Agriculture
Food production, crop risks, farming policy, and agri-supply chains.
H5 bird flu detected in a native Australian seabird for the first time
Australia has confirmed H5 bird flu in a native greater crested tern found dead at Robe Marina, the first detection in a resident Australian seabird. Authorities say there is no evidence of poultry spread or mass bird deaths, while coastal surveillance is being stepped up.
John Deere settles FTC right-to-repair case, opening repair tools to owners and independent shops
John Deere has settled an FTC and five-state right-to-repair case, agreeing to give owners and independent shops access to the same diagnostic and repair tools available to dealers for 10 years.
UK farmers embrace regenerative methods after heatwave shock
UK farmers are accelerating regenerative agriculture after repeated heatwaves and rising input costs, according to FT reporting citing a Barclays survey. More than half of 233 farmers surveyed said they had adopted regenerative practices, while nearly two-thirds reported cutting pesticide or herbicide use.
Pecos County restricts animal movement after New World screwworm case
Pecos County has restricted animal movement in Crockett, Pecos and Terrell counties after a New World screwworm case was reported in a dog, adding a new local containment measure to Texas’s wider response to the parasite.
USDA plans up to $500 million in aid for smaller meatpackers
The USDA is preparing up to $500 million in payments for smaller and midsize meatpackers, aiming to preserve independent beef-processing capacity as tight cattle supplies and high prices squeeze the industry.
Webb County remains free of New World screwworm infections
Webb County officials say the county has no confirmed New World screwworm cases, even as parts of the north remain under surveillance after nearby Texas and Mexico detections. Local officials are urging residents and ranchers to rely on official guidance and avoid confusing surveillance maps with confirmed infections.
Heatwave exposes flaws in Britain's ability to supply fresh food
Britain’s cold-chain food system came under severe pressure during the late-June heatwave, with refrigerated warehouses, supermarket freezers and power margins all strained, according to industry warnings and reporting from June 2026.
Laredo ramps up animal surveillance after screwworm case reported in Nuevo Laredo
Laredo is stepping up animal surveillance after officials said they were notified of a New World screwworm case in nearby Nuevo Laredo. City leaders say there are no confirmed cases in Laredo or Webb County and that stray animals entering Animal Care Services will be checked for signs of infestation.
Germany’s heat record breaks again as Europe’s wave shifts east
Live reporting says Germany set a new heat record at 41.5C in Drewitz, topping the provisional 41.3C mark set the previous day. The broader Europe-wide heatwave is bringing transport disruption, evacuations and fresh records across central Europe.
Texas A&M AgriLife gets share of $105M for New World screwworm research
Texas A&M AgriLife will take part in a $105 million USDA research push on New World screwworm, with projects spanning sterile fly production, traps, treatments and surveillance tools.
Texas vets warn pet owners about flesh-eating screwworm
Texas veterinarians are warning pet owners to watch for New World screwworm after new animal cases in Texas and a reported dog case in New Mexico raised concern that the flesh-eating parasite could spread beyond livestock.
Farm workers at higher risk amid screwworm outbreak in US south-west
New World screwworm cases in Texas have risen to at least 16 animal infections, and reporting on June 24 says farm and ranch workers face the highest exposure because they work closest to livestock and may have trouble reaching care quickly.
Basmati prices may fall 5-10% as Strait of Hormuz closure hits exports
Indian basmati exporters say prices could fall 5% to 10% if disruption around the Strait of Hormuz continues, as shipments to West Asia face delays and uncertainty.
Farmers' Panchana water protest enters 16th day
Farmers protesting for irrigation water from Panchana Dam in Rajasthan’s Sawai Madhopur district have kept their sit-in going into a 16th day. The dispute has already triggered rail-track blockades, stalled talks after Karauli representatives boycotted a meeting, and prompted a separate state assurance of drinking water for 39 Karauli villages through the Panchana-Gudla lift project.
Officials urge vigilance, outline response amid screwworm detections in South Texas
State, federal and local officials in South Texas are stepping up surveillance, movement checks and public guidance after 12 confirmed New World screwworm detections in Texas, while Webb County says it has no confirmed cases.
What new federal funding means for Texas' screwworm fight
Texas says USDA veterinary-services funding will let the Texas Animal Health Commission hire 15 new staffers, including 10 field inspectors, to strengthen its screwworm response.
Michigan restricts animal imports as screwworm cases spread in Texas and New Mexico
Michigan has imposed new import requirements for some warm-blooded animals after New World screwworm detections in Texas and New Mexico. The state says the precautions are meant to protect livestock and pets as the outbreak expands.
US screwworm cases rise as outbreak spreads beyond initial contamination zones
Confirmed New World screwworm cases have climbed across Texas and into New Mexico, prompting quarantine restrictions, federal warnings and expanded response measures.
FDA authorizes emergency screwworm treatment for pets
The FDA has authorized emergency use of nitenpyram tablets for New World screwworm infestations in dogs and cats as the outbreak widens beyond livestock.
FDA OKs emergency screwworm treatment for pets as Texas cases rise
The FDA has authorized emergency use of nitenpyram tablets for dogs and cats as New World screwworm cases rise in Texas and the outbreak reaches pets.
Soybeans Rise With Oil Prices as USDA Price Indices Add Context to June 1 Ag Markets
Soybeans rose with higher oil prices tied to Iran-related tensions, while corn eased. USDA’s Agricultural Prices report adds context with crop and livestock price index shifts.
Agriculture Dept. begins distribution of plantain, banana seedlings
Puerto Rico’s Agriculture Department has started distributing tissue-cultured plantain and banana seedlings as a preventive measure against Fusarium risk, with nearly 215,000 seedlings planned across six regions.
USDA settles Packers and Stockyards case with JBS USA Food Company and Swift Pork Company
USDA said it reached a March 5 stipulation agreement with JBS USA Food Company and Swift Pork Company, resolving a Packers and Stockyards Act case tied to hog scale test reporting and a $5,000 civil penalty.
USDA settles Packers and Stockyards case with Monterey Stockyard LLC
USDA said Monterey Stockyard LLC of Dayton, Virginia, agreed to pay an $800 civil penalty to settle an alleged Packers and Stockyards Act violation tied to scale testing and reporting.