The federal tax reform plan coming out of Congress makes major changes to the tax code. Pat Wolff, AFBF senior director of congressional relations, says Farm Bureau is reviewing the plan to ensure the effective tax rate lessens the tax burden for America’s farmers and ranchers. Wolff calls it a bold proposal that she expects to move through Congress quickly. …
Lawmakers Seek to Change Livestock Disaster Aid
Two bills introduced in Congress seek to make changes to livestock programs, specifically changing the way help to ranchers is administered during a disaster. The legislation includes four bills to make changes to the Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency’s Livestock Indemnity Program and Emergency Conservation Program. Republican Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas introduced the legislation in the Senate, while …
More Money Raising Soybeans
For four years in a row crop farmers in Illinois, other parts of the nation too, have made more money on soybeans than corn. The numbers are pretty clear and University of Illinois Agricultural Economist Gary Schnitkey lays them out in an online farmdocDaily article. He says, on average, soybeans have been more profitable than corn since 2013. And farmers have responded …
NCGA Encourages Farmers to Complete NASS Crop Survey’s
Crop surveys from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will be arriving in farmers’ mailboxes soon. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is urging all crop farmers to take the few minutes to fill out the survey and send it back to USDA/NASS. Anthony Bush is a corn farmer from Ohio and a member of NCGA’s Corn Board. He says it …
UF Researcher: Controlled Fires Don’t Eliminate Invasive Tree
Researchers have, in the past, reintroduced fire to restore a forest without considering its effect on exotic species that have become invasive. But a recent study by a University of Florida researcher shows that fire actually increases the proliferation of species that harm the environment, which could cause millions of dollars in damage. “Invasive species, be they plants, insects or …
USDA Invests in Research to Improve Domestic Aquaculture Production
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced grants to support the development of environmentally and economically sustainable aquaculture in the U.S. These awards were made through the Aquaculture Research Program authorized by the Competitive Special and Facilities Research Grants Act, administered by NIFA. “By 2030, it’s estimated that nearly two-thirds of fish consumed …
Tax Bill Includes One of Agriculture’s Top Goals, with a Caveat
House Republicans are out with their tax bill, and it includes one of the agriculture’s top goals, with a caveat. Republicans plan to eliminate the estate tax. But, in a move that will ease the loss of revenue and help counter Democrats’ criticism the bill favors the rich, the GOP will double exemptions for estate taxes and then end the …
Cargill Aiming for Birth to Burger Beef Audit
Cargill plans to launch new technology in tracking cattle to develop a verified sustainability standard for consumers. Called the Cargill Canadian Beef Sustainability Acceleration pilot, the effort should move the company’s customers a step closer to providing consumers with beef from operations that have been audited from ‘birth to burger’ using an industry developed sustainability standard, according to meat industry …
TPP Nations Nearing final Stretch in Talks
The 11 remaining Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) nations are edging closer to sealing the comprehensive free trade pact. Reuters reports that New Zealand recently agreed to amend some specific laws that are not subject to TPP but are needed to make a path forward for the agreement. The move brings member countries closer to a victory in support of free trade …
Clovis Withdraws Name from USDA Nomination
Sam Clovis withdrew his nomination to a Department of Agriculture post-Thursday. President Trump nominated Clovis earlier this year to serve as USDA’s undersecretary for research, education, and economics, effectively known as the USDA chief scientist position. However, Clovis was recently linked to the investigation into the links between the Trump campaign and Russia. Clovis says in a letter to President …