Harvest Public Media

Community-supported agriculture has been a popular way for people to buy produce from local farms for decades. There's new pressure on farmers to offer more customization and convenience – but some CSA supporters worry that may dilute the original purpose.

Farm organizations were in different stages of a grant process when the U.S. Department of Agriculture cut dozens of projects to help underserved farmers access land and capital. Agriculture leaders say the termination deals a blow to future farmers.

Ornate box turtles and their kin face steep challenges in today’s world, but people can help out by raising the deck height on their mowers, allowing turtles to cross the road and not taking them home as pets.

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital trade passageway, remains virtually closed due to the war in Iran. That’s driven up the prices of key agricultural necessities, which could remain high into next year.

Across Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma, large wildfires ripped through pastures, cropland, farm structures and homes. To prevent future loss of life and property, wildfire experts say collaboration, prevention and sacrifice will be necessary.

Once considered a premium option, buying beef in bulk from a rancher has become comparatively affordable as retail prices rise. But it requires paying more upfront — and enough freezer space.

New research out of Ohio State University found the rate of bird decline was quicker in areas with more intense agricultural practices.

Across the central U.S., nitrate from crop fertilizer and livestock facilities is seeping into water underground. Many family wells are no longer safe to drink from without pricey treatment.

Severe weather is happening more frequently as the climate changes, adding to an ever-growing list of challenges for U.S. farmers. From sudden temperature swings to floods, these events can have serious consequences for farms and ranches.

Some close watchers of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s budget aren’t thrilled with the Trump administration’s proposal — but they're hopeful some of the suggested cuts won’t make it in the final spending plans passed by Congress.