The Field Report.

Farm Policy

Washington Wants Ranchers to Sell You Beef Directly

A new executive order aims to widen legal paths for ranchers and smaller processors to sell inspected beef across state lines. The direction is real. The fine print matters.

#beef#meatpackers#direct sales#USDA#executive order

Farm Policy

William Lawrence on Meatpackers, Beef Labels, and Buying Local

The Democratic candidate for Michigan's 7th answers our three questions about independent ranchers, beef origin labels, and access to local food.

#MI-07#antitrust#meatpackers#country-of-origin labeling#food hubs#SNAP#candidate Q&A

Your Grocery Bill

Tyson Agreed to an $82.5 Million Beef Settlement. Who Can Claim?

Tyson agreed to an $82.5 million settlement of beef-price allegations. Qualifying direct purchasers can file claims by November 30, 2026; households are not part of the class.

Farm Policy

The Farm Bill Is Expiring. Your Beef Label Is on the Line.

The farm bill extension expires September 30 — and the Senate's new bill includes mandatory country-of-origin beef labeling for the first time in over a decade.

Who Owns the Land

Who Owns the Land That American Farmers Work?

Big landowners hold different kinds of acreage, but farmers’ access to the ground they work depends on ownership, prices, and lease terms.

#farmland ownership#land access#farm leases#foreign ownership#beginning farmers

Know Your Food

The Label Says Grass-Fed. What Does That Actually Guarantee?

The USDA erased its grass-fed standard a decade ago, “grass-finished” is the word that does the real work, and “regenerative” has no legal definition at all — a field guide to the meat-aisle claims.

#food labels#grass-fed beef#regenerative agriculture#USDA#label literacy

Farm Policy

TikTok Farmers' Selective Demand for Mercy: Why the Sudden Call for Agricultural Unity

As farm creators plead for agricultural unity amid a steep downturn, online critics say the solidarity is overdue — pointing to years of attacks on relief for Black and minority farmers.

#agricultural policy#farm crisis#racial equity#accountability#USDA

Your Grocery Bill

Diesel Hit a Record. Farmers Pay First — You Pay Next.

Diesel hit a record $6.53 a gallon right at harvest. What it costs the farmers growing your food — and why it lands on your grocery receipt.

Movement Update

Transparency Truth: Map Still Has Gaps

Our community has grown to 4,104 members, with 52 live producers across 27 states—and now we need help finding producers in places where members are still waiting.