The USDA reports farm exports were up 7% during the first half of this year. (USDA/Contributed)U.S. farm exports were up 7% through the first half of this year compared to last year, rising to $91.8 billion, the highest level since 2022. The six-month farm trade deficit shrunk by 54% to $12.8 billion from last year’s $28.2 billion. Ethanol exports rose 21% to a record $2.7 billion for the six-month period, while dairy sales rose 12% to a record $5.2 billion. Overall, farm exports to China rose 48% to $8.1 billion.