EPA Extends Timeline for Pesticide Applicators Rule

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt announced a 12-month extension for implementation of the revised final Certification and Training of Pesticide Applicators (C&T) rule. EPA received feedback from states and stakeholders that more time and resources are needed to prepare for compliance with the rule. The extended timeline will enable EPA to work with states and provide adequate compliance …

WASDE Report Shows Increase in Livestock and Poultry Production

The U.S. Department of Agriculture released their May World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report this week, and in the Livestock, Poultry, and Dairy section, it notes that total red meat and poultry production for 2018 is projected to be higher than 2017 due to an increase in livestock and poultry production. Cattle placements during second half 2017 and …

NPPC President Ken Maschhoff on USDA Establishing an Undersecretary for Trade

NPPC is very pleased that Secretary Perdue is establishing within USDA an undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs, a position that we and others in agriculture fought to get included in the 2014 Farm Bill. Clearly, the Trump administration recognizes the importance of exports to U.S. agriculture, which has a trade surplus. The new undersecretary can help convey our …

Pleased with Protection for Farmworkers

A bill introduced last week in the U.S. Senate would give farmworkers a path to legal status and citizenship. And during a conference call this week Arturo Rodriguez, president of the United Farm Workers of America, was pleased with introduction of this legislation. California Sen. Dianne Feinstein introduced the legislation and explains how it works. More information about the new …

The Danger of Consuming Raw Eggs

    Cathy Isom tells us about the safety concern when using raw eggs in recipes. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.     If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s really safe or healthy to use raw eggs in a recipe, listen up. Right now eggs can contain salmonella which is a germ that you can’t see it …

May WASDE Report Mostly Neutral

The monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report by the Department of Agriculture released Wednesday predicts a U.S. corn crop of 14.06 billion bushels, down 1.08 billion from last year. The monthly report is also projecting a U.S. soybean crop of 4.25 billion bushels, down from the 4.3-billion-bushel crop last year. USDA projects ending stocks for new crop corn …

Secretary Perdue to Attend House Ag Committee Hearing on Rural Economy

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue will take part in a House Agriculture Committee hearing next week on the rural economy. The House Agriculture Committee will hold the hearing next Wednesday, May 17th. The hearing seeks testimony on how the rural and farm economy is holding up amid a downturn in farm income and commodity prices. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway …

Perdue to Announce USDA Reorganization Thursday Afternoon

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue will announce “ USDA reorganization ” during an event in Cincinnati, Ohio Thursday afternoon. While details remain sparse, many suspect the Department of Agriculture will announce the creation of an office of an undersecretary for trade, according to the Hagstrom Report. Perdue will make the announcement at Consolidated Grain and Barge, a grain shipping company. Perdue …

Agriculture Vulnerable Amid Trade Risks

U.S. agriculture stands to lose big if a trade dispute with Mexico or Canada surfaces. CoBank CEO Tom Halverson told Bloomberg News recently that agriculture is in a “vulnerable position.” President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership and is vowing to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement. However, as Halverson point out, Mexico is considering Brazil and …