The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration is reducing inspection and weighing service fees by five percent beginning January 1, 2017. The reduction will remain in effect until further notice. “Due to the continuation of high grain exports, The Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) operating reserve exceeds 4 ½ months of operating expenses. FGIS also reviewed …
USDA Microloans for Farmers: Participation Patterns and Effects of Outreach
by Sarah Tulman, Nathaniel Higgins, Robert Williams, Michael Gerling, Charles Dodson, and Bruce McWilliams, Economic Research Service What is the Issue? USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) launched its Microloan program in January 2013 with the goal of better serving the needs of small farms, beginning farmers and ranchers, farmers and ranchers from historically socially disadvantaged groups (or SDA—women and racial …
Debt-To-Asset Ratios Projected to Climb 13%
Economists are watching the farm economy numbers closely. An Ag Web Dot Com article says they’re watching for signs as to the current downturn in the ag economy driving it into a similar spiral seen in the 1980s.
Citrus Pest Concerns California industry
California recently passed a state law designed to combat the spread of an Asian citrus pest. All citrus loads transported through California now must be covered, no matter where it’s coming from or where it’s headed.
China to Increase Farmland by 2020
The Chinese government has put together a five-year plan for land management from 2016 through 2020. Pro Farmer’s First Thing Today Report says the government will be adding another 3.2 million acres of farmable land to replace some of the nearly five million acres lost since 2003.
Burger King Switching to Antibiotic-Free Chickens
The parent company of the Burger King and Tim Hortons restaurant chains announced it will no longer purchase chickens raised with antibiotics that are also used for humans. A Meating Place Dot Com report says Restaurant Brands International in Ontario, Canada, currently runs more than 19,000 restaurants in over 100 countries and U.S. territories.
Still Searching for an Ag Secretary
Two new candidates are expected to interview this week for the Ag Secretary position. A DTN report says Abel Maldonado, Jr., a former California Lieutenant Governor, is set to interview for the post with President-elect Donald Trump this week.
Transferring Land to the Next Generation of Farmers and Ranchers
Allows for Transfer of Certain Conservation Reserve Program Land to New Farmers; Provides Priority Enrollment in Working Lands Conservation Programs Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary Lanon Baccam announced that beginning Jan. 9, 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will offer an early termination opportunity for certain Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts, making it easier to transfer property to the next …
Senators Ready to Wade Into Lake Okeechobee Issues
From: The News Service of Florida Focusing on a priority of Senate President Joe Negron, a Senate panel in January will receive a series of presentations about polluted water discharges from Lake Okeechobee and efforts to restore the Everglades.
Administration Still Fighting for Beef Producers
While the Obama Administration’s time in office is rapidly winding down, it’s taking up a battle for U.S. beef producers regarding hormones and the European Union. The U.S. Trade Representative’s Office announced this week that it will take a shot at the European Union regarding its ban on hormones in American beef exports.