Today’s quick hits, Oct. 7, 2024

Farms most at risk: The farms most likely to feel financial stress from the spate of lower crop prices are those with less experienced operations, that lease most of their land, with high debt-to-asset ratios, and little off-farm income, said two analysts. (farmdoc daily)

Dairy resiliency funding: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced $11 million in grants through the Dairy Business Innovations initiative to support small and mid-sized dairy businesses to develop, produce, market, and distribute dairy products. (USDA)

Obesity rate hits plateau: The current U.S. obesity rate of 40.3 percent may be nominally lower than the 41.9 percent of 2017-20, “but the change is too small to say for sure,” although it suggests that the increase in the use of anti-obesity drugs may be a reason. (Axios)

Sugar fuels price index: The Food Price Index rose 3 percent, its largest increase in 18 months, led by a 10 percent increase in sugar prices in the past month, driven by worsening crop conditions in Brazil and doubts about sugar exports from India. (Food and Agriculture Organization)