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 …
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 Considers Efforts Important to Cattle Producers in FloridaDecember 12, 2025Commitment From Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Members Seeks To Move Research ForwardDecember 5, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Support For Cattle Producers Regardless of Herd SizeNovember 28, 2025Florida …
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 …