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Newmont's EVP Peter Toth sells $124,770 in common stockPrime Minister Andrew Holness unveiled a series of relief measures during the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) 81st annual conference on Sunday, targeting middle-income earners and vulnerable groups. He pledged to reduce the General Consumption Tax (GCT) on electricity from 15% to 7% and implement a national rollout of prepaid electricity meters. This initiative is expected to cost the government $1.5 billion annually. Holness also announced debt forgiveness for pensioners owing the National Water Commission for over two years and a partial write-off for disconnected accounts. These initiatives aim to address the high cost of living but drew skepticism from political analysts. Damion Gordon, a lecturer at UWI, noted that while the measures touch on key issues, broader concerns like crime, corruption, and healthcare remain inadequately addressed. Gordon emphasized that Holness must deliver these promises to counteract the opposition’s recent gains in polls and elections. Holness assured Jamaicans of the JLP’s capability to deliver on its promises, stating that the party is “not in a race” with the opposition and can campaign on a track record of achievements. However, he withheld announcing a general election date, dismissing calls from the People’s National Party (PNP). The initiatives are set to begin in 2025, with Holness projecting confidence in his administration’s ability to lead Jamaica through challenging times. Observers are waiting to see if the measures will resonate with voters amid growing opposition momentum ahead of next year’s elections. Showcase your business with a personalized page on McKoy’s News. Highlight your products or services with multiple photos, contact information, and detailed descriptions Capture attention with visually stunning banner ads that promote your brand across our website, reaching a large audience with every click. Tell your story with impactful video advertisements, designed to engage viewers and drive traffic to your business. Gain credibility and visibility with feature articles on McKoy’s News. Share your success stories, latest offerings, and expert insights with our readers. Contact us today and let McKoy’s News be your partner in success.
How to Watch Top 25 College Basketball Games – Sunday, November 24West Palm Beach, Florida–(Newsfile Corp. – November 25, 2024) – VVM, a leader in vape vending technology, introduces a comprehensive customer support system to revolutionize service response times. The vending machine industry faces increasing demands for reliable technical support and rapid response times. VVM recognizes these evolving needs in the modern vending landscape. This innovative company has developed a cutting-edge support system to address common challenges in vape vending machine operations. In this press release, VVM details its enhanced support service initiatives. The Need for Responsive Support in Modern Vape Vending Machines The vape vending industry continues to evolve with increasingly sophisticated technology. VVM understands that modern vending machines require specialized technical assistance and regular maintenance. Industry studies show that quick response times directly impact customer satisfaction and business continuity. Key challenges in modern vending operations include: When challenges arise with these advanced systems, immediate access to technical support becomes crucial for business continuity. Customers cannot afford extended machine downtime, directly impacting revenue and customer satisfaction levels. That’s why VVM understands that providing multiple support channels and guaranteed response times has become essential in the modern vape vending industry. This ensures operators can quickly resolve issues and maintain service standards. What Does Responsive Support Entail? Effective customer support in the vape vending industry encompasses multiple service layers. Equipment troubleshooting stands as a cornerstone of quality support services. Professional technicians must address issues quickly to minimize downtime. Essential elements of responsive support include: VVM’s New Support Plan VVM has implemented comprehensive vape vending solutions that prioritize customer satisfaction. Its enhanced support system introduces new features designed to streamline service delivery and maximize operational efficiency. The new system offers around-the-clock technical assistance availability and many of the essential support perks listed above or that one can find on their website https://vapevendingmachine.com/ . VVM prioritizes preventing service issues through the strategic implementation of high-quality components and user-friendly systems, allowing end-buyers to reach support at any time, day or night, when buying vapes. Its machines feature robust payment systems that accept multiple forms of payment, including credit cards, reducing common transaction-related support tickets. The company selects premium-grade materials for high-wear components like buttons, displays, and dispensing mechanisms, extending the lifespan of these frequently used parts to prevent common issues that create support tickets. The machines incorporate industrial-grade dispensing mechanisms designed to withstand heavy daily use. Additionally, their user interface design focuses on intuitive operation, featuring clear instructions and responsive touch screens that minimize user errors and related support calls. The company employs antimicrobial surfaces in all customer contact points, ensuring durability and safety while reducing maintenance needs. For More Information on Excellence in West Palm Beach Vending Support VVM leads the industry in customer-focused support solutions. Its commitment to excellence ensures reliable operation of vape vending equipment throughout West Palm Beach and surrounding areas. The company offers comprehensive vape vending service solutions backed by years of industry expertise. For professional vape vending support and service, businesses can reach VVM at (561) 933-4862, serving the entire West Palm Beach, FL, region with industry-leading vending solutions. ### To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/231300 #distroSan Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will miss Sunday's game against the Packers with a sore throwing shoulder
MAI Capital Management trimmed its position in UFP Industries, Inc. ( NASDAQ:UFPI – Free Report ) by 13.5% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 5,179 shares of the construction company’s stock after selling 808 shares during the quarter. MAI Capital Management’s holdings in UFP Industries were worth $680,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. UMB Bank n.a. raised its holdings in UFP Industries by 300.0% in the 3rd quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 192 shares of the construction company’s stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 144 shares during the period. Headlands Technologies LLC bought a new position in UFP Industries in the 2nd quarter valued at about $29,000. Signaturefd LLC raised its holdings in UFP Industries by 31.8% in the 3rd quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 315 shares of the construction company’s stock valued at $41,000 after acquiring an additional 76 shares during the period. Triad Wealth Partners LLC bought a new position in UFP Industries in the 2nd quarter valued at about $56,000. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC raised its holdings in UFP Industries by 84.2% in the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 512 shares of the construction company’s stock valued at $57,000 after acquiring an additional 234 shares during the period. 81.81% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. UFP Industries Stock Up 2.0 % Shares of UFPI opened at $133.07 on Friday. UFP Industries, Inc. has a 12 month low of $107.49 and a 12 month high of $139.54. The firm’s 50 day moving average is $130.63 and its 200-day moving average is $122.32. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.08 billion, a PE ratio of 18.30 and a beta of 1.39. The company has a current ratio of 4.31, a quick ratio of 3.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07. UFP Industries Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 16th. Investors of record on Monday, December 2nd will be given a dividend of $0.33 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 2nd. This represents a $1.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.99%. UFP Industries’s dividend payout ratio is 18.16%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have weighed in on UFPI shares. BMO Capital Markets increased their price target on shares of UFP Industries from $115.00 to $125.00 and gave the company a “market perform” rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Wedbush reissued an “outperform” rating and issued a $155.00 price target on shares of UFP Industries in a report on Monday, November 4th. Benchmark raised their target price on shares of UFP Industries from $133.00 to $155.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus raised their target price on shares of UFP Industries from $125.00 to $157.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, UFP Industries currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $148.00. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on UFPI UFP Industries Company Profile ( Free Report ) UFP Industries, Inc, through its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and markets wood and non-wood composites, and other materials in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. It operates through Retail, Packaging, and Construction segments. The Retail segment offers treated lumber products, including decking, fencing, lattice, and other products; pressure-treated and fire-retardant products used primarily for outdoor decking environments; and lawn and garden products, consisting of wood and vinyl fencing options, garden beds and planters, pergolas, picnic tables, and other landscaping products. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UFPI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for UFP Industries, Inc. ( NASDAQ:UFPI – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for UFP Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UFP Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Apple Vision Pro apps get a 5G boost with visionOS 2.2
Lebanon said Israeli strikes Thursday on the country's east and south killed 52 people, as raids also hit south Beirut and Hezbollah claimed its deepest attack on Israel in over a year. More than 11 months of cross-border fire between Israel and Hezbollah over the Gaza conflict escalated into all-out war in September, with Israel conducting an extensive bombing campaign, primarily targeting Hezbollah strongholds, and sending ground troops into southern Lebanon. "Israeli enemy strikes that targeted the Baalbek district" in east Lebanon's Bekaa Valley left "40 dead and 52 wounded", a health ministry statement said, listing tolls for 10 different locations. Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) said a couple and their four children were killed in a strike on a house in the village of Maqneh, while another couple and their young daughter were among 11 people killed in a raid on nearby Nabha. The ministry also reported "seven dead and 24 wounded" in "Israeli enemy strikes" on south Lebanon's Nabatiyeh district, and "five dead and 26 wounded" in strikes elsewhere in south Lebanon. In Israel, first responders said a man was killed after rocket fire from Lebanon hit the Galilee region in the country's north. In Beirut's southern suburbs, the NNA reported at least 12 strikes throughout Thursday, after relative calm while US envoy Amos Hochstein visited earlier this week, seeking to broker an end to the Israel-Hezbollah war. Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee on social media platform X issued several rounds of evacuation warnings for Beirut's southern suburbs, as well as areas in and around the southern coastal city of Tyre, but none for east Lebanon. AFPTV footage showed columns of smoke rising from the southern suburbs, usually a densely populated residential district but now largely emptied. Adraee said on X that the Israeli military "targeted a weapons depot, a command headquarters and terrorist infrastructure" belonging to Hezbollah in south Beirut. Amid a series of attack claims, Hezbollah said its fighters targeted "the Hatzor air base" near Israel's southern city of Ashdod, around 150 kilometres (90 miles) from Lebanon's southern border, "with a missile salvo" -- its deepest target in more than a year of hostilities. In 10 separate statements, Iran-backed Hezbollah said its fighters also targeted Israeli troops in and near the south Lebanon town of Khiam, including with artillery, rockets and drones. The NNA said "the enemy army" was "blowing up homes and residential buildings during its incursion into the town". Lebanon's official news agency and Hezbollah have reported fighting and air strikes in the Khiam area ever since Israeli ground troops first entered Lebanon on September 30. Earlier Thursday, United Nations special coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert visited Baalbek's UNESCO-listed archaeological area, after the UN's cultural body this week granted more than 30 heritage sites in Lebanon "provisional enhanced protection" amid the war. Lebanon's health ministry said Thursday that at least 3,583 people had been killed in the violence since October 2023. Most of the deaths have been since September this year. The Israeli military said Wednesday that three soldiers were killed in south Lebanon, bringing to 52 the number killed in Lebanon since the start of ground operations. bur-lg/givSustainable Agriculture: The Rise of Covered Food Crops
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The Tennessee Titans are showing signs of growing tougher. This time, they shook off eight sacks and three turnovers to stave off a third straight losing season for at least another week. The Titans not only scored the game-winning touchdown on a one-play drive in the fourth quarter, they also came up with back-to-back sacks. The second led to a safety, clinching a 32-27 win over the AFC South-leading Houston Texans. First-year coach Brian Callahan called how the Titans (3-8) responded crucial validation in the NFL where the only grading system is wins and losses. "We finally get a chance against a really good team on the road in the division to show what we’re made of," Callahan said. "This is the team we think we’re capable of being. It’s the team that I’ve believed in all year long." Running back Tony Pollard says the Titans have learned some important lessons that only come from fighting through adversity. They've had lots of that, which can wear out teams this late in the season. "Eventually, they’ll start turning over,” Pollard said. What’s working The offense. The Titans scored a season high in points and topped their game average with 20 points by halftime. Better yet was quarterback Will Levis both starting and finishing his first win of the season. Levis also completed his first 11 passes and connected with seven different receivers. Levis finished with 278 yards passing and threw two touchdown passes. Pollard also ran for 119 yards as the Titans played keep-away, holding the ball for more than 34 minutes. They finished with four plays of 27 yards or longer with Levis responsible for the three longest. What needs help Special teams. Coordinator Colt Anderson has been under pressure, which didn't ease after the Texans gave up an 80-yard return on the opening kickoff. The Titans then gave up a TD on the first play from scrimmage — only the fourth time that has happened in the NFL since 2000 and first since the Chargers in Week 7 in 2018. It didn't get better as rookie Jha'quan Jackson fumbled a punt recovered by Houston near midfield in the third quarter. The Titans allowed only a field goal. But special teams allowed the Texans to average 36.8 yards per kickoff return. Punter Ryan Stonehouse had a net average of 45.2 yards as he made up for a 38-yarder that counts as a shank for him with a 62-yarder early in the fourth to help flip the field. Stock up Tight end Chig Okonkwo. The fourth-round draft pick in 2022 scored a 70-yard catch-and-run touchdown that was the longest catch of his career. That one TD catch had more yards than Okonkwo had managed in any of his previous 44 games. It was enough as the game-winning TD. Stock down Levis completed his first 11 passes. He's completed 67.9% of his passes in his past three starts with five TD passes with only two interceptions with a 107.2 passer rating. Callahan likes those signs of improvement. “We definitely got to get the sack numbers down. ... We can't give up eight sacks a game and feel like it's going to be good enough,” Callahan said. The second-year quarterback has to be more aware of pressure to avoid sacks. The Titans offensive line hasn't helped much, but Levis took a beating, being sacked eight times by Houston. He's now been sacked 20 times in three straight starts since returning from a sprained AC joint in his right, throwing shoulder. He also had his third pick-6 this season. Injuries The Titans played Houston without starting safety Amari Hooker because of illness. Callahan said they will open the window for CB Chidobe Awuzie to practice in a possible return from injured reserve. Key number 35 — The number of times Levis has been sacked in eight games this season or more than all but three NFL quarterbacks. One of those? Houston’s C.J. Stroud, who was sacked for a safety to clinch Tennessee’s road win. Next steps A road win over the AFC South leader and defending champion could provide the confidence boost the Titans needed. They wrap up a two-game road swing by visiting Washington (7-5), which has lost three straight. The Titans play four of the final five inside the AFC South where their faint hope of reaching the postseason lies even as fans root for a high draft pick. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflQuest Partners LLC boosted its holdings in Cirrus Logic, Inc. ( NASDAQ:CRUS – Free Report ) by 67.4% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 5,466 shares of the semiconductor company’s stock after purchasing an additional 2,201 shares during the quarter. Quest Partners LLC’s holdings in Cirrus Logic were worth $679,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp raised its stake in Cirrus Logic by 9.7% during the first quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp now owns 8,444 shares of the semiconductor company’s stock valued at $776,000 after buying an additional 746 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Cirrus Logic by 2.1% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 6,363,188 shares of the semiconductor company’s stock worth $588,977,000 after purchasing an additional 128,393 shares during the last quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co boosted its stake in Cirrus Logic by 3.8% in the 1st quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 45,404 shares of the semiconductor company’s stock worth $4,201,000 after purchasing an additional 1,645 shares in the last quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund bought a new position in Cirrus Logic in the 1st quarter worth about $176,000. Finally, Quadrature Capital Ltd purchased a new stake in Cirrus Logic during the 1st quarter valued at about $278,000. Institutional investors own 87.96% of the company’s stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts have issued reports on CRUS shares. Susquehanna lifted their target price on shares of Cirrus Logic from $135.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a “positive” rating in a report on Monday, November 18th. StockNews.com lowered shares of Cirrus Logic from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Wednesday, November 6th. Barclays cut their target price on Cirrus Logic from $120.00 to $105.00 and set an “equal weight” rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, November 5th. KeyCorp boosted their price target on Cirrus Logic from $155.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price objective on Cirrus Logic from $165.00 to $140.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 5th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $132.50. Cirrus Logic Price Performance Shares of CRUS opened at $104.82 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.57 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.77 and a beta of 0.96. Cirrus Logic, Inc. has a one year low of $74.83 and a one year high of $147.46. The business has a fifty day moving average of $116.23 and a 200 day moving average of $123.04. Cirrus Logic ( NASDAQ:CRUS – Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 4th. The semiconductor company reported $2.25 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.02 by $0.23. The firm had revenue of $541.90 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $520.53 million. Cirrus Logic had a net margin of 17.19% and a return on equity of 18.15%. The business’s revenue for the quarter was up 12.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.43 EPS. Analysts expect that Cirrus Logic, Inc. will post 5.21 EPS for the current fiscal year. Cirrus Logic Company Profile ( Free Report ) Cirrus Logic, Inc, a fabless semiconductor company, develops low-power high-precision mixed-signal processing solutions in China, the United States, and internationally. The company offers audio products, including amplifiers; codecs components that integrate analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and digital-to-analog converters (DACs) into a single integrated circuit (IC); smart codecs, a codec with integrated digital signal processing; standalone digital signal processors; and SoundClear technology, which consists of a portfolio of tools, software, and algorithms that helps to enhance user experience with features, such as louder, high-fidelity sound, audio playback, voice capture, and hearing augmentation for use in smartphones, tablets, laptops, AR/VR headsets, home theater systems, automotive entertainment systems, and professional audio systems. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Cirrus Logic Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cirrus Logic and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .HOUSTON, Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The board of directors of APA Corporation APA has declared a regular cash dividend on the company's common shares. The dividend on common shares is payable Feb. 21, 2025, to stockholders of record on Jan. 22, 2025, at a rate of 25 cents per share on the corporation's common stock. About APA APA Corporation owns consolidated subsidiaries that explore for and produce oil and natural gas in the United States, Egypt and the United Kingdom and that explore for oil and natural gas offshore Suriname and elsewhere. APA posts announcements, operational updates, investor information and press releases on its website, www.apacorp.com . Contacts Investor: (281) 302-2286 Gary Clark Media: (713) 296-7276 Alexandra Franceschi Website: www.apacorp.com APA-F © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The team looking for a missing Pennsylvania woman believed to have fallen into a sinkhole has determined that an abandoned coal mine is too unstable for people to safely search underground, authorities said Wednesday while still expressing hope Elizabeth Pollard will be found alive. Rescue workers continue to search for Elizabeth Pollard, who is believed to have disappeared in a sinkhole while looking for her cat, Wednesday in Marguerite, Pa. Emergency crews and others have been trying to find Pollard, 64, for two days. Her relatives reported her missing early Tuesday and her vehicle with her unharmed 5-year-old granddaughter inside was found about two hours later, near what is thought to be a freshly opened sinkhole above the long closed, crumbling mine. Authorities said in a noon update that the roof of the mine collapsed in several places and is not stable. The sinkhole is in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. “We did get, you know, where we wanted, where we thought that she was at. We’ve been to that spot," said Pleasant Unity Fire Chief John Bacha, the incident's operations officer. “What happened at that point, I don’t know, maybe the slurry of mud pushed her one direction. There were several different seams of that mine, shafts that all came together where this happened at.” Trooper Cliff Greenfield said crews were still actively searching for Pollard. “We are hopeful that she’s found alive,” Greenfield said. Searchers were using electronic devices and cameras as surface digging continued with the use of heavy equipment, Bacha said. Search dogs may also be used. Rescue workers search through the night in a sinkhole for Elizabeth Pollard, who disappeared while looking for her cat, Tuesday in Marguerite, Pa. On Wednesday afternoon, machinery was removing material from the area around the hole while police and other government vehicles blocked a clear view of the scene. Sinkholes occur in the area because of subsidence from coal mining activity. Rescuers had been using water to break down and remove clay and dirt from the mine, which has been closed since the 1950s, but that increased the risk “for potential other mine subsidence to take place," Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said. Crews lowered a pole camera with a sensitive listening device into the hole, but it detected nothing. Another camera lowered into the hole showed what could be a shoe about 30 feet below the surface, Limani said. Searchers have also deployed drones and thermal imaging equipment, to no avail. Marguerite Fire Chief Scot Graham, the incident commander, said access to the immediate area surrounding the hole was being tightly controlled and monitored, with rescuers attached by harness. The top of a sinkhole is seen Tuesday in the village of Marguerite, Pa., where rescuers searched for a woman who disappeared. “We cannot judge as to what’s going on underneath us. Again, you had a small hole on top but as soon as you stuck a camera down through to look, you had this big void,” Graham said. “And it was all different depths. The process is long, is tedious. We have to make sure that we are keeping safety in the forefront as well as the rescue effort.” Bacha said they were “hoping that there’s a void that she could still be in.” Pollard's family called police at about 1 a.m. Tuesday to say she had not been seen since going out at about 5 p.m. Monday to search for Pepper, her cat. The temperature dropped well below freezing that night. Her son, Axel Hayes, said Pollard is a happy woman who likes going out to have fun. She and her husband adopted Hayes and his twin brother when they were infants. Hayes called Pollard “a great person overall, a great mother” who “never really did anybody wrong.” He said at one point Pollard had about 10 cats. “Every cat that she’s ever come in contact with, she has a close bond with them,” Hayes said. His mother worked for many years at Walmart but recently was not employed, he said. “I’m just hoping right now that she’s still with us and she’s able to come back to us,” he said. Police said they found Pollard's car parked behind Monday's Union Restaurant in Marguerite, about 20 feet from the sinkhole. Hunters and restaurant workers in the area said they had not noticed the manhole-size opening in the hours before Pollard disappeared, leading rescuers to speculate that the sinkhole was new. “It almost feels like it opened up with her standing on top of it,” Limani said. Searchers accessed the mine late Tuesday afternoon and dug a separate entrance out of concern that the ground around the sinkhole opening was not stable. “Let’s be honest, we need to get a little bit lucky, right?” Limani said Wednesday. “We need a little bit of luck on our side. We need a little bit of God’s good blessing on our side.” Pollard lives in a small neighborhood across the street from where her car and granddaughter were located, Limani said. The young girl “nodded off in the car and woke up. Grandma never came back," Limani said. The child stayed in the car until two troopers rescued her. It's not clear what happened to Pepper. In an era of rapid technological advancement and environmental change, American agriculture is undergoing a revolution that reaches far beyond the farm gate. From the food on consumer plates to the economic health of rural communities, the transformation of U.S. farming practices is reshaping the nation's landscape in ways both visible and hidden. LandTrust explores how these changes impact everyone, whether they live in the heartland or the heart of the city. The image of the small family farm, while still a reality for many, is increasingly giving way to larger, more technologically advanced operations. According to the USDA, the number of farms in the U.S. has fallen from 6.8 million in 1935 to about 2 million today, with the average farm size growing from 155 acres to 444 acres. This shift has profound implications for rural communities and the food system as a whole. Despite these changes, diversity in farming practices is on the rise. A landmark study published in Science , involving data from over 2,000 farms across 11 countries, found that diversifying farmland simultaneously delivers environmental and social benefits. This challenges the longstanding idea that practices boosting biodiversity must come at a cost to yields and food security. The adoption of precision agriculture technologies is transforming how farmers manage their land and resources. GPS-guided tractors, drone surveillance, and AI-powered crop management systems are becoming commonplace on many farms. These technologies allow farmers to apply water, fertilizers, and pesticides with pinpoint accuracy, reducing waste and environmental impact while improving yields. However, the digital divide remains a challenge. More than 22% of rural communities lack reliable broadband internet access, hindering the widespread implementation of AI and other advanced technologies in agriculture. While technology offers new opportunities, farmers are also facing significant economic challenges. The USDA's 2024 farm income forecast projects a 4.4% decline in net farm income from 2023, following a sharp 19.5% drop from 2022 to 2023. This financial pressure is compounded by rising production costs and market volatility. Climate variability adds another layer of complexity. Extreme weather events, changing precipitation patterns, and shifting growing seasons are forcing farmers to adapt quickly. These factors could reduce agricultural productivity by up to 25% over the coming decades without significant adaptation measures. But adapting requires additional financial resources, further straining farm profitability. In the face of these challenges, many farmers are turning to diversification as a strategy for resilience and profitability. The Science study mentioned earlier found that farms integrating several diversification methods supported more biodiversity while seeing simultaneous increases in human well-being and food security. Agritourism is one popular diversification strategy. In 2022, 28,600 U.S. farms reported agritourism income, averaging gross revenue of $44,000 from these activities. Activities like farm tours, pick-your-own operations, and seasonal festivals not only provide additional income but also foster a deeper connection between consumers and agriculture. The changing face of agriculture is directly impacting consumers. The rise of farm-to-table and local food movements reflects a growing interest in where our food comes from and how it's produced. If every U.S. household spent just $10 per week on locally grown food, it would generate billions of dollars for local economies. However, the larger challenges in agriculture can also lead to price fluctuations at the grocery store. The USDA's Economic Research Service projects that food-at-home prices will increase between 1.2% and 2.2% in 2024. Looking ahead, several innovations are poised to reshape agriculture: The transformation of American agriculture affects everyone, from the food we eat to the health of our environment and rural communities. Consumers have the power to support sustainable and diverse farming practices through our purchasing decisions. As citizens, they can advocate for policies that support farmers in adopting innovative and sustainable practices. The challenges facing agriculture are complex, but they also present opportunities for innovation and positive change. By understanding and engaging with these issues, everyone can play a part in shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system for the future. This story was produced by LandTrust and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
