
Did you miss some news this week? We’ve got you covered. Here’s a collection of the top headlines in agriculture.
Lower fertilizer costs by avoiding these 6 mistakes
With tight crop budgets continuing, Brad Carlson, longtime University of Minnesota Extension educator, looked back over several years of actual farm records to identify six possible ways to cut fertilizer costs in 2025. Read more about the situations profitable farms avoid to help them spend less on corn fertilizer. – The Farmer
5 misconceptions about farmland appraisals
Farmland appraisals are essential in understanding the value of your property when considering selling, buying, refinancing or estate planning. Michael Lauher outlines five common misconceptions about what an appraisal will and will not tell a landowner. To ensure you’re getting the most value from an appraisal, Lauher shares practical steps to use the process effectively. – Prairie Farmer
Smithfield raises $522 million in IPO
Smithfield Foods Inc.’s initial public offering raised $522 million, with shares pricing below the marketed range. The world’s largest pork producer sold about 26 million shares for $20 each, according to a statement. WH Group, which acquired Smithfield more than a decade ago, will maintain control of the company after the listing. – Bloomberg
Vilsack appointed as CEO of World Food Prize Foundation
The World Food Prize Foundation announced that former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will serve as the organization’s chief executive officer. As CEO, Vilsack will leverage his leadership and diplomatic experience to enhance the Foundation's impact on food security and sustainable agriculture. In this role, Vilsack will focus on expanding the Foundation’s global network. – World Food Prize
U.S. detects H5N9 in poultry for first time
The United States confirmed its first case of the rare avian influenza strain H5N9, raising concern among experts who worry the finding shows that the bird flu virus is mutating. The strain was found on a duck meat farm in California in November 2024. Public health experts say the detection in the U.S. may pave the way for “unpredictable new viruses” that could affect animals and humans alike. – Agriculture Dive
Rose Acre Farms hit with bird flu
Rose Acre Farms chain, the second-largest egg producer in the U.S. confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza at its Cort Acre Egg Farm in Indiana. As of Jan. 29, no other Rose Acre Farms locations in Indiana had tested positive for HPAI. The Indiana State Board of Animal Health is working with the farm to ensure it follows measures to stop the spread. – Indiana Prairie Farmer
Zeldin confirmed as EPA administrator
The Senate voted 56-42 to confirm Lee Zeldin as the 17th Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday. Zeldin served in the New York State Senate from 2011 to 2014 and later represented New York in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2015 to 2023. The confirmation garnered support across agriculture sectors as leaders hope to reverse course on policies seen as overreach. - Feedstuffs
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