The cost of ag labor is expected to rise. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Total cash labor expenses for the U.S. agriculture sector are forecast to be $43.35 billion for 2023, based on new data from USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS). This would be an increase of $0.78 billion, or 1.8 percent, over the 2022 level of …
World Food Prices Lower in August
World food prices were lower last month. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization’s Food Price Index averaged 121.4 points in August, a 2.6-point drop from July, reversing the rebound registered that month. The August drop pushed the index 38 points lower than its peak reached in March 2022. The overall drop was …
Another Challenge to GMOs
There’s another challenge to GMOs. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The Center for Food Safety filed a legal appeal (.pdf) against the USDA in response to its genetically engineered labeling rules. The organization says those rules do not mandate clear on-package food labeling and allow unlabeled hidden GMOs to proliferate in the U.S. food marketplace. The CFS …
Celebrating California Wine Month
How people around the nation can take part in California Wine Month. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. September is the 19th annual California Wine Month and wine lovers can join the festivities all month long. As the top U.S. wine-producing state and home to more than 6,200 wineries, California grows more than 100 grape varieties, produces over …
Ag Market Growth Ahead
Taking a look at the projected growth for ag markets. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The Business Research Company’s latest look into the growth of agricultural markets shows big jumps ahead. The global agriculture market is projected to reach a substantial size of just over $19.8 billion by 2027, with a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) …
22007 Program Eligibility
Who could be eligible to apply for assistance from the 22007 Program? Gary Crawford tells us in today’s This Land of Ours report. Have you been discriminated against in the past by USDA lending and other farm programs? If so, there was a program of financial assistance, you might need to look into the 22007 program. “This program is designed …
September is Food Safety Education Month
There’s no better time to learn about food safety than during National Food Safety Education Month. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. This month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emphasizes the importance of food safety, particularly for groups at high-risk of getting sick due to foodborne illness (also known as food poisoning). Every year, 1 in …
USDA Getting Word Out About 22007 Financial Assistance Program
If you’ve been discriminated against in the past by USDA, officials want you to know about a special program of financial assistance. Gary Crawford has the story coming up on This Land of Ours. If you are a farmer or a forest landowner who feels USDA has in the past discriminated against you in its farm programs, you may be …
Stump Buster Brings Observation to Prevent Forest Disease and Wildfire
A long time U.S. Forest Service pathologist uses decades of observation of local forests to determine threats of disease, invasive pests, and wildfire. Rod Bain has the story coming up on This Land of Ours. A 55-year career for US Forest Service pathologist Martin MacKenzie has earned him several titles such as professional observer and stump-buster for his ability to …
Dairy Checkoff Smoothie Program Expands
The results of a checkoff-initiated smoothie program pilot showed increased milk and yogurt consumption and will be offered to more schools this fall. Research shows fruit smoothies are more popular than energy drinks, flavored water, juices and soft drinks with Gen Z consumers. Dairy Management Inc. partnered with Chartwells K12, a food management company that serves more than two million …