The Global Agricultural Productivity Initiative Thursday released its annual edition of its report, reflecting total factor production and world sustainability efforts over the period of a decade. (Rod Bain and Tom Thompson of Virginia Tech University)

Virginia Tech University's Tom Thompson explains what is behind total factor productivity growth in South Asia as part of Thursday's Global Agricultural Production report for 2024.

A combination of weather factors over September results in a balancing, yet increasing, reflection of U.S. drought coverage to start October. (Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey)

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey talks about regions of the country experiencing extreme to exceptional drought per the October 1st U.S. Drought Monitor.

The first U.S. Drought Monitor for October indicates varying Impacts to crops and commodities within growing drought coverage areas. (Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey)

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey goes over the latest corn and soybeans in drought indications per the October First U.S. Drought Monitor.

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey discusses the latest drought coverage map for winter wheat growing areas for the period ending October 1st.

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey discusses how varying weather patterns over the past month has impacted drought coverage for cotton and hay crops, and cattle, across the country.

The President and Agriculture Secretary Thursday toured areas in the Southeast devestated by Hurricane Helene. (Rod Bain. President Joe Biden. Secretary Tom Vilsack)

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack explains some of the USDA efforts in recovery assistance to Southeastern farm producers impacted by Hurricane Helene.