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DES MOINES, Iowa — Hot, dry weather has left the Mississippi River so low that barge companies are reducing their loads just as Midwest farmers are preparing to send corn and soybeans downriver.

Deere & Co. lifted its financial outlook for the year as machinery demand from farmers remained robust despite slumping crop prices.

A Washington trucking group and farm agency have given the state Department of Ecology a deadline to answer how it will comply with a new carbon price added to most fuel that should be exempt.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that up to $500 million in federal funds are available to boost supplies of American-made biofuel.

The Georgia state Senate on March 23 approved a measure that would temporarily allow vehicles carrying forestry and agricultural products to weigh up to 88,000 pounds on Georgia roads.

Federal trucking regulators have denied a joint application request for an exemption that would allow truckers transporting livestock, insects and aquatic animals to drive a total of 15 hours during the 16-hour period following 10 consecutive hours off duty.

The Port of Oakland, along with those in Seattle and Tacoma, Wash., and the U.S. Department of Agriculture said they are working together to provide financial incentives for U.S. growers to ship agriculture products through the ports.

Beginning in early March, the Port of Oakland, with the help of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will set up and operate a 22-acre, multimillion-dollar pop-up container yard specifically for agricultural exports.

MOLINE, Ill. — More than 10,000 Deere & Co. workers went on strike Oct. 13, the first major walkout at the agricultural machinery giant in more than three decades.

American agriculture is on track for one of its best years this century as soaring exports to China boost corn, soybean and wheat prices.