The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the release of three controversial Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) rules—one interim final rule and two proposed rules that will be open for a 60-day public comment period. The release follows a November 15th letter from Leader McCarthy and House Committee Chairmen cautioning the current Administration “against finalizing pending rules or …
White House Issues ‘Midnight’ GIPSA Rule
In an apparent attack on rural America for its role in helping elect Donald Trump as president, the Obama administration issued a regulation that could restrict the buying and selling of livestock, lead to consolidation of the livestock industry – putting farmers out of business – and increase consumer prices for meat. The National Pork Producers Council will work with …
U.S. Sugar Welcomes Home Historic Steam Engine, Launches Restoration Project
U.S. Sugar welcomed home the return of Engine No. 148, a steam locomotive it used in the 1950s to haul sugarcane from the fields to its mill. U.S. Sugar re-acquired the steam engine from a private owner and plans to spend the next year or more restoring the retired Florida East Coast engine. Eventually, U.S. Sugar hopes to make the …
Funding for Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced the availability of up to $4 million for research to help federal regulatory agencies make science-based evaluations about the environmental effects of genetically engineered (GE) organisms including plants, animals, insects and microorganisms. This funding is made available through NIFA’s Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research Grants (BRAG) Program. …
National 4-H Council, American Farm Bureau Federation Establish Partnership
Promote Agriculture Education and Connect Young People to Careers of Tomorrow Leaders of National 4-H Council and the American Farm Bureau Federation announced a newly established partnership during the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two groups. Recognizing the need to support agricultural education and highlight the impact ag plays in our daily lives, National 4-H Council and …
Stronger Standards for Applying the Riskiest Pesticides
Improved training and minimum age requirements will help protect people and the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing standards for applicators who apply restricted-use pesticides that are not available for purchase by the general public, and require special handling. “We are committed to keeping our communities safe, protecting our environment and protecting workers and their families,” said …
USDA Designates 3 More Counties in Alabama as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Baldwin, Conecuh and Escambia counties in Alabama as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought. Farmers and ranchers in Butler, Clarke, Covington, Mobile and Monroe counties in Alabama also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous. Farmers …
Alabama’s Largest Farm Organization Elects Officers, Directors
From the Alabama Farmers Federation: Jimmy Parnell of Stanton in Chilton County was re-elected to a third two-year term as president of Alabama’s largest farm organization during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 95th annual meeting in Montgomery this week. Five hundred delegates from all 67 counties voted in the business session. Sponsored ContentWhat Sets Provysol® Fungicide ApartJuly 8, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester …
Florida Preserves More Than 2,300 Acres of 160-Year-Old Ranch in Putnam County
From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–The Governor and Cabinet today unanimously approved the preservation of 2,306 acres of environmentally sensitive agricultural land on the Clay Ranch in Putnam County, while allowing the land and agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy. The purchase is a part of the Rural and Family Lands Protection …
Governor, Cabinet Celebrate Holiday Season with “Fresh From Florida” Christmas Trees
From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–Continuing a long-standing tradition of kicking-off the holiday season in the Florida Capitol, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam presented Florida-grown Carolina Sapphire Christmas trees to Governor Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today. Floridians harvest approximately 16,000 Florida-grown Christmas trees from the …