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Key points: Virginia’s cotton yield was estimated at 1,093 pounds per acre in 2025, which was 29 pounds below 2024. Cotton prices in mid‑2025 hovered around 65 cents per pound, a level Virginia growers described as "unprofitable" given high input costs. For 2026, an optimistic price range is 69–73 cents, while a pessimistic range is 61–66 cents. Heavy spring rainfall in 2025 prevented some Virginia farmers—especially in Southampton County—from planting all intended acres befo

Source: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 11, 2026) – The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced more than $44 million in grant awards to support water quality improvement, habitat restoration, and community stewardship efforts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The 72 grants will leverage nearly $31 million in non-federal matching contributions to generate a total conservat

Source: American farm Bureau Federation Key Takeaways Chapter 12 bankruptcies increased for the second year in a row , reaching 315 filings in 2025. This is a 46% increase from 2024. The Midwest and Southeast filed 121 and 105 Chapter 12 cases , respectively, far outpacing any other regions. Deep crop losses across commodities common in these two regions have compounded after years of declining receipts and rising expenses. Families must earn the majority of their income from

by Ryan Hanrahan, University of Illinois' FarmDoc project Urbana, IL -- Feb. 6, 2026 -- Reuters' P.J. Huffstutter reported that "in a sign of growing stress for U.S. farmers, the Agriculture Department forecast on Thursday that U.S. net farm income would fall 0.7% this year, despite near-record government payments that are expected to account for nearly 29% of producers' bottom line." "Net farm income, a broad measure of profitability in the agricultural economy, is forecast

Source: The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) and CattleFax NASHVILLE, TN - Cattle and beef prices are forecast to average steady to higher in 2026, with risk increasing later in the year as markets anticipate larger supplies in 2027. Cow-calf producers are expected to retain the strongest leverage as the cycle turns, supporting continued profitability for several more years. CattleFax forecast the average 2026 fed steer price at $224/cwt., steady from 2025. All c

Source: Virginia Farm Bureau ASHLAND, VA — Beneath the ice-glazed blanket of snow testing Virginians’ patience is the promise of a verdant spring. While frozen conditions disrupt life on the street level, plants and grasses are insulated from extreme cold as slow-melting snow provides steady moisture and atmospheric nutrients. A winter storm in late January created a dense snowpack in many parts of Virginia. Image credit - Jeff Ishee Depending on conditions, soil-enriching e

by Jeff Ishee February 2, 2026 - We were recently invited to take an owner-guided tour of Noer Vineyards in Verona, Virginia. According to owner John Noer, the operation recently opened for limited sales after several years of construction and planting. When the entire acreage is under vine (approx. 200 acres), it will be one of the largest family-owned vineyards in the Mid-Atlantic region. Stunning view from atop the ridge where the future tasting room may be situated. This

by Jeff Ishee Updated Jan. 30, 2026 - A surge of Arctic air pushed sub‑zero temperatures into the Mid‑Atlantic region in late January, raising serious concerns for livestock producers already battling frozen ground, icy winds, and strained infrastructure. Reports have been received about collapsed poultry houses and greenhouses due to heavy sleet and snow. Barns, hay sheds, and other farm facilities also did not survive the storm in some areas. Agricultural experts warn that

by Jeff Ishee Early assessments show the region’s agriculture sector suffered far more damage than was first believed. ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VA — Farmers across the Shenandoah Valley are still digging out after a late January winter storm. Early assessments show the region’s agriculture sector suffered far more damage than was first believed. Image credit - Farmer who would like to remain anonymous Officials with Virginia Cooperative Extension and the USDA’s Farm Service Agency

source: Deere news release Moline, IL -- In keeping with our strong tradition of building America, we are excited to announce plans to open two new U.S.-based facilities: a state-of-the-art distribution center near Hebron, Indiana, and a cutting-edge excavator factory in Kernersville, North Carolina, both set to open in the next year. "Our investment in these new facilities underscores John Deere's dedication to strengthening the backbone of American industry and supporting