Rural Mainstreet Index Falls Below Growth Neutral

For the sixth time this year, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index sank below growth neutral. That’s according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a ten-state region dependent on agriculture or energy. The
Fresh Pork Expected to Be More Price-Competitive with Beef and Chicken

A National Pork Board report expects pork to be even more price-competitive with beef and chicken during the fall. The pork supply continues to fall short of expectations. In the last month, slaughter is down 3.3 percent,
U.S. and Canadian Cattle Inventory Down One Percent

All cattle and calves in the United States and Canada combined to total 106 million head on July 1, 2025, which was down one percent from the 107 million head on July 1, 2023. All cows and
National Pork Board Taps David Newman to Lead the Organization as CEO

DES MOINES, Iowa — The National Pork Board (NPB), the producer-led and consumer-focused national Pork Checkoff organization, has named David Newman the organization’s new CEO effective September 1, 2025. Newman most recently served as NPB’s senior vice
USDA Expands Efforts to Strengthen Rural Food Animal Veterinary Workforce and Protect America’s Food Supply

(Washington, D.C., August 28, 2025) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced a commitment to new actions (PDF, 1.2 MB) to increase the number of rural food animal veterinarians across the U.S. and recruit new veterinarians to
Dairy Heifer Inventories to Shrink Further Before Rebounding in 2027

DENVER (August 28, 2025)—The U.S. dairy industry is facing a potential shortage of its most important resource – milk cows. The number of replacement heifers available to enter the dairy herd as milk producing cows has already
Williston Officials Look To Attract New Big-Box Retailer

(Williston, ND) — Williston officials want to attract a new big-box retailer to the city. This week, the city commission voted to approve a new liquor license specifically designed for large retailers. Williston Mayor Howard Klug says
Fairmount Bicyclist Killed In Vehicle Accident

(Fairmount, ND) — A Fairmount woman is dead after being hit by a vehicle while riding a bicycle. The North Dakota Highway Patrol says the 45-year-old victim was traveling on County Road 81 on Tuesday afternoon when
Cass County Sheriff’s Deputy Fired Amid Assault Accusations

(Fargo, ND) — A Cass County sheriff’s deputy has been fired amid accusations of assaulting a Cass County Jail inmate. Deputy Andrew Robinson was recently terminated for the alleged assault that took place on July 31st. Cass
MPD Warns Residents About Phone Scam

(Mandan, ND) — Madan authorities are warning about another phone scam targeting residents. MPD says scammers are claiming to be Sergeant Jerod Allen or Lieutenant Collins from the Morton County Sheriff’s Office. The caller says a large