A proposed forest service change could lead to more carbon storage. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The U.S. Forest Service proposed a change in regulations that would allow it to consider requests to inject carbon dioxide beneath the 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands. Currently, the Forest Service is barred from authorizing “exclusive and perpetual …
New Bison Initiative
A new initiative for the bison industry. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. A new pilot program is designed to widen access by tribal bison meat producers to a USDA food purchase program and local and regional food system markets. USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Moffitt says the new pilot program will remove barriers …
USDA Clarifies “Domestic Origin”
USDA is clearing up some requirements in the meat industry. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Last year, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) purchased $800 million worth of meat products for use in nutrition assistance programs such as free school meals. That meat must fall under the requirements of domestic origin verification (DOV). However, those requirements are …
Shifting Consumer Demand for Dairy Foods Fuels Butterfat Boom
There’s a boom for butterfat. Find out why, coming up on This Land of Ours. The long-term demand trends for dairy products indicate butter, cheese and other full-fat dairy foods will continue to grow in sales and volume for the foreseeable future. U.S. consumers have shifted away from margarine and reduced-fat dairy foods over the last decade as nutritional science …
Educators to Receive Immersive AFBF Convention Experience
Educators will get full farm bureau convention experience. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture and Nationwide have teamed up to bring outstanding educators to the American Farm Bureau’s annual convention on January 19-22, 2024. Selected educators will receive an exclusive and immersive experience. They’ll receive free registration for the 2024 AFBF …
Second Annual FFA Future Leaders Fundraising Drive Underway
It’s a fundraising effort for future ag leaders. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Tractor Supply Company kicked off the second annual FFA Future Leaders Scholarship fundraising drive. The Tractor Supply Foundation established the fund last year with a $5 million commitment over five years, making it the largest agriculture scholarship of its kind. In 2022, the inaugural …
Agriculture Secretary Speaks at FFA National Convention
The agriculture secretary speaks to young ag leaders. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack spoke to students, agricultural educators, and guests at the opening session of the 96th National FFA Convention and Expo during Thursday’s opening session. He also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the organization formalizing a partnership to prepare more students …
Federal Urban Agriculture Committee to Meet this Month
You’re invited to the federal urban agriculture committee meeting. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Members of the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee will meet this month. This is the committee’s seventh meeting and is scheduled for November 29, 2023 at 1:00 PM. The 2018 Farm Bill directed USDA to create the committee to advise the …
El Niño, Winter Weather, and Impacts on Agriculture
How will the El Niño winter weather impact agriculture? Rod Bain tells us coming up on this land of ours. What might the El Niño climate pattern expected to dominate this winter’s weather in our country mean from an agricultural standpoint? USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey starts with Western water supplies for irrigation, where water storage was boosted by last winter’s …
Christmas Tree Cutting in National Forests
An easier way to legally get your Christmas tree from a national forest. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. For several years, the Forest Service has offered Christmas tree permit sales through local offices, but now it’s even easier. Christmas tree permits for those wishing to cut their tree in their local or favorite National Forest are now …