In June, farmer sentiment drifted lower as high input costs, the risk of lower prices for their products, and rising interest rates continue to weigh on farmers. According to the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, last month’s reading of 105 was 3 points lower than in May. The overall decline in sentiment was due to a 5-point drop in the …
Producers Urged to Participate in a National Grazing Management Survey
Cattle producers across the county are being urged to participate in a national grazing management survey. While the U.S. beef industry works to protect natural resources and biodiversity, the world does not always realize all the great work producers are doing on the landscape, with activists and others creating a negative impression with our consumers. So, to correct those impressions, your …
Funding Available for Composting Projects
Funds available for composting projects. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Those wishing funding for a pilot project focused on localized composting and food waste reduction have until early September to apply. Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Director Brian Guse explains the collaboration and purpose behind cooperative agreements in compositing and food waste reduction.
Corn Acreage Down, Soybean and Cotton Acres Up
According to new estimates from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), farmers this year planted 91.5 million acres of corn in the U.S., down 3% from last year. Soybean area planted is estimated at 86.1 million acres, up 3% from last year, while all cotton planted is estimated at 11.7 million acres, 14% above 2023. Following up on the Prospective Plantings report released in March, NASS …
NCBA Calls USDA Proposed Rule “Direct Attack”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced new action on the Packers and Stockyards Act (P&S Act). It says the Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets proposed rule would tackle longstanding challenges around interpretations of unfairness and competitive injury for the livestock, meat, and poultry sectors. However, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) issued a statement against the rule …
Addressing Food Loss
Addressing food loss around the nation. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. USDA Food Loss and Waste Liaison Jean Buzby explains a recently announced national strategy for federal agencies to address food loss and waste reduction as well as organic waste recycling.
How to Stay Safe in the Heat
Ways to stay safe when working outdoors in the heat. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. If you have to work outside in severe heat, there are ways to help get you through and to help keep you from being hit by potentially deadly heat stress and stroke. Gary Crawford reports.
Despite Progress, Farm Bill Passage Still Unlikely
There’s been recent progress toward a 2024 Farm Bill, but is it fast enough? Farm Policy News from the University of Illinois says lawmakers have hinted that passage of a full farm bill this year is growing more unlikely. Another extension of the 2018 Farm Bill remains the most likely outcome before the end of the current extension in September. …
Complexity of Heat Illness
The complexity of heat illness. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. One expert says heat illness is a complex medical issue and it’s hard to know who is and who isn’t susceptible to it. Gary Crawford has more.
Alabama Agribusiness Council Holds Annual Meeting
The Alabama Agribusiness Council (AAC) held their annual meeting this week in Orange Beach, Alabama. Grace Ellis, AAC executive director, talked with Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman about their growing attendance. More information can be found on the AAC website or contact Grace at this e-mail address: grace@alagribusiness.org.