Florida agricultural operations have been significantly impacted by Hurricane Idalia and related weather events. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover. (USDA-NRCS/GAINESVILLE, FL/Sept. 12, 2023) — Florida agricultural operations have been significantly impacted by Hurricane Idalia and related weather events. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical …
Questions about Planted Acreage Report
USDA released their latest crop estimates yesterday, and according to a story from Mark Oppold, there are some questions about that report.
Ag Labor Expenses Forecast to Increase in 2023
The cost of ag labor is expected to rise. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Total cash labor expenses for the U.S. agriculture sector are forecast to be $43.35 billion for 2023, based on new data from USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS). This would be an increase of $0.78 billion, or 1.8 percent, over the 2022 level of …
USDA Forecasts U. S. Corn Production Up, Soybean, Cotton Production Down from 2022
(USDA-NASS/WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2023) — Corn production is up, while soybean and cotton production is down from 2022, according to the Crop Production report issued today by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Corn production is up 10% from last year, forecast at 15.1 billion bushels; soybean growers are expected to decrease their production 3% from 2022, forecast at 4.15 …
Good July for Pork Exports but Slow for Beef
Building on a robust first-half performance, July exports of U.S. pork continued to outpace year-ago levels, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). But, beef exports took a step back in July, posting the lowest volume since January. Starting with the good news, pork exports in July were up 5% year-over-year, while the export value …
Early Start to Corn, Soybean Harvest
In some states, we are seeing an early start to the corn and soybean harvests. Mark Oppold has more details as to why.
World Food Prices Lower in August
World food prices were lower last month. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization’s Food Price Index averaged 121.4 points in August, a 2.6-point drop from July, reversing the rebound registered that month. The August drop pushed the index 38 points lower than its peak reached in March 2022. The overall drop was …
Trade Estimates before USDA’s Crop Report
Various trade estimates have come out ahead of Tuesday’s USDA Crop Report. Mark Oppold looks at what some are saying.
Federal Government Approves Disaster Declaration for Cook, Glynn, and Lowndes Counties Following Hurricane Idalia
(GDA/Atlanta, GA/Sept. 8, 2023) — Yesterday evening, in response to Governor Brian P. Kemp’s request, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. approved a disaster declaration allowing Georgians in Cook, Glynn, and Lowndes Counties access to emergency relief funds following the significant damage caused by Hurricane Idalia on August 30, 2023. As damage assessments continue in other areas affected by the storm, Commissioner …
Alabama Application Deadline for Meat and Poultry Processing Nearing
Here’s a reminder from the Alabama Agricultural Development Authority that it is accepting loan applications under the Alabama Meat Processing Program. This program is a result of a $15 million award from the USDA through the Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program. Applications for Phase I will close Thursday, September 14, 2023. The low interest loans are intended to support …