Farm Futures logo

7 ag stories you can’t miss – January 31, 20257 ag stories you can’t miss – January 31, 2025

Learn more about the new administrator of the EPA, the continued spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, tips to lower fertilizer costs and more!

Rachel Schutte, Content Producer

January 31, 2025

3 Min Read
7 ag stories you can't miss
Getty Images

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

About the Author

Rachel Schutte

Content Producer, Farm Futures

Rachel Schutte joined the Farm Progress team in 2021 as the content producer for Farm Futures. With a deep-rooted passion for agriculture and sustainability, Rachel brings a wealth of experience to her role. Before joining Farm Progress, she worked as a certified crop adviser at Insight FS and as communications manager for the American Society of Agronomy.

Growing up around her family's dairy farms in central Wisconsin, Rachel developed a firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing producers. This background fuels her dedication to delivering timely, accurate and relevant agricultural news to farmers across the country, ensuring they have the information they need to succeed amidst their busy schedules.

Rachel now resides in Northeast Iowa, where she farms corn and soybeans and raises cattle with her husband and his family. She embraces her creative side by running a hobby business growing flowers and crafting items she sells at local farmers markets and craft fairs. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Rachel is currently pursuing her master's degree at West Virginia University.

Subscribe to receive top agriculture news
Be informed daily with these free e-newsletters

You May Also Like