The U.S. remains the top exporter of a few commodities, but the competition is getting closer. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) released a report on the competitiveness of U.S. exports, and it shows while we’re still top in some categories, the competition is getting hotter. The report says that export shares …
Food Prices Drop Slightly from January and February
You may have noticed a slightly lower grocery bill . That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The Food Price Index averaged 129.8 points in February 2023, down 0.6 percent from January and continuing the downward trend for the eleventh-consecutive month. As of February, the index has dropped 30 points from the peak it reached in March 2022. The …
Eating Almonds Before Meals May Help Lower Blood Sugar
Eating a handful of this nut before meals may help lower blood sugar. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Two new research studies with almonds, one conducted over three days and the other over three months, demonstrated benefits to blood sugar control for Asian Indians with prediabetes and overweight/obesity – and the three-month almond intervention broke new ground, …
Vilsack Announces School Lunch Actions
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making another investment in school lunch programs. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The USDA announced several actions to expand support for and access to the school meal programs, including awarding $50 million in grants that will increase collaboration between schools, food producers and suppliers, and other partners to develop nutritious, …
USDA Central America-Dominican Republic Trade Mission
USDA leaders visit Panama for a trade mission. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor arrived in Panama City Monday to launch a regional agribusiness trade mission. Taylor and the trade delegation on the trip look to develop stronger ties and build economic partnerships between the United …
Education Gaps Between Rural and Urban Communities
The USDA says rural areas are lagging behind when it comes to education. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Formal educational attainment in rural America has grown, but rural areas still lag behind urban areas, according to the USDA. USDA’s Economic Research Service data shows the share of adults ages 25 and older with a bachelor’s degree or …
Vidalia Onion Season Date Announced
A favorite sweet onion heads to supermarkets soon. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The start of Vidalia onion season is almost here, with the official pack date announced by the Georgia Agriculture Commissioner and Vidalia Onion Committee. Vidalia onion fans across the country can mark their calendars for April 17, when the sweet onions are set to …
Bill Introduced to Provide Clean Drinking Water for Rural Americans
A new bill would help rural Americans get clean drinking water. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Senators Tammy Baldwin and Susan Collins introduced the bipartisan Healthy Drinking Water Affordability Act, or The Healthy H2O Act. Baldwin, a Wisconsin Democrat and Collins, a Maine Republican, say the bill will provide water testing and treatment technology grants directly to …
New Children’s Book from Farm Bureau Foundation
A new children’s book about agriculture is coming soon. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The latest children’s book from Feeding Minds Press, the publishing arm of the American Farm Bureau Foundation, offers a look at the various types of boots farmers and ranchers use. Farm Boots is the latest book from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for …
FFA Members Prepare for Careers in Animal Systems Pathways
Students prepare for careers with animals. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Future Farmers of America (FFA) members from across the country this spring traveled to Denver, Colorado, to explore careers in the animal systems industry. The 73 FFA members attended the Next Gen Conference, which began in 2020 and focuses on specific pathways, from animal systems to …