Agriculture

If an extension or replacement bill isn't passed by the new year, there could be major consequences for farmers and consumers.

"I thought I'm gonna have so much income," said April Hemmes. "But all my inputs were all that much higher."

In August, agricultural exports were about 20% lower than the same time a year ago, according to the Commerce Department. That's because export volumes have fallen, and ag prices are coming off of recent highs.

After a cold spring and unseasonably hot and dry summer, Patrick Smith of Yakima is seeing some abnormalities in when his crops mature.

Weather extremes have threatened global olive oil supplies for the second year as the appetite for EVOO grows in the U.S.

Listener Grant Cohoe says he's "not a fan of mint" and asks: "Why it is that mint is so ubiquitous in toothpaste, mouthwash and the like?"

Unfavorable weather in the Southeast and Midwest has made for a national peach shortage. The lack of supply means prices have climbed between 25-50% this summer in some markets.

And consumers of all income levels are adopting creative strategies to make their dollars stretch farther.

After the loan repayment assistance program was scrapped, the USDA is having trouble regaining the trust of Black farmers.

It takes a "that's farming, buddy!" attitude — and crop insurance helps, too.