USDA has started a new website, farmers.gov. As Tryon Spearman reports, it is a point of access to agricultural programs and information, tools and personal advice for America’s farmers, ranchers and private foresters. New USDA Website for Farmers Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses …
House Ag Committee Approves Farm Bill, Despite SNAP Differences
On Wednesday, the House Agriculture Committee did approve the draft of the 2018 Farm Bill, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, HR-2. The vote was 26-20 as Democrats and Republicans squared off on SNAP, the nutrition title. Republicans efforts to reform it include work requirements, but Democrats argue the program changes may be too costly, and the reforms aren’t …
Reform Needed for Ag Guest Worker Program
Farm groups are pressing lawmakers to reform the ag guest worker program, despite dwindling prospects for such measures, after more sweeping immigration reform failed. The American Farm Bureau Federation, National Pork Producers Council and others had hoped House ag guest worker reform was hitched to a huge spending bill passed in March. But, that bid failed when broader immigration reforms …
UF Leads Trend to Open Food Businesses with Workshops
Kimberly and George Vecchio wanted to reinvent their 20-acre farm near Vero Beach from mostly animals to produce so they could start a food business. Though George had been a gourmet chef for more than 20 years, they didn’t know how to start the new enterprise. “We didn’t know what questions to ask, or even where to start, even though …
Celebrating National Garlic Day
Cathy Isom is celebrating garlic. She tells us all about the stinky vegetable that is also known as nature’s wonder drug. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Celebrating National Garlic Day Every year on Thursday, April 19th America celebrates garlic. Whether its enjoying it in a tasty meal, or in a treat such as ice cream, or taking …
Coalition Works to Expand Rural Broadband
A coalition of rural and farm groups are seeking to improve rural connectivity to broadband. The first in a series of workshops was held Wednesday at the Department of Agriculture. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai joined executives from the five partner organizations for the discussion. The coalition includes the Farm Foundation, The Rural …
Senators Call for National Security Review of Brazilian Acquisition of U.S. Beef Company
A group of U.S. Senators are calling for a national security review of the Brazilian acquisition of a U.S. beef company. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, along with Ranking Senate Agriculture Committee Member Debbie Stabenow, and others, are urging the Committee on Foreign Investment to review the proposed purchase of National Beef Packing Company by Brazil’s Marfrig Global Foods. The …
RFA: Early Evidence of Ethanol Demand Destruction
The Renewable Fuels Association says its found evidence that RIN waivers are destroying ethanol demand. The Environmental Protection Agency has been handing out hardship waivers “like candy,” according to refining executives. The waivers grant refiners a pass on RINs, the mechanism by which Renewable Fuel Standard compliance is tracked. Renewable Fuels Association executive vice president Geoff Cooper says the credits …
Agri View: Trade Problems with China
Everett Griner talks about the trade problems with China, and the farmers concerns about metal imports, in today’s Agri View. Everett explains some of the different reasons for concern for farmers. The recent increase of tariffs on steel and aluminum has a lot of farmers shook up. Trade Problems with China There is more than one reason for their concern. …
House Ag Committee Advances Agriculture and Nutrition Act
The House Agriculture Committee passed out of committee the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (H.R.2) – critical legislation to address the economic challenges facing the nation’s farmers and ranchers, while making historic investments in opportunities for SNAP recipients. Upon passage, Chairman K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) issued the below remarks: “Today’s vote was about America’s farmers and ranchers. It was …