John Phipps: One Man Against the Wilderness

U.S. ag is suffering from a labor shortage that could increase production costs and consumer food prices if not addressed through visa reform to provide better access to the foreign-born workers on which it depends.

An unexpected wind burst during a routine summer thunderstorm toppled the largest tree in John Phipps' yard. He calculates he will have handled enough board feet of lumber to qualify for a trade war. But the real loss is the missing tooth smile of his western skyline. Just like you can’t make old friends, remember you can’t plant old trees.

It appears there might be a fair amount of crop insurance claims for this year's crops. Farmers who normally sell more than 50% of their crops after the year of harvest can defer their crop insurance proceeds to the year after damage — but only the proceeds related to yield can be deferred.

Canadian wheat crop struggles are not yet reflected in crop estimates, Senate Republicans block debate on infrastructure and China is dealing with major flooding.

Next time you eat out, you could be paying more for your meal. The reasons why in today's AgDay Minute.

It’s time to celebrate a farmer’s best friend–those cattle-herding, chicken-guarding, vermin-controlling canine companions. Help us pick the 10 top dogs in the U.S. with America’s Best Farm Dog Contest, brought to you by New Holland. Voting closes Aug. 25 at noon central. The winning pup will be announced Aug. 26 during Farm Journal Field Days.