The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced 54 grants totaling more than $17.7 million for plant research that helps optimize crop production, mitigate disease, and increase yield. The funding is made possible through NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) program, authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. “Plants are the foundation of diet …
USDA Farm Service Agency County Committee Nomination Period Begins June 15
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today that the nomination period for local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees begins on Wednesday, June 15, 2017. “County committees allow farmers and ranchers to make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally to best serve their needs,” said Acting FSA Administrator Chris Beyerhelm. “We strongly encourage all eligible producers …
Global Peanut Production Expected to Rise
The latest forecast shows global peanut production in is expected to rise almost one million tons. Tyron Spearman reports the areas harvested in China, India, and the United States are projected to grow. 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 …
Some Southeast Pastures Still Suffering
While USDA’s latest report shows pastures and rangeland conditions are good in most of the country, there are still exceptions. And according to USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey, some of those are right here in the Southeast. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New …
Alabama Corn Planting Nears Completion
Alabama farmers hope for better prices by Kelsey Cassebaum, Alabama Farmers Federation Despite low feed grain yields in 2016 because of drought, some Alabama farmers increased corn acreage this year, counting on good market conditions come harvest in July. Butler County’s Steve Tanner planted 1,100 acres of non-irrigated corn this year, up more than 300 acres from 2016. His non-irrigated …
NPPC White Paper Details Benefits Of NAFTA
Following last week’s notification by the Trump administration that it will renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the National Pork Producers Council released a white paper on the benefits of the trade deal among the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The paper, which focuses primarily on trade with Mexico, makes the case for not abandoning the 23-year-old pact …
No Plans to Name Cottonseed as an Oilseed
The U.S. cotton industry has been working for some time to get cottonseed designated as a covered commodity, making it eligible for the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs. But according to a story from Stephanie Ho, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue indicates he is not likely to name cottonseed as an oilseed. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, …
Celebrating National Wine Day
If you are into wine, then this is a day for celebrating. Cathy Isom tells you why you’ll want to toast your favorite red, white or bubbly today. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Today you can pour a glass of your favorite wine to celebrate and participate in National Wine Day. Celebrated on this day in May every …
New Proposal Could Protect Farm Workers from Deportation
The American agriculture industry relies on foreign workers, especially at harvest time. The website Eater Dot Com reports a group of Democrats has introduced legislation that would give farm workers some protection from possible deportation. The bill is called the Agricultural Worker Program Act of 2017 (Senate Bill 1034). It would protect undocumented workers from deportation if they can prove …
AZ Rancher Wants Burden of Federal Regulations Lifted
Arizona rancher David Cook is calling on Congress to remove layers of red tape and federal bureaucracy that have made it much harder to effectively manage and care for public lands. He testified this week before the U.S. House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. Cook told lawmakers he doesn’t believe it was the intent of Congress to disenfranchise …