Progress on the farm bill following the November midterm elections could be stalled even further, depending on the need for disaster relief stemming from Hurricane Michael. House Agriculture Committee ranking Democrat Collin Peterson this week speculated congress members from states impacted by the hurricane will pressure lawmakers to “either add something to the farm bill or appropriations,” according to Politico. …
U.S. Now has 6.5 Million Acres of Organic Certified Land
An organic industry data service says the U.S. now has 6.5 million acres of organic certified land. A report from Mercaris reveals that, as of August 2018, there are 17,648 U.S. farms certified as compliant with the USDA National Organic Program standards for organic row crop production. The total represents three percent increase from 2017, or 460 new operations across …
Hurricane Michael Damage to Georgia Agriculture
“Unfortunately, our worst thoughts were realized. We saw months and sometimes years of work just laid over on the ground in a matter of seconds. Georgia has long led in the production of several renowned commodities and now we have the dubious distinction of also leading in the devastation and incredible loss of these prominent crops. These are generational losses …
UF/IFAS-led Study May Lead to More Heat-Tolerant Rice
Rice, the most widely consumed food crop in the world, takes a beating in hot weather. To combat the high temperatures, a global group of scientists, led by a University of Florida researcher, has found the genetic basis to breed a more heat-tolerant rice cultivar. “The productivity of rice, one of the three major cereal grains feeding the world, is …
Europe’s Leading Livestock Event, Sommet de l’Elevage, Welcomes 95,000+ Professionals
It was under a clear blue sky and blazing sunshine that the 27th edition of the SOMMET DE L’ELEVAGE came to an end. A more than satisfactory year for many reasons. On the one hand, in terms of visitors, the show’s organisers are satisfied, as Jacques Chazalet, the SOMMET’s President underscored: “With 95,000 visitors to the show in 2018, we …
Panel Calls for Congress to Pass Senate Version of the Farm Bill
A panel formed by Food Policy Action says Congress should pass the Senate version of the farm bill. The organization took aim at the House version of the farm bill that includes work requirements for food stamp recipients. During an event this week, Food Policy Action executive director Monica Mills said, “we want to see a farm bill that is …
Trudeau Says USMCA Keeps China Trade Door Open
Canada’s Prime Minister says the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) allows Canada to move forward with trade talks with China. Despite a provision in the text of the agreement that allows the U.S. to opt-out of the deal if Canada or Mexico engages with China, Justin Trudeau claims the provisions were “watered down” in the final version of the agreement. He …
Hurricane Michael Damage Estimate to Ag at $1.3 Billion
Agriculture damages from hurricane Michael are estimated at more than $1.3 billion. The Hurricane struck Georgia, Alabama and Florida last week, impacting cotton and pecan growers the most, according to CNBC. President Donald Trump toured damaged areas earlier this week, as did Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. In Georgia alone, the latest farm-related damage estimate from the storm is $1.2 billion, …
More Than 65,000 Expected in Indianapolis for 2018 National FFA Convention & Expo
Next week, the city of Indianapolis will transform into a sea of blue jackets when the National FFA Convention & Expo kicks off for the ninety-first time. This time-honored tradition, where innovators and leaders of tomorrow come together, will be held in the Circle City Oct. 24-27, 2018. More than 65,000 FFA members and guests from across the U.S., representing …
Assistance Available for Hurricane Damaged Ag Land through NRCS
Georgia farmers and ranchers who suffered damage to working lands and livestock mortality because of Hurricane Michael are encouraged to sign up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). A series of special sign-ups for agricultural livestock mortality and carcass disposal is being conducted for the 6 counties designated under …