Vice President Mike Pence and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross will travel to Japan to discuss trade later this month. The duo is scheduled to travel to Tokyo on April 18th. The U.S. officials will meet with Japan’s finance, foreign and industry Ministers. Japan is the top export market for the U.S. pork industry, and the National Pork Producers Council has …
Alabama Farmers Federation Welcomes Kay Ivey
by Jeff Helms, Alabama Farmers Federation The Alabama Farmers Federation today welcomed Kay Ivey as Alabama’s 54th governor, noting her rural background and appreciation of farmers is good news for Alabama agriculture. Federation President Jimmy Parnell expressed confidence in Ivey’s leadership. “Gov. Ivey has always been a friend to farmers,” Parnell said. “She understands the importance of agriculture and forestry …
Commissioner John McMillan’s Statement on Governor Kay Ivey Being Sworn In
“I have already offered my full support to Governor Kay Ivey and I pledge to assist her in any way moving forward. Alabamians deserve elected leaders who put the people of Alabama first.“ Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well Received By LegislatorsJanuary 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement …
China Lifts Barricade Against U.S. Beef
China has agreed to lift a barricade against U.S. beef exports, ending a ban on U.S. beef that’s been in place since 2003. The agreement was struck between President Donald Trump and China President Xi (she) Jinping over the weekend. Meat industry publication Meatingplace reports the opportunity for U.S. beef exporters could be significant. The greater China region, which includes …
Making Products More Biodegradable With Starch
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists have developed a starch-based coating that improves biodegradability and water resistance in products like paper and plastic films. While 100 percent biodegradable, starch lacks the flexibility necessary for many plastic and coating applications. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), a synthetic polymer, is usually used in films and coatings to provide flexibility. However, it has limited biodegradability. …
USDA Seeks Nominees for the Popcorn Research and Promotions Board
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominations to fill two seats on the Popcorn Research and Promotion Board that will come open Dec. 31, 2017. Members are appointed to serve a three-year term. Deadline for nominations is May 1, 2017. Producers that process more than four million pounds of popcorn are eligible to submit up to two nominations …
South Florida Farm Tour-April 27th
USTED ESTÁ INVITADO A UNA DEMOSTRACIÓN DE FINCA – 27 DE ABRIL 4PM A Farm Tour highlighting the benefits of USDA and Natural Resources Conservation Service Programs for Hispanic Farmers. The South Florida Farm Tour takes place Thursday evening, April 27, at 4:00 p.m., Loxahatchee Groves, West Palm Beach. All those considering seeking assistance to improve and expand their business, or …
Peanut Price Update
Tyron Spearman has the latest numbers concerning the posted price and loan information in this week’s peanut price update. Peanut Prices released April 7, 2017, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Track …
USDA to Hold Public Meetings on Current Animal Disease Traceability
Could Improvements be made in USDA’s current system of livestock identification and tracking? According to this report from Gary Crawford, officials are going to be gathering ideas about that in meetings across the country. Dr. Sunny Geiser-Novotny, Animal Disease Traceability Liaison with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in Ft. Collins, Colorado, talks about why USDA is having stakeholder …
Testing Continues Across Southeast for Avian Influenza
It’s been a couple of weeks since we last heard about any new cases of avian influenza, as the last was a confirmation at a commercial poultry breeding operation in Chattooga County in Georgia. But overall, there have been cases in four southeastern states with positive cases, which also include Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky. USDA Chief Veterinarian Dr. Jack Shere …