farming

Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall, a Republican in a solidly GOP state, is locked in a close reelection bid in part because of his support for President Donald Trump's trade wars, tariffs and war with Iran. The race is a toss-up and could go to Democrat Adam Hamilton.

The part of the state that produces beef, milk and grain for our region is running out of water. But plans to save the aquifer are under attack for doing either too much or too little.

Farmers are cutting less hay this year due to persistent drought, the soaring price of fuel and a new pest. That’s driving up the cost for livestock producers, who often rely on hay to feed their animals during the winter.

Higher fuel costs touch every branch of the economy, but food distributors are especially vulnerable to price increases. A farmer and food bank leader discuss how more expensive gas is affecting their operations.

According to AAA, Missouri diesel hit $5.91 a gallon last month, which is $2.50 more than a year ago. Those record prices are squeezing Missouri farmers, testing the state's cattle-and-crop economy and raising concerns about fertilizer costs.

After the USDA admitted in 1997 that its programs had routinely discriminated against Black farmers, tens of thousands of them sued the federal government. A judge ultimately ruled in their favor, and farmers were promised nearly $2.2 billion in compensation. But all of these years later, some victims — including in the historic town of Nicodemus, Kansas — still haven’t received anything.

More farmers are showing interest in sorghum, a drought-tolerant grain. The crop is poised to expand in the U.S. – especially if Americans start consuming it.

Harvest season is nearing for many farmers. But the railroads that transport their harvested grain have raised their shipping costs with record-high diesel prices. That could mean lower grain prices for growers.

Flock Safety cameras have sparked bipartisan uproar with many worried that the cameras, which scan license plates, infringe on privacy. Misuse of the cameras and their data has been documented across Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska. Also, more farmers are fixing up their decades-old equipment rather than buying new.

Conflicts in Iran and Russia are causing diesel prices to spike globally. That’s especially hurting U.S. farmers as they head into harvest season, the most fuel intensive period of the agricultural year.

After more than a century, the American Royal not only has its own home, but a whole campus near the Legends in Kansas City, Kansas. It boasts multiple barns, more than 1,500 horse stalls and eight arenas.

After trade talks between the countries fell apart last month, the Trump administration and Canada's leaders have rolled out new tariffs on everything from dairy products to machinery. Experts say farmers will likely feel the squeeze on both ends.