U.S. Department of Agriculture

Advancements in CRISPR agricultural gene editing

2 clusters · 4 sources · last updated about 21 hours ago

Latest: CRISPR-Combo technology accelerates perennial crop regeneration

Recent advancements in CRISPR gene-editing technology have demonstrated new capabilities in agricultural biotechnology. Initial research focused on the precise modification of complex polyploid crops, specifically the ‘

US screwworm reemergence and record measles surge

7 clusters · 26 sources · last updated 1 day ago

Latest: Texas horse infected with New World screwworm

In mid-2026, the U.S. faced a dual crisis involving a record measles surge of 2,295 cases—the highest since 1991—and the reemergence of the New World screwworm after a 44-year absence. The parasite, which moves north fro

Taylor Farms manages expanding Cyclospora and Salmonella

50 clusters · 1150 sources · last updated 1 day ago

Latest: Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce linked to record U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak

Taylor Farms continues to manage two distinct food safety crises involving Cyclospora and Salmonella. The Cyclospora cayetanensis outbreak, linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, has reached unprecedente

US funding negotiations and SAVE America Act standoff

14 clusters · 106 sources · last updated 1 day ago

Latest: U.S. Government funded through December 11 via continuing resolution

The rift between Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader John Thune has deepened throughout August. Trump has reportedly moved his frequent communications to House Speaker Mike Johnson, while his contact with Thune has d

U.S. food safety and outbreak concerns

3 clusters · 18 sources · last updated 1 day ago

Latest: Listeria contamination triggers food recalls in Chile and the United States

In August 2026, several major food recalls were issued in the United States due to bacterial risks and physical contamination. These included a nationwide voluntary recall of Outshine Fruit Bars by Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cre

US beef import tariffs and industry restructuring

19 clusters · 371 sources · last updated 1 day ago

Latest: U.S. beef industry faces export collapse in China and domestic import uncertainty

The suspension of out-of-quota tariffs on up to 300,000 metric tons of imported lean beef trimmings officially commenced on September 1, 2026. This 90-day waiver, which allows imports at a 25% lower tariff rate, is inten

US beef prices hit record highs; herd at 75-year low

24 clusters · 51 sources · last updated 2 days ago

Latest: Beef market values shift as cattle harvest volumes decline

U.S. beef prices have surged to record levels as the national cattle inventory hits its lowest point in 75 years. Entering 2026, the herd stood at approximately 86.2 million cattle and calves, down from 94.7 million in 2

US-Mexico cattle trade and trade negotiation dynamics

27 clusters · 75 sources · last updated 2 days ago

Latest: Cattle and hog futures show mixed movement amid policy shifts

In August 2026, the US-Mexico cattle trade began a phased reopening to manage the New World screwworm. Following a 14-month closure, the USDA scheduled the first reopening for 24 August at the Douglas, Arizona, port, wit

Global blueberry industry expansion and challenges

4 clusters · 13 sources · last updated 2 days ago

Latest: Blueberry industry sees rising Peruvian supply and U.S. program renewal

The global blueberry industry continues to expand, with production reaching 2.33 million tonnes in 2025 and projections suggesting it could exceed 3.36 million tonnes by 2029. This growth is driven by maturing plantation

Seasonal gardening: Transitioning from August to autumn

39 clusters · 190 sources · last updated 2 days ago

Latest: Autumn gardening: Benefits of planting for biodiversity and resilience

As the transition from August to autumn progresses, gardening activities shift toward winter preparation, landscaping, and spring planning. September remains a critical period for planting spring-blooming bulbs such as n

Extreme heat in Iowa

2 clusters · 4 sources · last updated 3 days ago

Latest: Iowa faces record heat impacting agriculture and university community

Iowa experienced an extreme heatwave in early September, with average weekly temperatures reaching 79.8 degrees Fahrenheit, which was more than 11 degrees above normal. In response to high temperatures and heat indices

US SNAP penalties and work requirements drive enrollment

17 clusters · 62 sources · last updated 3 days ago

Latest: SNAP funding cuts threaten US school meal programs

The USDA’s FY 2025 SNAP error rate of 10.62%—amounting to roughly $10 billion in improper payments—has triggered cost-sharing provisions under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Starting October 1, 2027, states with error r

Trump administration moves to rescind national Roadless Rule

9 clusters · 99 sources · last updated 3 days ago

Latest: USDA considers repeal of Roadless Area Conservation Rule

The Trump administration, via the U.S. Forest Service and the USDA, has formally proposed to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. This policy protects between 44 and 59 million acres of National Forest Syste

Hawaii recovers from Lala as federal aid is approved

14 clusters · 344 sources · last updated 4 days ago

Latest: Hurricane Lala devastates Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

Recovery efforts in Hawaii continue following the impact of Hurricane Lala, which caused significant destruction, including the loss of at least 100 homes, widespread power outages, and at least two confirmed deaths. Whi

US SNAP sugary beverage restriction policies

2 clusters · 4 sources · last updated 4 days ago

Latest: USDA manages legal challenges and delays regarding SNAP beverage restrictions

Under the “Make America Healthy Again” agenda, several U.S. states have implemented or proposed waivers to restrict the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for sugary beverages. Research indi

US school meal program funding and SNAP eligibility changes

3 clusters · 4 sources · last updated 5 days ago

Latest: SNAP cuts threaten access to free school meals for US students

Changes to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are impacting school meal accessibility across the United States. Following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which introduced stricter

US-Mexico screwworm outbreak: containment and human impact

139 clusters · 448 sources · last updated 6 days ago

Latest: Horse smuggling threatens U.S. efforts to contain New World screwworm

The New World screwworm outbreak continues to impact the U.S.–Mexico border, with containment efforts facing new biosecurity challenges. While the USDA-APHIS has lifted the infested zone in New Mexico following a single

US USDA agricultural and livestock initiatives

2 clusters · 16 sources · last updated 6 days ago

Latest: Donald Trump criticizes Mexico trade while launching U.S. cattle initiatives

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced several initiatives focused on school nutrition and the domestic livestock sector. Under the ‘Make America Healthy Again’ agenda, the ‘Harvest to Hallways’ program

US grocery price inflation persists, consumer concern rises

13 clusters · 53 sources · last updated 7 days ago

Latest: US consumers highlight rising grocery costs through viral social media hauls

By late August 2026, US grocery prices continue to drive significant consumer concern and dietary shifts. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that nationwide grocery prices rose 2.7% over the year end

Puerto Rico drought expands to 40% of territory

23 clusters · 77 sources · last updated 8 days ago

Latest: Puerto Rico faces extreme drought affecting 40% of territory

The water crisis in Puerto Rico has intensified as extreme drought conditions expand. While previously affecting 33% of the territory, approximately 40.99% of the island is now classified under extreme drought (D3), with

US proposal to repeal Roadless Rule

2 clusters · 6 sources · last updated 9 days ago

Latest: Trump administration proposes repeal of U.S. Roadless Rule

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proposed a full repeal of the 2001 Roadless Rule, which has protected approximately 44 to 45 million acres of undeveloped national forest land from road construction, commerc

Mexico resumes livestock exports to US via Sonora

16 clusters · 130 sources · last updated 9 days ago

Latest: Livestock exports from Sonora to US delayed until September 8

Mexico’s sterile-fly campaign against the New World screwworm continues to expand. After releasing 2.5 million sterile flies in Parral, the program added 10,000 traps and intensified vehicle inspections in Puebla, traini

2 clusters · 7 sources · last updated 9 days ago

Latest: C3 AI reports $52.4 million in quarterly revenue and 73% increase in bookings

Household bacterial contamination and hygiene

5 clusters · 9 sources · last updated 9 days ago

Latest: Kitchen hygiene: why daily dishcloth replacement is essential

Research indicates that common household items often harbor higher bacterial loads than toilet seats. Studies have identified kitchen sponges as potentially the dirtiest items in many homes, with some capable of hosting

USDA agricultural data modernization initiative

2 clusters · 8 sources · last updated 10 days ago

Latest: USDA announces Data Modernization Plan to improve agricultural reporting

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has initiated a Data Modernization Plan to improve the accuracy of agricultural reporting and reduce the administrative burden on producers. Announced by Secretary Brook

USDA California walnut procurement

2 clusters · 3 sources · last updated 11 days ago

Latest: USDA to purchase $30 million in California walnuts

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced plans to purchase $30 million in California walnuts using its Section 32 authority. This procurement follows a $15 million purchase made earlier in 2026, bring

Spotted lanternfly spread in Northeastern US

2 clusters · 4 sources · last updated 15 days ago

Latest: Spotted lanternfly detected for first time in New Hampshire

The invasive spotted lanternfly, a planthopper native to Asia, continues to expand its presence across the Northeastern United States. In August 2026, populations were observed throughout New Jersey, with sightings occur

US cost of living and food insecurity escalation

2 clusters · 6 sources · last updated 15 days ago

Latest: Rising cost of living impacts food security and workplace productivity

Rising costs for food, rent, and energy are creating widespread financial strain in the United States. Initially, reports highlighted how food inflation—noted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a 3% increase betwee

Feeding Our Future pandemic fraud case

2 clusters · 9 sources · last updated 16 days ago

Latest: Feeding Our Future fraud defendants sentenced to federal prison

The Feeding Our Future fraud case involves a conspiracy to steal over $240 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds intended for child nutrition programs. The scheme utilized bogus businesses as food distribution sites t

Nebraska wildfire response and agricultural relief

2 clusters · 2 sources · last updated 18 days ago

Latest: USDA extends wildfire assistance deadline for Nebraska counties

Following devastating wildfires in Nebraska, legislative and administrative efforts have focused on both long-term preparedness and immediate relief for agricultural producers. To improve future response capabilities, S