The importance of agricultural trade and its benefit to the overall American economy, that’s the message Greg Hanes will promote in 2018. Hanes was recently named chair of the U.S. Agricultural Export Development Council, a DC-based organization made up of commodity trade associations, farmer coops and more. He says he plans to develop a united message to deliver to the …
Complete the 2017 Census of Agriculture Online
The 2017 Census of Agriculture has started to reach producers across the nation. The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Taken only once every five years, the census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures. Dave Knopf, NASS director for the Eastern …
AFBF to Host 99th Annual Convention and IDEAG Trade Show
Taking place January 5 – 10, in Nashville, Tennessee, the 2018 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention & IDEAg Trade Show offers participants a full line-up of events about agriculture. IDEAg marketing manager Samantha Castro says the event is an exciting time for farmers and ranchers to come together, and learn more about their industry. Event The event includes educational …
USDA Commits $10 Million to Innovative Conservation Projects
Proposals sought for grazing lands, organic systems, soil health USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is making $10 million available for new Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) nationwide. Grant proposals are due Feb. 26, 2018. This year funding focuses on three areas: Grazing Lands: Helping livestock producers make grazing management decisions, encouraging prescribed burning as a grazing management practice, and improving …
President Trump to Address Farm Bureau Members in January at Annual Convention in Nashville
Donald J. Trump, the 45th president of the United States, will address farm and ranch families from across the nation at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 99th Annual Convention, Jan. 5-10 in Nashville, Tenn. “The American Farm Bureau Federation is honored to host our nation’s president,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall, a beef and poultry farmer from Georgia. “President Trump …
‘Tremendous Progress’ Made Toward Meeting Energy, Environmental, Economic Goals of RFS2
Ten years ago, Dec. 19, President George W. Bush signed into law the Energy Independence and Security Act, greatly expanding the scope and impact of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In the decade since passage, significant progress has been made towards greater energy security, cleaner air and boosting local economies, according to a new analysis by the Renewable Fuels Association, …
UF Assistant Professor Wins National Agronomy Award for Innovative Sugarcane Research
A University of Florida plant scientist, who has created varieties of sugarcane that are grown across more than 90 percent of Florida and in several Central American countries, has been given a national award for his innovative work. The American Society of Agronomy has awarded the Early Career Scientist Award to Hardev Sandhu, a sugarcane specialist at the UF Institute …
Wendy’s to Reduce Antibiotics Use in Beef Supply Chain
The Ohio-based burger chain Wendy’s will reduce antibiotics use in its beef supply chain. The announcement follows similar measures the fast food restaurant chain took in its poultry supply chain. Starting next year, Wendy’s will source about 15 percent of its beef from producers that have committed to a 20 percent reduction of the only medically important antibiotic product routinely …
Cruz Proposes Renewable Fuel Credit Cap
Senator Ted Cruz of Texas is proposing to cap the price of renewable fuel credits purchased by refiners at 10 cents, a mere fraction of the current market value. Prices of renewable fuel credits were trading at roughly 70 cents last week. The credits had been trading at 90 cents each at the end of November. Cruz is making the …
Farm Co-ops Get Section 199 Fix in Tax Bill
The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives praised lawmakers for their work in providing a fix for the repeal of the section 199 Deduction. NCFC applauded Senator John Hoeven of North Dakota and Senator John Thune of South Dakota for their work in adding the language to the tax bill, along with Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts. Previously, NCFC said …