New data from USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) shows meat processing and dairy product manufacturing are the largest components of food sector sales. Food and beverage manufacturing plants transform raw food commodities into products for intermediate or final consumption by using labor, machinery, energy, and scientific knowledge. These plants accounted for nearly $267 billion or 16.8 percent of sales, shipment …
FDA Extends Comment Period on Plant-Based “Milk” Labeling
The U.S. dairy industry is concerned about plant-based products in grocery stores carrying the label “milk.” The Food and Drug Administration announced it is reopening the public comment period on draft guidance for labeling plant-based products. “The FDA is reopening the comment period in response to requests from industry stakeholders for more time for interested people to develop and submit …
U.S. Dairy Leading on Climate Coalition
U.S. dairy takes the lead in a climate coalition. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) have signed a set of principles and a new partnership with National Agricultural Organizations from several other countries. The goal is to constructively engage governments and international organizations around the …
NCBA Files Comments on USDA Traceability Rule
Wednesday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) filed comments on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) proposed rule “Use of Electronic Identification Eartags as Official Identification in Cattle and Bison” to emphasize the importance of electronic animal identification to protect the cattle industry from the threat of a foreign animal disease. USDA’s proposed rule would apply to cattle 18-months or older only when moving interstate. “An …
The Number of Dairy Herds Fell in 2022
There were fewer dairy herds in 2022. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. A USDA report says roughly six percent of U.S. dairy farms quit milking cows in 2022, but that was a slower rate of decline than during the past five years. Twenty years ago, there were 70,375 dairy herds in the country. In 2022, there were …
USDA Invests in Cooperative Agreements for Conservation on Grazing Lands
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $12 million in cooperative agreements for 49 projects that expand access to conservation technical assistance for livestock producers and increase the use of conservation practices on grazing lands. The funding is provided through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI). These projects have identified barriers to accessing grazing assistance for producers and …
Grazing Lands Conservation Technical Assistance
USDA recently awarded projects funding to expand technical assistance within cooperative agreements under its Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI). Rod Bain has more details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provided Opportunity To Highlight Difficult Farming SubjectMarch 20, 2026Valley Helps Growers Get The Most Out Of Every AcreMarch 19, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Builds Relationships Between Researchers and Cattle ProducersMarch 13, …
Efforts to Restrict Drone Surveillance of Livestock Facilities
In the state of Iowa, the House of Representatives passed a bill last week that restricts drone surveillance of livestock facilities without permission from the property owner. If Iowa House File 572 becomes law, remotely piloted aircraft couldn’t fly within 400 feet of homesteads or other areas where animals are kept. People caught in violation would face a simple misdemeanor …
USDA Investing in Control and Prevention of Chronic Wasting Disease
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making grants available to groups who have projects that will help control or prevent Chronic Wasting Disease. Gary Crawford has the story. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provided Opportunity To Highlight Difficult Farming SubjectMarch 20, 2026Valley Helps Growers Get The Most Out Of Every AcreMarch 19, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Builds Relationships Between …
Farmers Seek Comprehensive Reform to Federal Milk Pricing
Dairy farmers, on average, lose $6.72 per hundredweight of milk produced, according to USDA data. The loss for dairy farms with less than 50 cows was even greater at $21.58 per hundredweight. Two dairy processor associations requested a federal milk marketing order hearing to increase make allowances. While AFBF is not opposed to updating make allowances, the proposals to USDA …