Direct payments to U.S. farmers are at an all-time high. Record government subsidies, much needed in the turbulent trade environment and coronavirus pandemic, are projected to make up more than a third of farm income in 2020. In a report by Reuters, the Environmental Working Group called agriculture aid in the latest COVID-19 relief package “old-fashioned vote-buying.” Farmers, facing steep …
ARC/PLC Enrollment for 2021 Underway
Enrollment in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2021 crop year is underway. Tyron Spearman reports these key USDA safety-net programs help producers weather fluctuations in either revenue or price for certain crops. For more information on ARC and PLC, including two online decision tools that assist producers in making enrollment and election decisions, …
China Leading U.S. Corn Buyer Early in Marketing Year
A recent buying spree means China is running away with the top spot on the U.S. corn buyer list six weeks into the marketing year. China has purchased 10.4 million tons for delivery during 2020-2021, twice as large as the sales to date for Mexico, which is usually the number one U.S. corn purchaser. “Our top customer for the current …
Farm Bureau Reviews State-Level Farm Income
The most recent Farm Income Forecast from USDA in early September provided an update on 2020 farm income projections, as well as the first estimates of state-level financial conditions in 2019. Farm cash receipts are forecast to hit a ten-year low in 2020. In 2019, gross farm income from selling crops and livestock, federal support, and other income combined were …
Foundation Applications Open For Hurricane Sally Assistance
The Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) is accepting applications through Nov. 30 from farmers who suffered losses related to Hurricane Sally. AFAF and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said the Foundation established a Hurricane Sally Relief Fund last month in response to calls from farmers and businesses who wanted to help their south Alabama neighbors. “When disaster strikes, I am always …
FDACS Submits 2021-2022 Legislative Budget Request
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) announced Thursday they were submitting the Department’s Legislative Budget Request (LBR) for Fiscal Year 2021-2022. The request focuses on key priorities for the Department, while taking into account the looming $5.5 billion revenue shortfall projection caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our budget priorities of supporting Florida farmers, protecting consumers, improving water quality and …
USDA Issues Payments to Producers Enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program
(USDA/FSA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing $1.68 billion in payments to agricultural producers and landowners for the 21.9 million acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which provides annual rental payment for land devoted to conservation purposes. “CRP is one of the many ‘tools’ that USDA offers to producers and private landowners to help best …
USDA Announces Deadline to Submit Wildfire, Hurricane Disaster Assistance Applications
Final Opportunity for 2018 and 2019 Disaster Recovery Assistance (USDA/FSA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, as the deadline to submit applications for the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program – Plus (WHIP+) for 2018 and 2019 losses. USDA did not originally specify a deadline when the program was announced. “The physical and financial loss experienced …
Dairy Margin Coverage Program Enrollment for 2021 Opens Next Week
Enhancements to Online Dairy Decision Tool Now Available (USDA/FSA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting applications for the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 for 2021 enrollment. “This year has been a market roller coaster for the dairy industry, and the Dairy Margin Coverage program is a valuable tool dairy producers can use to manage risk,” said …
Trump Administration Invests Up To $100 Million to Increase American Biofuel Sales
(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 …