agriculture

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is expecting a strong corn and soybean harvest this year. But low crop prices, high input costs and international trade uncertainty could hurt farmers.

Several states, including Missouri, Illinois and Indiana, are in moderate to severe drought. Climatologists say it’s unlikely to let up soon.

China typically buys close to half of the soybeans grown in the U.S. But the ongoing trade war means farmers in the Midwest must consider other options — and none are as profitable.

Popcorn festivals and even "popcorn capitals of the world" dot the middle of the country. Yet this ubiquitous snack is grown on fewer than 1,000 farms in the U.S. today.

The quarterly Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade used to include data tables of imports and exports, plus a written analysis. But the last two reports have only included the data, leaving readers to do guesswork on the trends behind the numbers.

A plan to disperse Washington-based USDA jobs to five hubs, including Kansas City and Indianapolis, is making waves across agriculture. Critics say the shakeup could hobble the agency, while proponents say it will move staff closer to farmers and save money.

Beef prices have hit record highs, yet American consumers haven’t stopped buying it. A look at what’s behind the steep price increase and when they might come down.

Weeds are a challenge for every farmer. The annual Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day showcases solutions beyond herbicides.

State fairs offer tradition, blue ribbons and fried classics like funnel cakes. And many fairgoers have traditions of their own. Harvest Public Media takes an audio tour of four state fairs around the Midwest. Also, Kansas is known for its massive wheat production, but it has fallen behind because of a lack of new hybrids. Seed companies and universities are making changes that could impact the farmers, and economy, of Kansas.

State fairs are a big draw this time of year for millions of visitors. Whether it's getting a chance to pet a newborn calf, take a ride in a giant plastic ball or eat any number of fried foods, going to the fair is always an experience.

After Kansas City native Brett Janssen met his fiancé Genisis Mejia in Colombia, the couple bought a 50-acre farm in the Andes Mountains. Now Janssen will make the 2,700-mile journey bringing coffee beans back to Janssen's Place Coffee, which opens in October.

Kansas is an important “breadbasket” state because of its massive wheat production, but in recent years that’s been changing. With poor profits and drier climates, wheat has been harder to manage. New innovations could rejuvenate the economy and production of the wheat state.