Four ethanol-state governors are expressing concerns regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard to President Donald Trump. In a letter, Monday, the governors of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and South Dakota, told the president they were concerned about “where the EPA’s proposed implementation of RFS policy is heading,” and its impact on farmers and the rural economy. The four Republicans urged the president …
U.S. Pork Production Expanding
Rabobank predicts steady growth for the pork industry. A new report by Rabobank says increased production and additional processing capacity, and the likely improvement of margins will help the U.S. pork industry remain in expansion mode through 2025. The report, “Steady Growth Ahead for the U.S. Pork Industry,” says domestic consumption is expected to grow slightly, but most of the …
Weed Scientist Has Doubts Over Dicamba Restrictions Effectiveness
The Environmental Protection Agency last week declared dicamba under it’s “restricted use” category, but a weed scientist from Illinois has doubts the new restrictions will be beneficial. Aaron Hager, a weed scientist and professor at the University of Illinois, told Reuters: “Nothing in these new restrictions addresses volatility, and that’s still an issue.” The EPA said Friday it would classify …
Axios: Capitol Hill Asking “When” will NAFTA Withdraw Notice Come
Canada and Mexico have both said they are not walking away from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) following hard-hitting proposals by the United States. However, online source Axios points out that folks on Capitol Hill are starting to ask “when” not “if” President Trump will issue a notice to withdraw from NAFTA. The U.S. hardball approach on dairy …
NAFTA Talks Turn to Agriculture, Dairy
The U.S. wants to reverse Canada’s dairy supply management system as part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) renegotiation. U.S. negotiators centered on the agriculture chapter of NAFTA over the weekend and proposed to reverse Canadian dairy pricing program that has undercut certain U.S. dairy exports to Canada. The text, which demands that Canada eliminates an industry pricing …
USDA Holds Disaster Assistance and Hurricane Recovery Workshops
USDA Service Centers in Florida are holding disaster assistance and hurricane recovery workshops in 48 counties for farmers and ranchers impacted by Hurricane Irma during the next few weeks. The event is free and open to the public. To find meeting dates and locations, go to https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Florida/state-events/index. Representatives from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) …
UF/IFAS-Led Team Wins National Award for Research on Heat-Tolerant Field Corn
Field corn is one of the world’s most important cereal grains, and efforts to develop new heat-tolerant varieties of this crop have earned national recognition for a scientific team led by University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences molecular geneticist Curt Hannah. On Thursday, Oct. 12, representatives of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and …
Strong RFS Critical to Farm Success
Changes being considered by the Environmental Protection Agency regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard would undermine the RFS, according to Growth Energy. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says the EPA considering last-minute changes to the proposed renewable volume obligations is contrary to the administration promise to support the RFS. Rolling back the volume targets would reduce the opportunity for farmers during …
Pork Checkoff Adjusts Digital Strategy
Announces Partnership with Yummly With a focus on upgrading its digital footprint and connecting with consumers, the Pork Checkoff has launched a unique recipe partnership with the website and mobile app called Yummly. Yummly connects the right cook, with the right food and recipes, at the right time. Founded in 2010, today Yummly is a leading innovator in personalized recipes …
Putnam Recognizes Florida’s 17 Million Acres of Forests During Working Forests Week
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service are celebrating the benefits of Florida’s more than 17 million acres of forests during Florida’s third annual Working Forests Week, which is Oct. 15 through Oct. 21. A working forest includes publicly or privately owned lands where sustainable production of timber is balanced with promoting healthy populations of …