create new risks, as farmers face low prices, high input costs, and market volatility.

The American Farm Bureau says the cost of a Thanksgiving meal for 10 is down 5% from last year, as turkey prices fall and weather-driven crop issues push some vegetable costs higher.

Drought, shrinking herds, high feed and energy costs, and slow herd rebuilding are driving beef prices higher, with impacts likely to last through the decade.

This week’s Farm News & Views covers trade aid for U.S. farmers, rising global competition in ag markets, and renewed wolf concerns in western Colorado.

Farm organizations are warning that America’s agricultural economy is sliding toward crisis levels reminiscent of the 1980s, as low crop prices, high input costs, and ongoing trade disputes squeeze producers. The American Farm Bureau Federation has urged federal leaders to authorize bridge payments and enact long-term solutions to stabilize farm incomes, while analysts note that diversified farms and livestock producers are faring better thanks to strong markets.

Farm economists say the U.S. ag economy is in recession, as trade wars, high costs, and lost exports to China deepen uncertainty for farmers.

Livestock producers, especially beef operations, see record profits in 2025, while crop farmers struggle with low returns, trade disputes, and echoes of the 1980s farm debt crisis. Economists warn of long-term risks as tariffs and high input costs squeeze margins.

Record beef prices, John Deere layoffs, stalled soybean sales to China, farmworker crackdowns, and Temple Grandin’s new documentary highlight ag challenges.