usda

USDA Invests in Dairy Industry

Last Friday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced $11.04 million in funding to support dairy businesses and producers under the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBI) grant program, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the announcement at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. The initiatives support small and mid-sized dairy businesses in the development, production, marketing, and distribution of dairy …

Virtual Trade Event

USDA Seeks U.S. Food Producers for Virtual Trade Event

The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is inviting qualified U.S. food producers to participate in the North American Neighbors 2024 Virtual Trade Event (VTE) on December 3-4, 2024. Companies with a minimum of $1 million in sales are eligible to apply. The event will focus on helping U.S. businesses explore export opportunities, particularly in Canada, which is the largest market …

hurricane debby

Approval of First Loan for Hurricane Debby Impacted Florida Farmers

First loan approval comes just 15 days after Hurricane Debby made landfall in Florida (FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Oct. 4, 2024) — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the approval of the first Hurricane Debby recovery loan through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. Commissioner Simpson announced the launch of the application …

Hurricane Helene

Still Assessing Agriculture Damage from Hurricane Helene

Efforts to assess agriculture damage from Hurricane Helene continue. And as Tyron Spearman reports, this work will be going on for quite some time. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or …

agricultural trade

Longshoremen’s Strike Over for Now

In a joint statement Thursday evening, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) announced there is an end, at least temporarily, to the work stoppage that shut down the East and Gulf Coast ports earlier this week.  U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom says the end of the strike is terrific news for U.S. …

climate

Discussing Climate Regulations with Political Candidates

Various political candidates were recently asked about their climate regulations and how they will affect agriculture. Tyron Spearman has more details. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June …

Farmers Face Uncertainty as 2018 Farm Bill Extension Expires Without Replacement

With the expiration of the extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, U.S. farmers and ranchers could already be feeling the impact. Key programs supporting agriculture have been disrupted, and uncertainty looms over the industry. Sam Kieffer, vice president of public policy for the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), highlighted some of the immediate consequences. “Most impacts won’t be felt until …

Video: Robert Bonnie Message for Farmers Affected by Hurricane Helene

USDA Undersecretary Robert Bonnie discusses the support and aid available from the USDA for agricultural communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Bonnie emphasizes the USDA’s commitment to assisting farmers through streamlined procedures and increased flexibility in programs like crop insurance and conservation efforts. There is a focus on reducing paperwork requirements, enhancing loss documentation processes, and providing emergency provisions. Additionally, the …

hurricane helene

Hurricane Helene Causes Significant Agricultural Damage

Hurricane Helene, which made landfall on the eastern coast late last week, has left a trail of destruction across several agricultural regions. Farmers in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia reported extensive crop losses, particularly in corn, soybean, and cotton fields, as heavy winds and torrential rains battered the area. Several poultry operations faced significant losses as well. Cotton crops …

assistant

Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter Addresses Agricultural Consolidation in Webinar

During a recent webinar hosted by Farm Action, Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter discussed the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) approach to addressing the concentration and corporate consolidation impacting the agricultural sector. Speaking to an audience of farmers and industry advocates, Kanter emphasized that agricultural competition has been a priority for the DOJ’s Antitrust Division since he took office. Kanter …