Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett announced that USDA is hosting listening sessions to solicit feedback on a plan to increase access to capital in rural areas by streamlining regulations for four Rural Development loan guarantee programs. “At USDA, we know that for many rural communities the regulations that govern our programs can be outdated and difficult to …
Could Bring a Slight Decline in Farm Sector Financial Health
The financial health of the farm sector could take another small hit this year. Gary Crawford has the story. 2018 Could Bring a Slight Decline in Farm Sector Financial Health-1 Rob Johansson, USDA Chief Economist, says the median income for farm households will likely fall this year for the fourth year in a row. 2018 Could Bring a Slight Decline …
NCBA on Trade Issues
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Director of International Trade, Kent Bacus, looks at what the new Market Facilitation Program introduced last week by USDA does for beef producers. NCBA on Trade Issues Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant …
Egypt’s Wheat Production Illustrates Global Security Issues
Scientists, including many at the University of Florida, are trying to figure out how to feed 10 billion people worldwide by 2050. As they do, some UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers are studying how arid nations can produce enough crops to feed themselves and to avoid civil protests or even war. Egypt, for instance, lacks sufficient water …
Choosing the Right Apple Tree to Grow
Cathy Isom has a few good tips for you to pick the right apple tree to plant for growing your own apple harvest. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Choosing the Right Apple Tree to Grow The apple harvest comes in fall, and one tree, even a dwarf variety, can supply over 100 pounds of fruit. A full-sized tree …
NAFTA Partners Say Trilateral Agreement a Must
All sides of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) want a trilateral deal between the U.S., Canada and Mexico, as the White House is pushing towards separate deals. Trade officials from Mexico, along with key lawmakers and trade officials in the U.S., agree a two-way NAFTA is “incomplete,” and won’t win the approval of the U.S. Congress. President Trump …
Ag Economy Barometer improves in August
The Ag Economy Barometer rebounded in August to a reading of 129 after falling to 117 in July. However, producer sentiment remains well below its late spring readings of 141 in May and 143 in June. Organizers say the shift occurred primarily because producer’s perception of current conditions improved as the Index of Current Conditions increased to a reading of …
Bison Association Launches Petition to Stop Buffalo Labeling
The National Bison Association wants the Department of Agriculture to immediately develop new labeling policies to stop water buffalo products sold in the U.S. from being labeled only as “buffalo.” The association launched an online petition last week seeking the measures from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service and the Food and Drug Administration. The petition effort was launched …
U.S. Wheat Restructuring Efforts Close Moscow Office
As part of restructuring overseas offices, U.S. Wheat Associates will close its office in Moscow, Russia, at the end of this month. The organization says the reorganization reflects an effort to refocus resources toward markets with the best potential to grow U.S. wheat exports and returns for the farmers the organization represents. Based in part on the significant increase in …
China Predicted to cut U.S. Soybean exports
China’s exports of U.S. soybeans are expected to plummet over the next marketing year, according to the latest forecast. A soybean crushing industry executive told Reuters this week that China will almost entirely replace its soybean imports from the United States with Brazilian beans and other origins in the upcoming season. The latest forecast from China predicts Imports from the …