U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack talks with Sabrina Halvorson about the USDA’s efforts to assist farmers, ranchers, and communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
USDA Hurricane Recovery Resources
For Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, the USDA provides several offices and agencies that can assist farmers. Here is a list of key USDA offices and programs that could be involved in disaster recovery and support: 1. Farm Service Agency (FSA) 2. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 3. Risk Management Agency (RMA) 4. Rural Development (RD) 5. Food and Nutrition Service …
Georgia Lawmakers Call for Swift Assistance after Hurricane Helene
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, representatives from Georgia’s congressional delegation are rallying to provide support for the state’s agricultural community, which has faced catastrophic losses. The hurricane, which swept through the Southeast, has left farmers and agricultural operations in dire straits, and officials are calling for swift federal assistance. Representative Austin Scott, who represents Georgia’s 8th congressional district, has …
AgNet Weekly: Author David Lipsky on Climate and the Science of Denial
Named a Best Book of the Year in The New Yorker, Publishers Weekly, Chicago Tribune, and EcoLit Books and a Must-Read Summer Book by USA Today, the book the Parrot and the Igloo, Climate and the Science of Denial by David Lipsky takes a deep look into the history of climate change and public views on the topic. Lipsky is …
AgNet Weekly: IFPA Washington Conference, Ag Labor, Packaging
The International Fresh Produce Association recently held its Washington Conference, a chance for members and allies to learn more about policy issues and to talk with their elected officials about the issues that are important to the industry. To get an update, we’re talking with Rebeckah Adcock, Vice President of Government Relations for the International Fresh Produce Association. Each week …
AgNet Weekly: Jacqui Fatka of CoBank on Trade Issues
Jacqui Fatka, Industry Analyst for Farm Supplies and Biofuels at CoBank, joins us to talk about trade and the decline in some U.S. ag exports. Each week we highlight essential legislative and policy conversations affecting agriculture nationwide. Host Sabrina Halvorson is a 30-year media veteran known nationally for her award-winning, balanced, and accurate reporting. For more than 10 years, she …
Farm Bill Advances After House Ag Approval
The proposed farm bill is moving forward in the House. The House Agriculture Committee approved its version of the farm bill, H.R. 8467 Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2024, after several hours of debate that began Thursday morning. Agricultural groups are applauding several of the items included in the bill. Listen to the story: Ag Groups Respond to …
AgNet Weekly: Representative Mann on Canceled NASS Reports
A group of lawmakers is putting some weight on the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service in response to NASS cutting off some important reports. U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (R-KS-01), who is also Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry, is among lawmakers leading the charge to get a turn around from NASS. He joins host …
House and Senate Ag Leaders Release Farm Bill Versions
Ag leaders in both the House and Senate release their versions of the farm bill. Our Sabrina Halvorson was in Washington D.C. for the announcements. House and Senate ag leaders each released their plans, Wednesday, for the farm bill. During a special forum with Farm Broadcasters, House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), said he plans to mark-up …
Growing Matters: BeSure! Campaign on Keeping Pollinators Safe
The BeSure! campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition helps growers protect bees and other wildlife. To learn more about pesticide safety for pollinators, we’re talking with Todd Hanson, Bayer Product Manager for corn seed treatments. About Growing Matters BeSure! Growing Matters is a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to scientific discourse on the stewardship, benefits and alternatives of neonicotinoid insecticides in North America. …