USDA: Honey bee populations in the United States are relatively stable
Data source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. honey bee colony numbers are showing modest but measurable growth, even as beekeepers continue to battle persistent losses from parasites and seasonal stressors. According to the latest USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service report released August 3, 2026, operations with five or more colonies counted 2.81 million colonies nationwide on January 1, 2026, a 6% increase over the previous year
Late frost leaves Virginia peach crop uneven, but local flavor still shines
Source: Virginia Farm Bureau PINEY RIVER, VA — Virginia peach shoppers may need to be flexible this summer, as a series of spring freezes left many orchards with light crops—or none at all. But in parts of Central Virginia, including Nelson County, surviving trees are still producing the kind of sun-warmed peaches that make the season worth seeking out. Image credit - Jeff Ishee The uneven crop follows an exceptionally cold spring that struck fruit trees during vulnerable sta
Georgia Farm Bureau taking Hay Contest entries until Oct. 30
Want to know how your Bermudagrass hay stacks up against that of other Georgia farmers? Enter the 35th Annual Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Quality Bermudagrass Hay Contest by Oct. 30. In addition to bragging rights, the first-place winner will receive the free use of a Vermeer wheel rake for one year, courtesy of the Vermeer Corporation. The winner will have the option to buy the rake at a reduced price at the end of the year. Hay entered in the contest will be tested at a Unive
Support local agriculture during National Farmers' Market Week
MIDLOTHIAN—National Farmers' Market Week, observed Aug. 2-8, is an opportunity to support local agriculture by visiting a farmers' market and recognizing the many benefits they provide. Beyond offering a wide variety of products, farmers' markets play an important role in stimulating local economies, strengthening communities, increasing access to fresh food, and preserving farmland and rural livelihoods. Fresh, locally grown peaches are always popular at farmers' markets. Im
July Cattle Report signals stabilizing cattle herd
Source: American Farm Bureau Federation Total cattle inventory increased slightly for the first time since 2018, but the beef cow herd fell to 28.5 million head, a record low for the July report, indicating herd rebuilding remains limited. WASHINGTON, DC - USDA’s July Cattle Inventory report offers a critical midyear snapshot of the U.S. cattle herd, including an estimate of the year’s calf crop. Released in tandem with USDA’s monthly Cattle on Feed report, the two datasets t
Clemson hosts Organic Certification Essentials workshop
Source - Clemson University July 29, 2026 - As consumer demand for organic food continues to rise, Clemson University is helping South Carolina farmers capitalize on one of agriculture’s fastest-growing markets by equipping producers with the knowledge, technical support and financial resources needed to create certified organic operations and succeed in business. That mission was on full display during Clemson’s two-day Organic Certification Essentials workshop, where commer
NC confirms first finding of yellow-legged hornet in the state, asks beekeepers to watch for predator hornet
Source: NCDA&CS RALEIGH – The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has confirmed the first established presence of the invasive yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) in the state, in Matthews. According to USDA, the yellow-legged hornet is an aggressive predator of honey bees, including domestic and feral colonies. Hornets hover outside hives, kill worker bees, and may eventually enter the hive to consume brood and honey. Image credit NCDACS Yellow-L
Ag Progress Days to spotlight agricultural robotics
Source: Penn State University UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Visitors to Penn State’s Ag Progress Days, slated for Aug. 11-13, will have an opportunity to experience the latest advances in agricultural robotics and automation through the debut of the FIRA Robotics Village East Coast, an exhibit of cutting-edge technologies designed to address labor shortages, improve efficiency and support the future of farming. Penn State’s Ag Progress Days will debut the FIRA Robotics Village East
Soybean conditions in Virginia are relatively stable, while pastures, peanuts, and cotton are slowly deteriorating.
Data provided by USDA NASS Commentary by Jeff Ishee Virginia Field Crop Conditions for July 19 Takeaway point - Soybeans across Virginia are relatively stable, while pastures, peanuts, and cotton are slowly deteriorating. Source: USDA NASS report at 4PM on Monday, July 20, 2026 * Topsoil moisture – 20% very short; 42% short; 37% adequate; 1% surplus Soil moisture has declined statewide due to hot, sunny days and high evaporation rates. The “adequate” soil moisture category is
The most trusted people in America
Op-ed provided by American Farm Bureau Federation by Terri Moore, VP of Communications Do Americans mistrust farmers and ranchers? If you ask most farmers and ranchers, they’ll say they absolutely think that’s the case. I understand why. There are loud voices critical of agriculture that can quickly fill a room or social media platform. It can seem like they speak for all Americans. Here's the simple truth: they do not. Farmers are some of the most trusted people in America.
