The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced they are investing up to $12 million in partnerships that expand access to conservation technical assistance for livestock producers and increase the use of conservation practices on grazing lands. NRCS will accept proposals through its Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) until September 22, 2022. Project proposals for GLCI Cooperative Agreements will identify and address barriers …
Registration Open for the Federal Milk Marketing Order Forum
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is hosting an industry-wide forum on the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) on October 14-16 in Kansas City, Missouri. The forum was prompted by a call from Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack to get as many people involved in dairy as possible in one room to discuss solutions to the Federal Milk Marketing Order shortfalls. …
June Egg Production Drops Three Percent, Milk Up Slightly
The USDA says America’s egg production totaled 8.67 billion during June, a three percent drop from last year. Production included 7:39 billion table eggs and 1.28 billion hatching eggs. Of the hatching eggs, 1.19 billion were broilers and 89.4 million were egg-type. The average number of egg layers totaled 366 million in June, down four percent from last year. June …
Family Farms Drive Dairy
In an article from the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), they note the supposed “decline of the family farm,” which was replaced by the “rise of the corporate farm,” has been one of the most inaccurate comments about U.S. agriculture. While the number of dairy farms has declined, that consolidation hasn’t diminished the dominance of family-run dairies. It’s meant that smaller family farms …
NMPF: Prioritize Food Access at Hunger Conference
Prioritizing a discussion on food access. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) recently led eleven national agriculture, anti-hunger, nutrition, and medical groups in a virtual listening session with the White House on food access. The White House is holding its Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in September, and the groups want …
Brewer’s Yeast to Cut Methane
A good use for leftover brewer’s yeast. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Brewer’s yeast used to make beer is typically discarded once it’s no longer needed. Sometimes, though, the leftover yeast is mixed into livestock feed as a source of protein and vitamins. Now, there may be even more reason to continue this practice, according to findings …
Accepting Applications for EQIP Animal Mortality Pilot in Alabama
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama is currently accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Animal Mortality Pilot. Alabama is offering financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to address on-farm concentrated nutrient and pathogen leaching losses due to animal mortality. Animal Mortality Facilities, including incinerators and composters, will be the priority conservation practice contracted within this Pilot. …
Forage Producers Invited to Enter World Forage Analysis Superbowl
Forage producers across North America are invited to enter the World Forage Analysis Superbowl. The 2022 contest is set to award over $26,000 in cash prizes. The deadline to submit corn silage samples is July 8, while all other entries must be submitted by August 25. The $35 entry fee provides entry into the contest along with a detailed sample …
NMPF’s Bleiberg: Farm Bill Cultivation Time Is Now
With Congressional hearings already taking place, many agricultural groups are discussing their priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill. And that includes the National Milk Producers Federation. NMPF Senior Vice President for Government Relations, Paul Bleiberg, updates where things currently stand in efforts to put together a new bill. But, with congressional elections and redistricting taking place in some areas, many worry …
House Agriculture Committee Discusses Dairy Farm Bill Programs
The House Agriculture Committee met Wednesday to discuss dairy provisions in the Farm Bill. House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott (D-GA) says while the creation of the Dairy Margin Coverage program in the last farm bill has provided beneficial improvements, lawmakers must continue to ensure the dairy industry has a safety net that works. “This program provides more comprehensive coverage …