The Russian invasion of Ukraine is pushing food prices higher, disrupting seasonal agriculture in the area, and pushing futures grain markets up. A high pathogenic avian influenza has been reported in 14 states in the U.S. And March 7th to the 11th is American Farm Bureau Ag Safety Awareness Program Week.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is affecting commodity futures markets for both corn and wheat, and could affect fertilizer prices if an embargo goes into place. And a recent report points out the downside of confined feeding operations that can house hundreds of animals in small areas.

New research shows corn ethanol and other biofuels are not cutting carbon emissions overall, soil loss from cultivated cropland in the U.S. continues to be a problem, and recently published data show that 2021 saw the highest level of U.S. agricultural exports ever.

Fertilizer and herbicide costs skyrocket for farmers, product innovation aims to curb methane emissions from cattle, and the Colorado State University Extension offers presentations on a variety of agriculture-related topics for local producers.

USDA reports show that fewer cows will likely lead to higher beef costs, while the overall farm economy might be more robust than expected. Climate change leads to higher insurance payments to farmers for floods and drought, and vertical farming starts to see some investment.

A dry January brings back drought concerns, water managers across the Southwest continue to make tough decisions, and the Colorado Agricultural Drought Advisors will offer a drought training program for farmers and ranchers.

Good economic conditions in agriculture led to the lowest non-real estate agriculture lending in nearly a decade, John Deere demonstrates their first fully autonomous tractor, and the EPA will now consider the Endangered Species Act when evaluating new pesticides.

Trump administration tariffs result in billions paid to U.S. agricultural producers, meat costs fall while overall food costs are rising, the Colorado State University Extension is offering webinars on gardening, and a look at local precipitation in 2021.

Survey of agricultural producers shows positive outlook but lingering concerns, records indicate Denver received less precipitation than Death Valley in the last six months of 2021, and fast food restaurants continue to offer new plant-based menu options.

Opportunities and threats to agricultural businesses in the new year, including the prospect of cultivated "artificial" meat products and their potential impact on farmers and ranchers.