Ed Maixner

Though a grocery shopper may remain oblivious to the financial collapse of Dean Foods, a major milk processor and manufacturer, the industry is guessing how the firm's trip though Chapter 11 bankruptcy and expected sale to the Dairy Farmers of America will all shake out.

For U.S. red meat exporters, it's been touch and go with their major markets for two to three years, yet their foreign sales keep growing robustly, and they hope to set records again in 2020.

Meat exporters’ scouts abroad describe plant-based meat substitutes as popular in spots, a curiosity or absent in others, and too pricey so far in most places.

Federal dollars have been a major catalyst in advancing renewable power, but industry officials say that government support going forward could be affected by proposed federal regulatory revisions and possible action in Congress. 

With solar and wind power systems getting cheaper and coal prices steadily rising, America's rural areas are, often with the help of grants, loans, and tax breaks, getting in step with the global pursuit of renewable power.

USDA programs to boost fresh produce consumption and local food marketing are still stumbling toward release of FY 2019 grant funds.

Researchers are peeling back the onion to produce a closer geographic view of farm product and food transfers across the U.S.