The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced updates to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program-2 (CFAP-2), which includes expanded eligibility and increased flexibility. But a deadline of October 12, 2021 was set for eligible producers to apply or modify CFAP-2 applications. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) encourages eligible producers in Florida to review the program modifications and to apply via …
New White House Report Outlines Problems with Meat Industry Concentration
According to a new report from the White House, President Biden understands that families have been facing higher prices at the grocery store recently. And half of those recent increases are from meat prices, specifically, beef, pork, and poultry. While factors like increased consumer demand have played a role, the price increases are also driven by a lack of competition at …
Latest Ag Economy Barometer Released
The Monthly Ag Economy Barometer rose four points in August to 138. Announced Tuesday, the modest rise was primarily attributable to an improvement in the Current Conditions Index, which climbed 9 points to 152. The Index of Future Expectations rose just two points to 132. Although the barometer and its two key sub-indices improved in August compared to July, all …
RMA Updates Whole-Farm Revenue Protection
Organic and aquaculture producers will soon be able to benefit from updates that USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is making to the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection Plan. RMA is revising the plan of insurance to make it more flexible and accessible to producers beginning in crop year 2022. RMA Acting Administrator Richard Flournoy explains what plan does. Changes to the program include increasing expansion …
Farm Sector Profits Forecast to Increase in 2021
A Department of Agriculture report forecasts increased farm income for 2021. Net farm income is forecast to increase by $18.5 billion, or 19.5 percent. At $113.0 billion, net farm income would be at its highest level since 2013 and 20 percent above its 20-year average of $93.9 billion. In inflation-adjusted 2021 dollars, USDA expects net farm income to rise $15.0 …
Revised Closing Dates for Pilot Crop Insurance Programs
Agricultural producers will now have until December 1 to make coverage decisions and complete reporting activities for the Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Pilot Insurance Program (PRF) and Apiculture Pilot Insurance Program (API). The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) is making this change and other updates to these two policies based on feedback from stakeholders. Risk Management Agency Acting …
Loans Available Through Heirs’ Property Relending Program
The Biden administration is looking to help eliminate some of the ownership and succession issues that arise for many agricultural producers that inherit land. Last month, the establishment of the Heirs’ Property Relending Program (HPRP) was announced where the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will oversee the distribution of $67 million in competitive loans. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) considers …
Farmer Optimism, the Supply Chain, and How They Affect Tractor Sales
In the second quarter of 2021, money that had been diverted by COVID-19 from travel and other activities into the small tractor market began to return to normal use. But, sustained gains in commodity prices have resulted in farmers continuing their buying sprees for larger tractors and harvesters, as shown in AEM’s monthly Ag Tractor and Combine reports. The under-40 …
Beef Herd Downsizing Might Send Cattle Prices Rising
If you are wondering what the market effects of the current gradual downsizing of the beef cattle herd might be, Gary Crawford has a story to help answer that question. USDA Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski gives the latest forecasts for U.S. meat production and meat exports. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, …
Pandemic Assistance for Livestock, Poultry Contract Producers and Specialty Crop Growers Updated by USDA
USDA Sets October 12 Deadline for CFAP 2 (WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2021) —The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is updating the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) for contract producers of eligible livestock and poultry and producers of specialty crops and other sales-based commodities. CFAP 2, which assists producers who faced market disruptions in 2020 due to COVID-19, is part …