Support to Expand Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced $215 million in grants and other support are being made available to expand meat and poultry processing options, strengthen the food supply chain, and create jobs and economic opportunities in rural areas. As Rod Bain reports, this funding opportunity is one of many actions that USDA is taking to expand processing capacity and increase competition in meat and …

FSIS Removes Mask Mandate for Meat Processing Facilities

USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) this (last) week removed mandatory mask requirements at federally inspected meat processing facilities. As of March 1, 2022, FSIS Notice 34-21 requiring masks was rescinded. FSIS-regulated establishments are no longer subject to suspension or withdrawal of inspection services for failure to require their employees to wear masks when FSIS inspection program personnel are …

Using a Multi-Step Approach to Mitigate Weeds on the Farm

Using a multi-step approach to mitigate weeds on the farm.  That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Tackling weeds requires a multi-step approach. The first step is to identify your No Weed Grow Zone. A “no-grow” zone won’t stop weeds from trying to occupy space. But, clearly marking it, using a physical barrier or digging a trench, makes it …

Florida Senate Backs Effort to Expand Broadband?

The Florida Senate on Thursday (Mar. 3, 2022) unanimously passed a proposal that would create a framework to help expand broadband into underserved areas. Linked bills (SB 1800 and SB 1802), sponsored by Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, would establish a program to replace poles to help extend broadband. Sen. Loranne Ausley, a Tallahassee Democrat whose district includes sprawling rural areas, …

Florida Lawmakers Hoping to Finalize Budget Issues

As Florida lawmakers continue to finalize many issues in week eight of the Florida Legislative Session, the budget continues to be the major topic of discussion. According to Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA) Director of Governmental Affairs Sam Ard, negotiators from both the House and Senate have been working out some of the high profile spending issues in what is being described as a …

Peanut Market is Sleepy

The peanut market was discussed during a recent event. And according to Tyron Spearman, it was described as “sleepy” right now. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Resources To Researchers For Applied ResearchJune 12, 2026Florida …

Meat Production and Price Forecast for 2022

While 2021 was a record year for U.S. meat and poultry production, some wonder if 2022 production can even approach the record the levels set last year. Rod Bain has a story looking at that and what price producers might receive for their products this year. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant …

Iowa Confirms Avian Flu in Poultry Flock

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) this week confirmed a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza. The virus was found in a non-commercial, backyard poultry flock in Southwest Iowa. The state’s Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says, “We are working with USDA and other partners to implement our plans and protect the …

Deadline to Enroll in 2022 Dairy Margin Coverage is March 25

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds dairy producers the deadline to enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) and the new Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage (SDMC) for 2022 is March 25, 2022. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) opened DMC and SDMC signup in December 2021 to help producers manage economic risk brought on by milk price and feed cost disparities. Producers …