This week’s signing of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement offers certainty beyond the farm for agriculture. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers says the agreement will help equipment makers grow in the United States, compete globally and support millions of jobs across the country. Case IH North American Vice President Scott Harris serves on the AEM board of directors. Harris says that, “With …
Georgia NRCS Announces EQIP Sign-Up
ATHENS, GA, January 30, 2020 — State Conservationist Terrance O. Rudolph of the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced today the statewide cutoff for fiscal year 2020 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding. All Georgia agricultural producers and landowners who wish to be considered for this year’s technical and financial assistance should apply by February 28, 2020. While customers can …
Phase-One Deal’s Impact on Cotton
By Clint Thompson The phase-one deal the United States signed with China on Jan. 15 should eventually improve cotton prices for farmers, according to Adam Rabinowitz, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension ag economist. The deal stipulates that China will increase its purchases of agricultural products by $32 billion over two years. Rabinowitz believes this will only help cotton prices that …
Eco-friendly Food Packaging Alternatives
There will be a company serving up eco-friendly food packaging alternatives at Super Bowl LIV this Sunday in Miami. Cathy Isom has more details about these compostable and marine-degradable products. Arizona-based “Footprint” recently sent nearly one hundred thousand compostable and marine-degradable products to be used at Super Bowl concessions at events in Miami. Fiber-based bowls, cups, plates, hot dog boats, …
NASDA Submits Hemp Program Comments to USDA
This week, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture submitted final comments on federal hemp production guidelines. The comments submitted to the Department of Agriculture highlight potential changes to the Domestic Hemp Production Program interim final rule. NASDA CEO Barb Glenn says, “We know at least 30 states will have to revise their own laws in order to comply …
NRCS Chief on Proposed Changes to EQIP
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) continues to seek public comments on its interim rule for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). NRCS Chief Matt Lohr told Southeast AgNet that he encourages producers to make comments on the program. NRCS will make $1.2 billion available for interested producers in fiscal 2020 and state offices will …
USDA Offers Super Bowl Party Safety Tips
With the Super Bowl coming up Sunday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers safety tips for your party. Cathy Isom has the story. When it comes to offering all of your party favorites for guests coming to your Super Bowl party this year, the USDA recommends that you wash your hands, not your chicken. And, close the buffet after …
Secretary Perdue Discusses Details of European Trip
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue is traveling this week in Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy to engage with his counterparts on important issues facing agriculture at home and abroad. During a press call from Rome today, Perdue discussed a few details of his European trip. Perdue is joined on this trip by Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural …
What is Sustainability in the Beef Value Chain?
The term “sustainable” may mean different things regarding different aspects of the beef value chain, so how can there be some common understanding reached? Rod Bain has the story. Townsend Bailey of the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef explains how this initiative is bringing representatives of all aspects of the beef value chain together to find common ground regarding …
Producers Reminded to Enroll for ARC/PLC
Producers across the Southeast are being reminded to enroll in the 2019 Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) Programs. 2019 enrollment runs through March 15, 2020 at your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. And while there, you can also enroll for 2020, as that enrollment runs through June 30, 2020. The ARC Program is an income …