Acting Deputy Agriculture Secretary Michael Young announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing up to $15 million in technical and financial assistance to help eligible conservation partners voluntarily protect, restore and enhance critical wetlands on agricultural lands. Restored wetlands improve water quality downstream and improve wildlife habitat, while also providing flood prevention and recreational benefits to communities.
Farmers Optimistic After Washington Legislative Conference
Optimism filled the air as 140 Alabama farmers descended on the nation’s capital March 7-10, a stark contrast to trips during the previous administration, said Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “Being in D.C. confirmed my belief that agriculture will experience real change under the Trump administration,” Parnell said. “We’ve seen this with his order to review the Waters of …
Farmers Need Solution to Immigration Challenge
by Jim Mulhern, President, CEO, NMPF Too many of the nation’s dairy farmers are facing an ongoing, daunting challenge: finding enough American workers to fill jobs on their farms, even when they provide wages higher than those paid by other local jobs. This “between a rock and hard place” dilemma has grown more acute as the national unemployment rate has …
Soybean Association Sets Policy for 2017
Progressive policies for a strong farm safety net, increased funding for agricultural export programs, ambitious global trade negotiations, an aggressive support for biodiesel policies and robust funding for agricultural research and conservation programs will guide the American Soybean Association (ASA) in 2017. The 2017 Commodity Classic concluded this weekend in San Antonio with ASA’s voting delegates, representing its 26 state …
March WASDE Report Released This Week
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released its March World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report. This month’s 2016/2017 U.S. corn outlook is for increased corn used to produce ethanol and reduced feed and seed use, leaving ending stocks unchanged from last month.
U.S. Red Meat Exports Strong in January
January exports of U.S. beef and pork were up significantly year-over-year, maintaining the solid momentum established in the fourth quarter of 2016, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by USMEF. Beef exports totaled 96,488 metric tons (mt), up 17 percent from a year ago, valued at $515.5 million – up 18 percent and the highest ever for the …
Kansas Governor Brownback May Be An Ambassador
Kansas Governor Sam Brownback is in talks with the Trump Administration about a potential ambassador position. Sources close to the governor say no offer has been extended yet.
Put COOL Into NAFTA Negotiations
An open markets advocate told the National Farmers Union’s political action committee that Donald Trump should make it a goal to re-establish country-of-origin labeling (COOL) for beef and pork during the upcoming NAFTA negotiations.
EWG Questions About Sonny Perdue
Former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue is still waiting for a nomination hearing before the Senate as the presumptive Secretary of Agriculture. While he waits, Perdue has come under scrutiny this week from certain groups regarding his time as governor.
Subcommittee Evaluates Effectiveness of Specialty Crop Production Programs
Rep. Rodney Davis (IL-13), Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research, held a hearing to evaluate the effectiveness of the 2014 Farm Bill programs aimed at benefiting specialty crop production. Members heard from a panel of witnesses who highlighted the various programs available for specialty crops ranging from promotion programs and crop insurance to trade …