(AFBF-Oct. 2, 2019) — The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) released a proposal for the future of U.S. milk-pricing provisions and marketing-order reform. The recommendations aim to bring more democracy and a more equitable program for all dairy farmers. Although federal milk marketing orders have been a pillar of the dairy industry for more than 80 years, the program has …
Farmer Pessimism Increasing Over Current Conditions
(NAFB) — A monthly measure of farmer sentiment shows producers are more pessimistic about current conditions. The monthly Purdue/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer slipped to 121, down three points from August. However, the Index of Current Conditions, a sub-index of the barometer, dropped 22 points to a reading of 100. The barometer is based on a mid-month survey of 400 …
Senate Passes Continuing Resolution Funding Bill
Thursday, the U.S. Senate passed a continuing resolution funding bill that after the President’s signature, will go into effect on Oct. 1, the start of the new fiscal year. The bill, already passed by the House, avoids a government shutdown and provides funding for the federal government through Nov. 21. According to Reece Langley, vice president of Washington operations for …
ADAI Still Accepting Applications for Organic Cost-Share Reimbursement Program
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) wants to remind growers and handlers of organic agricultural products across the state, that you can recover part of the cost associated with their USDA certification. The reimbursement covers 75% of certification costs, up to a maximum of $750. The cost-share program makes it easier for certified organic businesses throughout the supply chain by …
Senator David Perdue Leads Effort to Lower Indian Pecan Tariffs
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Office of Sen. David Perdue-Sept. 23, 2019) – U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and 11 senators on Friday sent a letter encouraging U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to prioritize a reduction in pecan tariffs as the Trump Administration continues trade negotiations with India. Senator Perdue was joined in sending the letter by …
Disaster-Aid Program Explained
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that agricultural producers affected by natural disasters in 2018 and 2019 can apply for disaster assistance through the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus. Richard Fordyce, administrator of USDA’s Farm Service Agency, explains who may be eligible for the new program. Fordyce also explains the disaster program’s payment limitation provisions. A list …
House Passes Continuing Resolution Allowing Aid Payments to Farmers
On a bipartisan vote of 301 to 123, the House passed a continuing resolution that funds the government through Nov. 21. The resolution includes a provision that will allow the ag department’s Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to continue to make aid payments to farmers. That includes Market Facilitation Payments to help make up for export sales lost in recent trade …
Barbour County, Alabama, Designated as a Primary Natural Disaster Area
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties/Border State Also Available WASHINGTON, D.C. (USDA/FSA-Sept. 20, 2019) — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated Barbour County, Alabama, as a primary natural disaster area. Producers who suffered losses due to recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. This natural disaster designation allows FSA to …
More Time Provided for Dairy Producers to Enroll in DMC Program
New Signup Deadline for Dairy Margin Coverage is September 27 WASHINGTON (USDA/FSA-Sept. 19, 2019) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) extended the deadline to September 27 for dairy producers to enroll in the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program for 2019. The deadline had been September 20. Authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill and available through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), …
New Tool Improves Beekeepers’ Overwintering Odds and Bottom Line
TUCSON, ARIZONA (ARS – September 18, 2019) — A new tool from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) can predict the odds that honey bee colonies overwintered in cold storage will be large enough to rent for almond pollination in February. Identifying which colonies will not be worth spending dollars to overwinter can improve beekeepers’ bottom line. Beekeepers have been losing …