Daily Radio Reports Focused on Agriculture & Rural Issues!

October 13, 2026 - USDA’s October 9 crop report projects another strong harvest for both corn and soybeans, with yields rising despite a season marked by uneven weather across the Midwest. Soybean yields are projected to set a new all-time record in 2026, according to USDA. Image credit: Jeff Ishee Corn yields are now forecast at 181.2 bushels per acre, up 2.7 bushels from September, pushing production to 16.0 billion bushels, the second‑largest crop on record. Soybeans are

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026/National FFA Organization) - More than 70,000 FFA members, advisors and supporters are expected to head to Indianapolis this month for the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo. This year’s event runs from Oct. 21-24 with activities happening at the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana State Fairgrounds, local hotels, and several other locations around the state. Image credit - National FFA The Nat

Source: GA Farm Bureau Farmers are seeing some relief from the cost of diesel fuel – both for highway and off-road use – after state and federal executive orders suspended taxes and penalties related to both. In Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp issued an executive order on Sept. 28 suspending collection of state motor fuel taxes on regular gas and on-road diesel until Oct. 29. The order also removed state weight limits on commercial vehicles, allowing truck weights to 95,000 pounds.

by Alexandra McLaughlin / Penn State University UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The calendar says harvest season. For some Pennsylvania orchards, there is little produce to show for it. Damaging April freezes wiped out much of the state’s tree fruit, with some growers losing nearly everything and others harvesting only a fraction of a normal yield. A tree full of apples is a relatively rare sight in Pennsylvania this harvest season. Image credit - Jeff Ishee “This freeze has hit fruit

DOSWELL, VA—Virginia farmers facing physical challenges and accessibility needs now have a new source of financial support designed to help them continue working safely and independently. The Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability, or VA FAIRS, launched its Agri-Ability Fund Oct. 3 during the Sale of Champions at the State Fair of Virginia. The organization presented the fund’s inaugural award of $24,480 to longtime livestock show competitor

A growing number of forestry and agriculture officials are warning residents not to transport firewood across county lines, citing the risk of spreading destructive invasive insects. Pests such as the emerald ash borer, spongy moth, Asian long-horned beetle, and spotted lanternfly often hide inside or on the surface of firewood, allowing them to “hitchhike” into new areas where they can devastate crops, hardwoods, and even entire forests. Here's a sample advisory from the Vir

Source: American farm Bureau Federation Four start-up companies offering agricultural innovations have advanced to compete for a top prize of $100,000 in the 2027 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, continues to elevate the importance of entrepreneurship in agriculture through the contest. “The future of agriculture is being shaped by innovators like these four finalists,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall.

Source: Univ. of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources by Kimbra Cutlip University of Maryland researchers and their colleagues found that after an H5N1 bird flu outbreak on dairy farms, cats were more likely to have bird flu antibodies the closer they were to the farms. Their study appears in the September 2026 issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases. Image Credit - Roger Antunes / Pexels “As bird flu surges worldwide, our study—though small in geographic scale

HENRICO, VA — Some farmers are expanding their income by offering RVers the chance to camp on-site and experience a little farm life. Through Harvest Hosts, an online platform that connects RVers with unique overnight stays, agricultural operations are welcoming travelers, increasing exposure and creating new opportunities to connect visitors with rural communities. According to Harvest Hosts, members have generated over $200 million in revenue for local communities. Staying

Source: Farm Credit Knowledge Center As harvest season begins across Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland, many producers are focused on bringing in crops, managing livestock and preparing for changing weather. While fall is one of the busiest times of the year, it is also one of the best opportunities to set next year's operation up for success. Image credit - Mark Stebnicki A few proactive steps this season can help improve soil health, protect equipment, strengthen financi