The application deadline for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is March 26 for the fiscal year 2021.  Through CSP, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps agricultural producers and forest landowners earn payments for expanding conservation activities while maintaining agricultural production on their land. CSP also encourages the adoption of new technologies and management …
Enhancing ASF Preparedness of Hog Slaughter Plants
The USDA is currently working to help prepare the U.S. pork industry to respond if African Swine Fever (ASF) should be discovered in this country. Gary Crawford has the details. Dr. Barbara Porter-Spalding, with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, describes the workshop they held in January to help bring pork packing plants more into the ASF response …
Application Deadline for REAP Program Nearing
The application deadline for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is quickly approaching on March 31, 2021. The REAP program is designed to help rural businesses and farmers to purchase or install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. Funds from REAP may be used for the purchase, installation, and construction of renewable energy systems, such as a …
House Agriculture Committee Hears About Food Insecurity in America
Written Testimony for the House of Representatives Committee on AgricultureA Look at Food Insecurity in AmericaMarch 11th, 2021Presented By:Zippy DuvallPresidentAmerican Farm Bureau Federation Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, my name is Zippy Duvall. I am a third-generation farmer and president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. I am pleased to offer this testimony on behalf of Farm Bureau …
Creating a Garden that Appeals to All of the Senses
Why you should create a garden that appeals to all of the senses. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. A sensory garden caters to all of the senses and is a wonderful way to help you relax. Beyond just looking beautiful, it works to create a holistic space for the eyes, ears, nose, skin, and mouth. The first …
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack on Passage of the American Rescue Plan Act
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement today on the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act by the U.S. Congress. The bill now goes to President Biden for his signature. For a detailed review, see the USDA fact sheet (see below). “President Biden wasted no time fulfilling his pledge to the American people to bring substantial financial relief within …
President Biden Ready to Sign Latest COVID Relief Legislation
The latest COVID relief legislation has now been approved by both houses of Congress. After passing through the Senate on Saturday, the U.S. House of Representatives took up the $1.9 trillion COVID relief package once again. The bill was passed in the House by a vote of 220-211, largely among party lines. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the …
Support the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2021 Shown by Agriculture Groups
AFBF Applauds Introduction of Estate Tax Repeal Bills The American Farm Bureau Federation is calling on Congress to remove barriers to farm ownership. Bills aimed at eliminating the estate tax were introduced in the Senate and House. Both are supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and 25cosponsors introduced S. 617 and Reps. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) and Sanford Bishop …
Agriculture Included in New COVID-19 Relief Package
The $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, known as “The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021” is now official as President Biden signed the bill late last week. We’ve all heard how the package will include $1,400 stimulus checks for qualifying individuals, extends unemployment benefits, and more. But it also increases assistance through USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). And according …
ARC/PLC Enrollment Deadline, Peanut Market Update
Agricultural producers are being reminded if you have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for 2021, the deadline to do so is Monday, March 15. Tyron Spearman has more details about that, along with this week’s peanut market update. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up …