State Farm

Taylor Farms has recalled lettuce products distributed across 27 US states amid a cyclosporiasis outbreak, a foodborne illness caused by a parasite that causes intestinal symptoms. Consumers are being urged to check whether lettuce they purchased is affected and to discard or return it. The recall is drawing attention as health officials investigate the scope of the outbreak and warn of symptoms including diarrhea, stomach cramps and fatigue.

Japan has gone from a national rice shortage to a rice surplus within roughly two years. The turnaround is attributed to a combination of factors: drought that squeezed harvests and drove panic buying, a surge in inbound tourism that boosted demand, and pressure linked to the United States, including trade considerations. The reversal is drawing attention to how quickly food supply dynamics can shift and what it means for prices and farm policy.

The U.S. Geological Survey is examining how a super El Niño could affect the Midwest region of the United States. The pattern, marked by unusually warm Pacific Ocean waters, typically alters rainfall and temperature across North America, raising questions about flooding, drought and agricultural consequences for Midwestern states.

Oman is examining air-to-water technology as a way to support sustainable agriculture in the country. The approach would extract moisture from the atmosphere to provide water for farming, an attractive option in a region where freshwater is scarce. The report highlights growing interest among Gulf states in innovative water solutions to strengthen food security.

The Iowa Farmers Union has endorsed Democratic candidates across the board in federal elections, according to the Telegraph Herald. The endorsement means the group is backing Democrats in every federal contest on the Iowa ballot, including House and Senate races. It is a notable signal from a farm-group organization in a state where rural and agricultural voters often swing between parties, and it could shape campaign messaging on farm policy, biofuels and rural economics.

Wisconsin farmers are calling on Congress to pass a new farm bill, saying they need certainty on crop insurance, support programs and long-term planning. With the previous legislation repeatedly extended, growers in the state say uncertainty over federal policy is making it harder to budget and invest. The issue is drawing attention in Washington as lawmakers face pressure to finalize the bill.