A study has looked into Agriculture Department research support for specialty crop automation and mechanization technologies. Rod Bain has the story. Economic researcher, Greg Astill, offers examples of various categories of research conducted by USDA in the realm of specialty crop automation and mechanization technologies. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement …
Another Meatpacking Plant Suspends Operations
Tyson Foods announced it will be suspending operations indefinitely at its plant in Waterloo, Iowa, which is its largest U.S. pork plant. That plant’s closure means approximately 15% of pork processing capacity across the country has gone offline. More than 150 of the country’s largest meat plants are in counties where the rate of COVID-19 infections is already relatively high. …
Perdue on Relief for Farmers Through CFAP
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue recently announced the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). It will take several actions to assist farmers, ranchers, and consumers in response to the COVID-19 national emergency. In a phone interview with AgNet Media, Perdue discussed the challenges many farmers have encountered. Perdue told us the program will provide immediate relief for farmers and ranchers …
COUNTRY Financial Ready to Help Farmers Plan for Retirement
There are many business decisions that need to be considered for farmers who are close to retirement. COUNTRY Financial Senior Financial Specialist Tom Royer, talked with Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman about these decisions. They also talk about what areas farmers need to look at in order to prepare for a successful retirement. Financial professionals can help farmers plan for success …
NRCS Chief on Regional Conservation Partnership Program
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently announced it is investing in conservation projects across 29 states, including Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), NRCS will award $206 million for 48 projects while leveraging nearly $300 million in partner contributions. NRCS Chief Matthew Lohr explains how the USDA Farm Bill program brings partners together to …
Alabama Beef Promotion Coming in May
The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) has worked hard to build on the efforts of promoting beef across the state. And according to Kayla Greer, ACA director of social media and communications, they just signed a deal to help launch a summer grilling campaign that starts in May. During this time of COVID-19, Kayla said they are excited to share some …
April 2020 Dairy Market Report Shows Effects of COVID-19
COVID-19 has really affected many aspects of agriculture, including the U.S. dairy industry. According to a new report, the entire U.S. dairy industry is now deep in crisis mode. It’s looking for ways to contain the price and supply chain damage brought about by the coronavirus. This information comes from the April 2020 Dairy Market Report. It notes while domestic …
NCC Provides Cotton Producers With Updates During COVID-19
Many in agriculture have been encouraged to apply through their agricultural lenders for the Small Business Administration’s new Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). But as we have recently learned, due to the program being overwhelmed with applications, it has run out of its initial $350 billion. But efforts are underway to provide more money to the program. This could happen yet …
ASA Survey: Soy Farmers Concerned About COVID-19
Washington, D.C. April 20, 2020. Stress levels are high among America’s soybean farmers. The terms “stress,” “anxiety,” and “concerns over mental health” were used dozens of times in an informal survey released this week by the American Soybean Association (ASA). The survey was an initiative of the ASA COVID-19 Task Force, a 12-person group formed in March consisting of ASA …
Perdue Outlines Basics of Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) on Friday. This new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program will take several actions to assist farmers, ranchers and consumers in response to the COVID-19 national emergency. President Trump directed USDA to craft this $19 billion immediate relief program to provide critical support to our farmers and …