US Farm Numbers Drop 8% Since 2018
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 2:13PM CST
U.S. agriculture lost 15,000 farms in 2025, continuing a seven-year consolidation trend. Only operations exceeding $1 million in sales grew.
Bayer Settles Roundup Cases for $7.3B
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 1:24PM CST
Bayer and Roundup plaintiff attorneys have proposed a $7.3 billion settlement for Roundup-related non-Hodgkin lymphoma claims.
Smithfield Invests $1.3B in South Dakota
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 12:49PM CST
Smithfield Foods will invest up to $1.3 billion to build a new 1.1 million square-foot meat processing facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, replacing their century-old plant. Construction begins in early 2027, with completion expected by late 2028, supporting over 3,200 jobs and local hog farmers.
New Farm Bill on Pesticides, Prop 12
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 7:01AM CST
The new farm bill contains a range of provisions and studies, including regulatory changes for both pesticides and livestock production, likely setting up some partisan divisions as the bill advances. The bill also addresses Sustainable Aviation Fuel, solar farms and examines new possible crop insurance policies.
