(USDA/RD) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has invested $22 million out of the up to $100 million in grants available to increase American ethanol and biodiesel sales. These funds were made available through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to recipients in 14 states. The initial $22 million in HBIIP investments are projected …
Support from USDA Grants for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers
(USDA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced $19.1 million in grants to provide training, outreach, and technical assistance to socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers. USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers (2501) Program is managed by the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE). “These grants provide …
FCA Issues Report on Economic Conditions in Agriculture
Late last week, the Farm Credit Agency issued its quarterly report on the economic conditions in American agriculture. The report says for the past several years, government payments have played an important role in the farm economy and making up an ever-increasing share of farm income. “For 2020, about two-thirds of government payments are coming from ad hoc and supplemental …
Peanut Market Update
Overall, peanut markets have remained quiet. But Tyron Spearman has an update of where the numbers currently stand. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Unique Opportunity For Applied ResearchOctober 24, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Major Role in Applied Beef Cattle ResearchOctober 17, 2025FCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term Research ProjectsOctober 10, 2025
USDA Forecasting More Net Cash Farm Income for 2020
A new forecast from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) notes farm income across the country this year will be higher than it was in 2019. USDA Chief Economist Rob Johansson has the new numbers. Johansson says USDA lowered its estimate of 2019 farm income. USDA notes direct government farm payments, including federal aid, are forecast at $37.2 billion, a …
Ag Economy Barometer Shows Some Optimism
Farmer sentiment improved again in June as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose 14 points to 117. The barometer’s rise was fueled by improvements in both the Index of Current Conditions, which rose to a reading of 99, 19% higher than a month earlier, and the Index of Future Expectations, which climbed to 126, 12% higher than in …
Ag Economy Barometer Shows Slight Improvement in May
After a sharp drop in March and April, farmer sentiment in May improved slightly. The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose to 103, seven points higher than April. However, the index remained almost 40 points below its all-time high of 168 that was set in February of this year. The people behind this month’s barometer say the survey was …
Farm Bankruptcies are Rising
Recently released data from U.S. Courts show that farm bankruptcies increased 23% year-to-year. An American Farm Bureau Market Intel report shows a total of 627 filings took place during a 12-month period that ended in March of 2020. That makes five straight years of Chapter 12 bankruptcy increases, including a faster rate of filings since January of this year. Wisconsin …
NMPF Appreciates USDA Dairy Purchases
NMPF expressed appreciation to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and the USDA for including $120 million of cheese and butter among $470 million in Section 32 food purchases. (NMPF) — The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) expressed appreciation to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for including $120 million of cheese and butter among $470 million in …
USDA Announces Additional Food Purchase Plans
(USDA/AMS) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced details of $470 million in Section 32 food purchases to occur in the third quarter of fiscal year 2020, in addition to purchases previously announced, which will enable USDA to purchase surplus food for distribution to communities nationwide. These Section 32 purchases will provide additional support for producers and Americans in …