OJ Not Associated With Weight Gain in Children

New research shows no adverse association between change in body mass index (BMI) and consumption of 100% orange juice (OJ) among older children. The four-year study published in Pediatric Obesity found that drinking 100% OJ was associated with smaller changes in BMI over time in girls, with no significant effect on BMI in boys. The analysis by researchers at the University of …

Secretary of Transportation on American Jobs Plan

As the Biden Administration rolls out the American Jobs Plan, there is a focus on helping agriculture and rural America. Pete Buttigieg, the new U.S. Secretary of Transportation, says transportation and infrastructure are vital for rural areas. The American Jobs Plan is a $2.3 trillion investment in infrastructure, the issue now is getting members from both parties and both chambers …

NCBA Welcomes Preserving Family Farms Act

House lawmakers recently introduced the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, a priority for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. NCBA has long supported efforts to reduce tax burdens on farmers and ranchers. This bipartisan legislation to expand IRS Code Section 2032A would allow cattle producers to take advantage of the Special Use Valuation and protect family-owned businesses from the impact …

NPPC Applauds the Philippines’ Decision to Import More Pork

The Philippine government will provide more market access for pork imports to combat rising pork prices and stabilize supplies. Securing better access to the Philippines market has been a top, long-term priority for the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). NPPC President Jen Sorensen says, “While we are saddened by the spread of ASF in the Philippines, we appreciate the opportunity …

GCC: USDA Plantings Report Comparable to National Cotton Council’s Projections

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Prospective Plantings report estimates Georgia cotton acreage at around 1.2 million acres for the upcoming season. It would be comparable to what the National Cotton Council projected earlier this year, says Taylor Sills, executive director of the Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC). “Earlier this year, the National Cotton Council projected Georgia to plant around 1.1 million …

How to Help in the Fight Against Destructive Pest

How to help in the fight against destructive pests that threaten the nation’s food supply, forests, and natural resources. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The USDA is on a mission to stop invasive and hungry pests that can threaten and devastate agriculture, livelihoods, and food security. Some things you can do to help include:  Familiarizing yourself with the …

USDA Providing Outreach Funding

This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced the availability of $2 million to establish partnerships with organizations to provide outreach and technical assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Tyron Spearman has more information. Visit farmers.gov/cfap for details on all eligible commodities, producer eligibility, payment limitations and structure and additional program resources. Sponsored ContentCIR …

Vilsack: Modifying CFAP to Get Help to Folks

Back on March 24th, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced an expansion of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP-2). It’s part of a larger effort by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reach a greater share of farming operations and improve USDA pandemic assistance. Secretary Vilsack told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman they’ve been looking at ways to expand assistance to producers. Vilsack …

Ag Economy Barometer up 12 Points

The Ag Economy Barometer rose in March to 177, the highest reading for the barometer since the record high reading of 184 in October. Organizers say this month’s 12-point rise in the barometer was attributable almost entirely to ag producers’ more optimistic view of the future. The Index of Future Expectations climbed to 164, 16 points above February’s index. Although …