The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently made another announcement related to Hours-of-Service (HOS). The FMCSA has issued an extended and expanded national emergency declaration in response to the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency. Another round of HOS waivers has been issued to help ensure the timely delivery of necessary items. The previous extension of …
During the Pandemic, PPQ Innovates to Deliver Its Mission
Plant Protection Remains Strong (USDA/ARS) — Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, USDA’s Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) program has been open for business. Our scientists, technical experts, and administrative professionals have continued to effectively fulfill our mission: safeguarding American agriculture and natural resources and facilitating safe trade. To deliver that mission while staying as healthy and safe as possible, employees …
Thanksgiving is a Delicious Holiday
For some, Thanksgiving is the second most popular time of the year. And according to a story from Tyron Spearman, that’s because it is a ‘delicious holiday’. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Funding Crucial For Forage DevelopmentMay 22, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding to Enhance Brahman GeneticsMay 15, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Production ResearchMay 8, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement …
National 4-H Council Awarded $3 Million to Support 4-H at Home
The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture is investing more than $10.5 million to support educators across the country. Funds are going to technical schools, community and junior colleges, and youth development programs, including the Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program. NIFA is giving a $3 million grant to the National 4-H Council to support the continued development of 4-H at …
USDA Launches AskUSDA, Improves and Streamlines Customer Experience
(USDA/RD) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the official launch of the AskUSDA Contact Center program. The AskUSDA Contact Center will serve as the “one front door” for phone, chat, and web inquires, transforming how the public interacts with USDA and providing an enhanced experience for the public. Prior to the creation and implementation of AskUSDA, members of …
Ag Secretary Discusses Rural Broadband Access
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue made an appearance during the National Association of Farm Broadcasters (NAFB) virtual annual convention last week. Among the topics discussed was rural access to broadband, something he noted is another vital issue that USDA is working on. “It’s vital. It’s no longer a luxury. When we first began, after the day I was sworn in, President …
FSA Reverses Rule on Family Eligibility for Farm Subsidies
The Farm Service Agency restored the previous definitions of terms like “active personal management, significant contribution, and related phrasing” in a rule regarding farm program subsidy eligibility and payment limitations. FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce says the change is more of a “correction.” He says, “These revisions mean that members of a family farm operation are not subject to the more …
Chicken: The No. 1 COVID-19 Protein
As Americans cooked more food in their homes than they had before over the past year, chicken became the top choice for a healthy and convenient protein that the entire family can enjoy. Approximately 75% of Americans who eat chicken say they make it at home at least once a week. During the past nine months of COVID-19, retail chicken …
Farm Equipment Dealers Forecast Growth in 2021
The recent Ag Equipment Intelligence/Farm Equipment 2021 Dealer Business Outlook and Trends survey shows some good news. Dealers not only beat last year’s estimates for profitability in 2020, but they’re now predicting greater revenue growth in 2021 than they did for this year. Farm Equipment magazine says when it examined the results of the survey, it clearly showed that more …
Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 for Livestock Producers
USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) continues to provide direct relief to producers who are facing market disruptions and associated costs due to Covid-19. And payments through the program are available for a variety of eligible livestock producers. Payments for beef cattle, hogs and pigs, along with lambs and sheep will be based on the maximum owned inventory of …