Harvest USA Report

HUSA Feb 19 2026 - Wildfire Tips

From the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, if you are a livestock producer impacted by the wildfires in Beaver, Texas, or Woodward counties, please ensure that you're in contact with your county FSA office. Before a wildfire, maintain detailed records, use clear and distinguishable IAD methods, take land use precautions to discourage fire spread, and consider corralling animals to help with off-farm movement if necessary. During a wildfire, ensure the safety of yourself and your family, allow for animal movement if safe to do so.
 
Communicate with first responders and neighbors to help out livestock on your property, and use emergency identification methods, like spray paint, etc.
 
After a wildfire, document livestock losses, practice humane euthanasia methods, and dispose of carcasses if needed, accept emotional and mental health assistance, and apply for federal assistance.
 
Those are some tips from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, in this devastating time of wildfire in Oklahoma. Follow more on that story on our HarvestUSA Facebook page, or on our website by the same name.
 
And if you are an FFA supporter, the time is here again. The Tractor Supply Ccompany Paper Emblem Sale is back. Stop by your local store and grab a paper emblem at checkout from February 19th to March 2nd. Every emblem you purchase directly supports FFA, a small gesture that makes a big impact.

HUSA Feb 18 2026 - Fertilizer Update

From Kansas Wheat
 
Fertilizer isn’t just another line item - it’s a globally traded commodity shaped by geopolitics, energy markets and overseas demand.
 
In a recent episode of Wheat’s On Your Mind, Aaron Harries talks with Corey Rosenbusch, president and CEO of The Fertilizer Institute, about why fertilizer markets feel like “three-dimensional chess” for wheat producers working on tight margins.
 
They break down nitrogen production, potash imports, global trade disruptions and what farmers can actually control - including the 4R framework and precision strategies that stretch every dollar further.
 
 

HUSA Feb 17 2026 - Leafhopper Quarantine

(AUSTIN, Texas) — The Texas Department of Agriculture issued an emergency quarantine Feb. 5 to protect against the two-spotted cotton leafhopper. The quarantine inspections help monitor pests that could be introduced into Texas from out-of-state agricultural shipments.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said the quarantine would help safeguard the cotton, nursery and ornamental sectors.
“This pest is a ticking bomb for Texas agriculture,” Miller said. “Cotton fuels our rural economy —we can’t let it ravage yields. We’ve contained it so far, but this quarantine buys time to outsmart and crush it, protecting farmers, ranchers, and growers.”

HUSA Feb 16 2026 - New World Screwworm

Screwworm photo from Texas Farm Bureau

HUSA Feb 13 2026 - The Harvest Brigade

Harvest Brigade and Industry History
The origins of modern-day custom harvesting in the U.S. are traced back to World War II's Harvest Brigade. Initiated by an individual from Massey Harris, this movement involved 500 combines harvesting a million acres to address labor shortages during wartime. This historical endeavor is credited with starting the Harvest Run, a seasonal practice where harvesting begins in the south and progresses northward as the seasons change. This tradition continues to attract international interest and offers a unique harvest experience in the U.S.

HUSA Feb 12 2026 - Convention Update

David Misener gives a rundown of the USCHI Convention schedule.
The convention spans several days with several organized events, including an H2A day and the changing of the gavel at its conclusion. The importance of providing feedback and compliments after the event is also emphasized as a means of ensuring continuous improvement.

HUSA Feb 11 2026 - Convention Travels

Custom Harvester David Misener discusses his experience attending the U.S. Custom Harvesters Association's annual convention in Elk City, Oklahoma. He details his journey to the event, describing the change in weather and the various activities he was involved in, including setting up the event and participating in meetings.
The association boasts over 500 membership names, comprised of various types of members including associates, regular, and retired members, highlighting their long-standing involvement. The convention spans several days with several organized events, including an H2A day and the changing of the gavel at its conclusion.
The importance of providing feedback and compliments after the event is also emphasized as a means of ensuring continuous improvement.

HUSA Feb 10 2026 - Year of the Woman Farmer

Did you know that February is 4-H Month, a whole month dedicated to celebrating the youth involved in the 4-H program. 4-H stands for Head, Hearts, Hands and Health, and creates opportunities for youth to grow skills in leadership and community service. Support your local 4-H programs.
And speaking of recognizing those who work hard, during this international year of the woman farmer, we are celebrating the women whose hands, knowledge and leadership shape farms and wrenches across the United States. Women are among the fastest growing groups of agricultural producers, managing operations large and small, adapting to drought, volatile markets, and changing consumer demands. They are decision makers, innovators and stewards of the land, balancing tradition with the new ideas to keep agriculture strong. Women farmersare essential to agriculture and supporting rural communities. Their work doesn't just sustain today's agriculture, it ensures its future. Thank you to all the women in agriculture.
In a message from the National Association of Wheat Growers, you may have seen recent headlines about glyphosate testing reported recently in Florida. Well, here's some context. Even at the highest glyphosate levels reported recently in Florida, an adult would have to eat about 600 loaves of bread every day for life to reach the conservative safety limits set by the U.S. health authorities. Glyphosate residues are tightly regulated by EPA and routinely monitored by USDA and FDA. We'd farmers trust this science-based system because we feed our families the same food we grow. That's from the National Association of Wheat Growers. You can find all this information on our Harvest USA Report Facebook page. Go there today and follow Harvest USA Report on Facebook.