A variety of new reports will be coming out over the next few weeks. As Mark Oppold notes, one will be released today.
Number of U.S. Farms Falls Below Two Million
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says the number of U.S. farms has fallen under two million for the first time since before the Civil War. The numbers come from the 2022 Census of Agriculture. In 2022, there were 1,900,487 farms in the country, a seven percent decline from the level in the 2017 Census. A farm is defined as …
Fuel Prices See Double-Digit Increase for Gasolione
After falling last week, the nation’s average price of gasoline climbed ten cents from a week ago, according to GasBuddy. The national average is up 22 cents from a month ago but 3.2 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average diesel price fell 2.7 cents last week and stands at $4.03 per gallon—33 cents lower than …
EPA Announces New Ag and Rural Affairs Office
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is establishing a new office to expand engagement opportunities with agricultural and rural communities. EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the first-ever EPA Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs during his remarks at Commodity Classic in Houston, Texas, on Friday. Commodity Classic is the largest farmer-led annual convention in the country and Regan is …
Catastrophic Losses Ahead After Texas Wildfires
Catastrophic losses from the Texas wildfires. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller announced his agency’s commitment to providing support to the state’s producers as they deal with the aftermath of devastating wildfires in the Texas Panhandle. The Smokehouse Creek Fire has burned through almost 1,700 square miles of land, making it the largest …
AMS Grant Programs Available
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is now accepting applications for three grant programs, each with a unique focal point in promoting, marketing, and securing products. Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Program Jenny Moffitt tells us more about the grants. Listen to Sabrina Halvorson’s program here.
Many Growers Attending Commodity Classic
Commodity Classic wraps up Saturday in Houston, Texas, as growers from across the country are on hand. Mark Oppold notes what many of them are saying about their decisions for this year.
Funding Announced for Renewable Tech in Ag
Funding the future of ag tech. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The Department of Agriculture and the Energy Department this week launched a new initiative to help farmers cut costs and increase income using underutilized renewable technologies. Through the Rural and Agricultural Income & Savings from Renewable Energy initiative, USDA is setting an initial goal of helping …
Georgia Department of Agriculture Marks 150 Years of Service to Georgia’s #1 Industry
(GDA/Atlanta, GA/Feb. 26, 2024) — This year, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) proudly celebrates its 150th anniversary, marking a historic milestone as the United States’ first and oldest State Department of Agriculture. Established on February 28, 1874, the Department has played a pivotal role in supporting and safeguarding Georgia’s agriculture industry. Since its inception, the Department has evolved to …
Cell-Cultured Meat Labeling Questions
As advances in cell cultured meat continue, the questions around labeling the final product are growing. At last week’s USDA Agriculture Outlook Forum session on cell cultured meat, an audience member wondered how far labeling will go. “Are we looking at a future where you’re going to have to have a cultured label and a conventional? And also are …