E108: Farmers Cope with Forever Chemicals

07/08/22 • 28 min

Since the now infamous occurrence of a class of compounds described as forever chemicals on a West Virginia farm years ago led to devastating consequences for animals and humans alike, EPA, state regulators, and scientists have been detecting PFAS across the country, in soil, water, and even human blood.
High concentrations of PFAS in some areas have led authorities to prohibit farmers in multiple states from selling their goods, from dairy and meat from exposed cattle to produce. DTN AG Policy Editor Chris Clayton has been keeping an eye on the evolving story around these PFAS cases in agriculture, and specifically on the policy response from USDA, EPA, and state and federal lawmakers.
He joins us today to unpack his latest reporting on the topic, to shed some light on why there’s so little information available on what the future might hold, and to flag what he’ll be watching as multiple cases in different states move forward

Previous Episode

E107: Can You Believe It's Already the June 30th Report?

The USDA’s June 30th acreage report has been long anticipated– as conditions over the months since the March prospective planting report have shifted considerably.
DTN’s lead analyst Todd Hultman joins us today to put the report’s findings into perspective– as ag markets have softened, and that trend looks to continue, despite market fundamentals.
Todd unpacks his expectations going into the report, as well as a bit of history around the reliability of June numbers. He also puts USDA’s estimates into the broader context as the conflict in Ukraine, high fuel prices, and uncertain weather continue to influence the market on a daily basis.
We’ll discuss stocks and outlooks for the major grains, total acreage numbers, and what summer weather and harvest might have in store.

Next Episode

E109: Staying on Top of Succession Planning

Transitioning a farm from one generation to the next is a many stepped process, some of which are legal or financial, but many more of which are personal, interpersonal, and emotional. And that can make this work really, really hard.
Today, DTN Special Correspondent Elizabeth Williams joins to talk more about her series on the process of succession planning. She’ll share wisdom she’s learned in her reporting, discuss the advice she’s heard from experts advisors and farmers who have been through the process themselves alike, and point listeners to valuable resources as they wade into their own planning journey.
We’ll discuss communication and fairness between on farm and off farm heirs, how to compensate recent returnees to the farm, and how to invest in the skills and abilities needed in the farms future leadership.